SUMMARY: Business owners in Pinellas County are struggling to recover from recent hurricanes due to delays in obtaining loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA). Many, including George Lewis of the Friendly Fisherman Restaurant, have suffered significant damage and have been waiting weeks for financial assistance, worsened by a lapse in Congressional funding. The SBA’s loan processing has slowed as demand surged following Hurricane Helen. Business owners like Mark Hubard of Hub’s Marina emphasize that these loans are crucial for maintaining payroll and operational support. While awaiting funding, they are relying on local community support and hope Congress will approve additional resources soon.

According to the SBA, the administration ran out of money following increased loan demand after Hurricane Helene.

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SUMMARY: Tropical Depression 19 is being monitored as it moves westward, impacting Honduras and Nicaragua. The weather has improved significantly in Florida, with cooler temperatures in the low 80s and lower humidity due to a front passing through. A Super Moon is expected to cause king tide flooding, with high tides around 7 p.m. in Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Despite isolated showers and rough surf, outdoor plans are encouraged this weekend as conditions improve. While the depression may develop into a tropical storm, its potential impacts on Florida remain uncertain.

NEXT Weather meteorologist Lissette Gonzalez says Thursday afternoon will remain partly cloudy with highs in the low 80s.

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SUMMARY: Agape Flights, a nonprofit in the Tampa Bay Area, is facing challenges in its mission to support Haiti due to a recent FAA ban on flights following gang violence. The ban was enacted after a Spirit Airlines flight was shot at while preparing to land in Port-au-Prince. This has forced Agape Flights to halt its humanitarian supply deliveries, disrupting critical support for ministries and missionaries reliant on these supplies. The organization is currently seeking a humanitarian exemption to resume flights, with hopes to restore vital supply deliveries to the region soon. Jameson Toyo reflects on the unrest in his homeland, emphasizing the importance of Agape’s work.

Local nonprofit Agape Flights temporarily stopped its humanitarian supply flights to Haiti after the FAA grounded U.S. flights to the country.

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