Florida Activates Disaster Fund To Help Orlando Terror Victims

Orlando, FL — People looking for a way to help the victims of Sunday’s terror attack in Orlando have a way to do so courtesy of the Sunshine State. Gov. Rick Scott announced Monday the Florida Disaster Fund was being activated specifically in response to the mass shooting.

“We are committed to ensuring that every resource is available to help those in need following yesterday’s horrific terror attack in Orlando,” Scott said in a statement. “Since the attack, we have seen Floridians unite together and our state has received an incredible outpouring of prayers and support.”

The fund’s activation gives people across the country a way to assist survivors and the loved ones of victims killed on Sunday, Scott said. Money put into the fund through donations will go to organizations that serve survivors, families and those in need, the state said.

See Also:

• Fundraiser For Orlando Mass Shooting Victims Tops $2 Million
• FBI Director James Comey Won’t Say Orlando Shooter’s Name
• Rumors Of Multiple Shooters In Orlando Massacre Untrue: Cops
• Orlando Shooter Omar Mateen: What We Know

The decision to activate the fund comes on the heels of what has been described as the worst mass shooting in American history. Omar Mateen, 29, of Port St. Lucie went into the Pulse Orlando Night Club & Ultra Lounge around 2 a.m. Sunday and began a rampage that would ultimately end in the death of 50 people, including himself, and the injury of 53 more.

Mateen’s shooting spree has been classified as an act of terror by President Barack Obama and is being investigated by the FBI as such.

The disaster fund is the state of Florida’s official private fund created to help Florida communities respond and recover after emergencies or disasters. The is no overhead funding involved, the state noted in a media release. A total of 100 percent of money raised “will go toward those in need,” the state said. The fund is also operated as a nonprofit, which means donations are tax deductible.

Anyone who wishes to donate may do so by credit card via the www.floridadiasterfund.org website. Checks may also be mailed with “Florida Disaster Fund” written in the memo line to:

Volunteer Florida Foundation

Attention: Florida Disaster Fund

3800 Esplanade Way, Suite 180

Tallahassee, FL 32311

Equality Florida has also kicked off a GoFundMe to benefit the victims of Sunday’s tragedy. The campaign had received $2.145 million of its $3 million goal as of Monday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of the Orlando Police Department