Best Schools, Gas Tax Relief, Top Halloween Costumes: FL Good News

FLORIDA — All too aware that Hurricane Ian could have easily made landfall in their county, Floridians are pulling out all stops to help the victims in Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties.

Businesses, government agencies and nonprofit groups are sending truckloads and busloads of bottled water, food, clothing, cleaning supplies and hygiene products to Southwest Florida.

Additionally, nearly $40 million has been donated to the Florida Disaster Fund set up by Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis to help victims who don't qualify for federal or state disaster relief dollars.

And President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden toured the hurricane-ravaged areas Wednesday, pledging more aid for families, businesses and governments faced with millions of dollars in infrastructure repairs.

See these stories and more on this week's Florida Patch sites.

• ZooTampa's Animals Ride Out Hurricane Ian, Pampered With New Toys
• Cat 1 Hurricane Finds New Home With Pasco County Sheriff's Deputy
• Sarasota Man Delivers $30K In Supplies To Battered Pine Island
• 'Lost In The Storm': Pets Missing, Reunited After Hurricane Ian
• 39 School Districts Among Florida’s Best In New Rankings
• Floridians Can Enjoy A Holiday From High Gas Prices Through Oct. 31
• 4,700 Gallons Of Water Headed To Hurricane-Devastated Areas
• Habitat For Humanity Collects Supplies For Hurricane Ian Victims
• Here's The Most Popular Halloween Costume In Florida
• 3 Florida Cities Among Money’s Best Places To Live
• Best Florida School Districts To Teach In, Average Salaries
• $2M Powerball Prize Won By Lakeland Woman
• Florida's Best Public, Private High Schools: New Rankings Released