GCSO, municipalities to collecting funds for Hurricane Ian recovery through Friday

The Gulf County Sheriff’s Office, the Gulf County board of County Commissioners, the City of Port St. Joe and the City of Mexico Beach have partnered to launch a monetary fundraiser benefiting those affected by Hurricane Ian.

During the drive, which will run through Friday, those who wish to make a donation drop off checks made payable to GCSO Charities at one of four drop-off locations during normal business hours.

These drop off locations include the Gulf County Sheriff’s Office, Port St. Joe City Hall, Mexico Beach City Hall or Cathy’s Ace Hardware in Mexico Beach.

“Remembering how much help we got four years ago from folks all over the country, and I’m sure quite a bit from those folks in South Florida, I met with the sheriff and the chief and Jim yesterday, and Mayor Cassidy from Mexico Beach wants to be a part of it. We’re setting up a relief effort,” siad Port St. Joe Mayor Rex Buzzett about the drive at the city’s most recent public meeting.

The two cities and Gulf County have each made donations of $5,000 to the fund, totaling $15,000.

“We are asking the public to exceed our donation,” wrote GCSO in a Facebook post.

All of the proceeds raised will go to Samaritan’s Purse, a humanitarian aid organization, earmarked specifically for Hurricane Ian relief.

Those who would like to donate by mail may send donations to GCSO Charities, Inc. at 418 Cecil G Costin Sr Blvd, Port St Joe, FL 32456.