Palm Beach County commissioners voted Tuesday to allocate $250,000 for a new grant program aimed at businesses and nonprofit organizations that suffered financial losses after the fatal jet crash on South Military Trail earlier this month.
Program details
The “Military Trail Business Interruption” grant will provide a one‑time award of up to $5,000 to eligible applicants. Funding is distributed on a first‑come, first‑serve basis, and the application portal will open Thursday on the Department of Housing and Economic Development website.
Local impact
Restaurant owner Eddie Rivera, whose Puerto Rican eatery Senor Lechon was forced to close for more than a week during the crash investigation, said his business lost between $70,000 and $80,000. “We had a very big loss; we’ve been down for a week and two days,” Rivera told reporters. He hopes the grant will help cover payroll for his 15 employees, many of whom live paycheck to paycheck.
Rivera expects the grant to assist with immediate expenses such as utilities and rent while the restaurant prepares to reopen Thursday. “I don’t want to lose my employees. They’ve worked hard for what they earn here,” he said.
How to apply
Eligible businesses and nonprofits must submit an application through the county’s online portal once it goes live Thursday. Applicants should be prepared to provide documentation of the financial impact caused by the crash.
The county’s decision reflects a commitment to support local enterprises and preserve jobs in the wake of an unexpected disaster, reinforcing the community’s resilience and the importance of swift, targeted assistance.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
