5 Things to Know Today, April 14

1. There's help for those who suffered damage from the recent storms. Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration has issued a disaster declaration for the state of Florida as a result of the storms on March 31, which allows residents to apply for disaster assistance loans.

That means that residents in Hillsborough County who rent or own their own home, own their own business, or own a small agricultural cooperative, and are the victim of the declared disaster on March 31, may be eligible for low-interest rate loans from the U. S. Small Business Administration for disaster recovery.

Residents can apply for this financial assistance at the Progress Village Recreation Center, 8701 Progress Village Blvd., now through Saturday, April 16, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The deadline to file an SBA application for physical damage for a home or business is June 6, 2011; for economic injury is Jan. 9, 2012.

For details on the SBA loan assistance criteria, go to www.hillsboroughcounty.org/sbic/info/.

2. If you've suffered a stroke, there's support available. The Stroke Folks meet the second Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Adult Day Center, 612 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon.

3. Thinking of adopting? The Sylvia Thomas Center, 716 S. Oakwood Ave., Brandon, hosts a support and training group to prepare families for adoption. Child care is available. The group meets Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

4. Calling all ham radio enthusiasts. The Brandon Amateur Radio Society meets the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Bloomingdale Recreation Center, 3940 Canoga Park Drive, Brandon.

5. The Alzheimer's Disease Group meets the second Thursday of the month at 2 and 7 p.m. at Consulate Health Care, 701 Victoria St., Brandon. Experienced group leaders work with patients and caregivers.