VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A one-day-only disaster assistance center opened in New Smyrna Beach on Monday morning, and dozens of people lined up for hours to get help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Administration.

The pop-up center was a one-stop shop for those seeking help for Hurricane Ian-related damage.

While many who showed up at the site at the Alonzo "Babe" James Community Center had filled out applications online, the pop-up center gave them a chance to ask agency representatives questions and fix errors in person.

“Sometimes it just helps them to be face to face with people so they can fully understand where they are in their application,” said Kim Fuller of FEMA. ​

FEMA and SBA assistance was not available at the New Smyrna Beach location for damage sustained after Nicole because Volusia County has not been deemed a federal disaster zone from Nicole. ​

The deadline for FEMA and SBA applications is Jan. 12, 2023. ​

“We do encourage people to get their applications in as soon as possible, just because there are a lot of people applying, and you want to get the fastest service you can," said Mary Bradfield of the SBA's Office of Disaster Assistance.

Monday marked two months since Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida. Since then, many homes and businesses have been in a constant state of recovery mode.

"It's been a challenge, but to get everything back up, it's been worth it," Randie Bloomhall said while describing cleanup efforts.

Bloomhall has known for years that she'd be a business owner on Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach.

That dream came to life when she opened Boho Collective Co. in March. It's a boutique she's proud to have in a community she cares so much about.

"If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life, and that 100% has been true for me," Bloomhall said.

For the past two months, she's had to channel her passion for her store into making repairs.

The business owner is one of several storefronts impacted by the flood damage Ian left behind. She has been working nonstop and putting in 16-hour days of painting and scrubbing grout from the base of the floors.

"I spent a week going through all of the stages of grief, and then I woke up about the fifth day and said, 'Put your head down and get through it because you don't have another choice'," Bloomhall said.

With each day that goes by, she said she's getting closer to reopening her doors.

It's a moment she's looking forward to while trying to remain patient through adversity.

While the work continues, she said she is thankful to be a part of a community that encourages her throughout the return process.

"But a lot of the businesses during both hurricanes went through a lot, and everybody has been super strong and put their head down and got through it," she said.