Hurricane Milton: Recovery resources and volunteer information

Hurricane Milton: Recovery Resources, and Volunteer Information

If you are affected by Hurricane Milton, here are resources, important information and ways to help:

Recovery Information by county:

• Pinellas
• Hillsborough
• Pasco
• Manatee
• Sarasota

Power Outages

Stay informed about power outages with these resources:

• Duke Energy: Outage Map. As of 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, more than 39,000 customers remain without power in Pinellas County and more than 3,000 in Polk County. The company expects most will be restored by late Tuesday night.
• Tampa Electric: Outage Map. As of 5:00 a.m. Tuesday about 95,000 customers were without power in Hillsborough, Polk and Pasco Counties. The company says it will likely restore power to Hillsborough customers by Thursday and Polk customers by Tuesday.
• Florida Power & Light: Outage Map. About 28,000 customers in Manatee and Sarasota Counties are still without power and that 95% of customers are likely to get power back by Tuesday.

Road Closures

Check the latest road closures in Tampa Bay:

• Road Map: Tampa Bay Road Closures
• Florida 511: Statewide Closures
• Flooded Streets: Tampa’s citizen-reported flooding map is available to help residents navigate safely.

FEMA and Financial Assistance

To apply for individual assistance through FEMA, call (800) 621-3362. For guidance on applying for FEMA aid, click here.

Evacuees looking for transitional shelter can visit https://www.fema.gov/transitional-shelter-assistance or http://www.femaevachotels.com/

The Pinellas Community Foundation’s Tampa Bay Resiliency Fund is accepting donations and awarding grants to nonprofit organizations assisting in recovery.

Blue Roof Program

Pinellas County

“Pinellas County residents with roof damage from Hurricane Milton can get a temporary blue tarp to prevent further damage by signing up for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA’s Operation Blue Roof program through Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Impacted residents can sign up online at BlueRoof.gov or by calling at 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258). You will need a driver’s license or other proof of residency.

This program is for primary residences or a permanently occupied rental property with less than 50% structural damage. Vacation rental properties are not eligible for this program. Roofs that are flat or made of metal or clay, slate, or asbestos tile do not qualify. The roof must be standard roof shingles, or similar material that will allow contractors to nail the tarp in place. Contractors will consider repairs to metal roofs and mobile homes on a case-by-case basis and will install the cover if possible.

Operation Blue Roof will remove homeowner tarps installed and minor debris to allow for proper installation. Any large items of debris, such as a tree, must be removed from the roof by the homeowner to be eligible for the program.

For more information on Operation Blue Roof, visit BlueRoof.gov. Stay up to date on Pinellas County storm recovery efforts at disaster.pinellas.gov.”

Polk County

According to Polk County, “The Florida Division of Emergency Management has announced the opening of Operation Blue Roof. Eligible Polk County residents can apply for this no-cost service through Nov. 5 by visiting blueroof.gov, calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258), or visiting a Right of Entry (ROE) collection.

ROE collection center locations are listed on blueroof.gov, and these are sites where residents can sign up for Blue Roof assistance using an ROE form, which gathers information about the residence.

This program is a free service for homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties, providing fiber-reinforced, industrial-strength sheeting to protect storm-damaged roofs until homeowners can make permanent repairs.”

MARC Hillsborough

Hillsborough County and the Florida Department of Emergency Management are establishing a Multi-Agency Resource Center for individuals impacted by three hurricanes this year. The MARC will be staffed with people from various agencies to ensure residents have access to all available resources following the storm events. It is at Town N Country Regional Public Library, located at 7606 Paula Dr #120, 33615, and will be open from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 14, through Friday, Oct. 18.

MARC Pinellas

Pinellas County announced on Tuesday that Multiagency Resource Centers (MARCs) are opening in St. Pete and Dunedin

• Enoch D. Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave. S., St. Petersburg
• Dunedin City Hall, 737 Louden Ave.

“The St. Petersburg site opened today, Oct. 15, and will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Dunedin site opens Thursday at 1 p.m. and will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. thereafter. Any changes to the schedules will be updated at disaster.pinellas.gov.

The MARCs will be staffed with personnel from federal, state and regional partners to ensure that residents impacted by hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby have access to helpful resources. Among the steps residents will be able to take are:

• Receiving guidance on applying for FEMA Individual Assistance through Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists
• Request assistance from nonprofit and state partners for food, water, housing and more through Hope Florida navigators
• Meet with a representative from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to inquiry about storm recovery resources for people with disabilities
• Apply for a replacement driver’s license or ID through a representative with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

These centers are in addition to the centrally located Disaster Recovery Center/MARC that is open at the Florida Botanical Gardens, Magnolia Room, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, which offers expanded services.

When visiting a MARC or DRC/MARC, it’s a good idea to bring identification, proof of residence, insurance information, and any documentation related to your disaster-related losses to facilitate the application process and ensure you receive the appropriate assistance.

Disaster Assistance Improvement Program (DAIP)

DAIP partners with multiple federal agencies to provide a range of assistance after a hurricane, including financial aid for home repairs and temporary housing. It also offers guidance on available resources, assistance programs and support services to aid individuals and communities in their recovery efforts.

Its online portal streamlines the process of accessing disaster assistance by providing a single online portal where you can apply for and track assistance from multiple federal agencies. It ensures a more efficient and coordinated approach to help you in your recovery efforts.

For more information, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-462-7585.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)

Locating Loved Ones

The Red Cross has launched a reunification portal for those affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene.

Food and Water

Boil water order lifted for St. Pete and other areas, but not Gulfport

On Monday morning, the City of St. Petersburg released this information:

“The City of St. Petersburg has lifted the citywide boil water notice that was issued during Hurricane Milton. Residents and businesses in St. Petersburg, Lealman, and South Pasadena can now resume normal water usage. After thorough testing, results confirm that the water in those areas now meets all safety and quality standards. The boil water notice is still in effect for the City of Gulfport.”

For food pantry locations or distribution events, visit feedingtampabay.org or text FTBFYI to (833) 530-3663.

Gulfport

The City of Gulfport is handing out free water and toiletries. It’s at the corner of Beach Boulevard South and 25th Avenue South in Gulfport.

The Gulfport Public Library is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and has cold AC, wireless internet and places to charge your devices.

St. Petersburg

“the City of St. Petersburg has established temporary Comfort and Charging Stations to assist residents in need. These stations will provide essential supplies and a place to charge devices as power is being restored throughout St. Pete. Please note, locations may change next week as power is restored to affected areas.

Temporary Comfort and Charging Station Locations:

• Frank Pierce Recreation Center, 2000 7th St. S
• Childs Park Recreation Center, 4301 13th Ave. S
• Roberts Recreation Center, 1246 50th Ave. N

Hours:
– Saturday, Oct. 12: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
– Sunday, Oct. 13: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Available Supplies (while supplies last):

• Bottled water
• Battery packs
• Clean-up kits
• Storage bins
• Tarps

Residents are encouraged to visit these stations for any immediate needs.
Please stay tuned for updates on location changes and other resources as the city continues to recover.

For more information, visit stpete.org/recovery.”

Tampa

The City of Tampa has opened four sites to deliver vital supplies to residents impacted by Hurricane Milton.

Drive-through PODS – point of distributions sites – are handing out supplies including water, MREs, and ice at two locations. The Al Lopez site opens Saturday with tarps as well, and more supplies are on their way.
• Gandy Boat Ramp (5108 W Gandy Blvd., 33611)
• Al Lopez Park (4810 N Himes Ave, 33614)

The drive-through PODS will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, and will stay open daily for up to a week, as long as there are supplies.

Neighborhood Pop-Ups are handing out water, MREs and hygiene kits, also at two locations.
• Babe Zaharias Golf Course (11412 N Forest Hills Drive, 33612)
• Copeland Park (11001 N 15th St., 33612)

The Neighborhood Pop-Ups, set up in response to area flooding, will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

Temple Terrace

The City of Temple Terrace, in conjunction with the National Guard, is set to open a point of distribution (P.O.D) to help residents affected by Hurricane Milton. The site will open Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. until supplies last.

The P.O.D.s are drive-through relief areas where residents can pick up water, tarps to protect their homes, and meals without having to leave their vehicles.

The location is 7701 E. Telecom Pkwy, Temple Terrace 33637

Those in need of a meal can visit the listed locations, October 11, through Sunday, October 13, from 12 pm to 6 pm, for food assistance provided by the Salvation Army.

Select Walmart locations throughout Hillsborough County will be providing essentials, like ice, bottled water, and meals, throughout the weekend.

You can find full details of these events, here: bit.ly/4eZxR6b

Pinellas County emergency information is here

Pasco County

Pasco County is providing food and water to Hurricane Helene and Milton victims at four locations throughout the county. These Points of Distribution (PODs) locations will ensure anyone displaced by the storm will have access to essential supplies.

All sites are open to drive-in customers daily, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., while supplies last:

• Hudson Library Parking Lot | 8012 Library Rd, Hudson
• Dade City Fairgrounds Parking Lot | 36722 Co Rd 52, Dade City
• St. Vincent DePaul Parking Lot | 4843 Mile Stretch, Holiday
• Zephyrhills Location | 5435 Gall Blvd, Zephyrhills (NEW LOCATION)

Supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while they last.

Questions? Please contact Pasco County Customer Service at 727.847.2411 or chat with us online at MyPasco.net.

Shelters

For up-to-date shelter availability statewide, visit floridadisaster.org/shelters.

Schools

Hillsborough and Pasco County Schools announced on Saturday that schools would remain closed Monday.

Pasco said on Monday that, “Staff will return to work on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, for a teacher planning day. This will ensure our campuses are fully prepared to welcome students later in the week. Students will return to class on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, and continue classes for the remainder of the week as well as next week.”

The University of South Florida announced Sunday that the Tampa and Sarasota-Manatee campuses will reopen Monday and the St. Petersburg campus will reopen Tuesday.

Sarasota County

Streets of Paradise provided this information that its warehouse is open for hurricane relief

“We are opening our warehouse at the Airport Mall (8251 15th St East, Sarasota, FL) for anyone affected by the recent hurricanes who needs household items, including furniture ie. sofas, chairs, tables, and bedding.

• Thursday: 10 AM – 4 PM
• Sunday: 10 AM – 2 PM

If you or someone you know has been impacted and can pick up what you need, please come by. We’re here to help you get back on your feet with essential furniture and supplies.

We will have volunteers available to help load.”

Debris and Cleanup

For cleanup assistance, call the Hurricane Crisis Clean Up Hotline at (844) 965-1386.

Pinellas County

On Tuesday, Pinellas County announced that it “will open a sand drop-off site starting Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 1 p.m. at Sand Key Park, 1060 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater, for all county residents and businesses looking to dispose of storm-related sand from their property.

The sand drop-off location will be operational from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Oct. 16. Following the initial opening day of the site, it will be open seven days per week, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

A contractor and Pinellas County inspectors will be present at the site to assist in coordinating operations.

This drop-off site is for bulk sand only. Other types of debris including storm debris, vegetative, or construction or demolition debris are not to be disposed of at this location. For vegetative, and construction and demolition debris, residents should visit Pinellas.gov/debris for debris disposal sites.

Sandbags will not be accepted. Residents are reminded to keep clean sandbags to reuse them future storms, as Hurricane Season runs until November 30. To dispose of clean sandbags, spread the sand on lawns or landscape beds. Do not dump sandbags onto the beach.”

Treasure Island

On Wednesday, The City of Treasure Island said that their debris collection efforts had ramped up with reinforcements.

“These debris management contractors will join those already on Treasure Island, helping speed up the debris collection process. The contractors will collect debris daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The city intends to work quickly to meet FEMA’s 90-day deadline for 100% reimbursement, ensuring Treasure Island taxpayers receive the most cost-effective service. However, this process could take longer with the large amount of debris from both storms.

Contractors will be following the FEMA debris management guidance:

Contractors will not collect appliances, regular trash/recycling, household chemicals, or electronics. Currently, they can also not collect debris from commercial properties, including condominiums. FEMA Disaster Assistance Policy 9523.13: Removal of debris that has been placed on the right-of-way after a disaster incident occurs from commercial properties, such as industrial parks, golf courses, cemeteries, apartments, condominiums, and trailer parks due to a disaster is generally ineligible because commercial enterprises are expected to retain insurance that covers debris removal.

It is important to separate non-eligible items as best you can. The contractor cannot collect debris if non-eligible items are mixed in. The debris must also be accessible from the curb, as the contractor cannot enter private property.

Contractors will collect household items like furniture, construction, and demolition debris (building materials).”

Hillsborough County

On Tuesday, Hillsborough County announced that it has “hired additional debris contractors in an effort to help residents recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. County staff and the contracted debris haulers are working throughout the county to collect yard waste and tree debris in addition to construction and demolition debris. There will be multiple passes throughout the county to collect storm debris.

The contractors mobilized over 150 specialized debris trucks that are collecting storm debris seven days a week. These trucks are equipped with trailers that will double their collection capacity and allow more than 60,000 cubic yards or 4,600 dump trucks, to be collected each day. Crews will be collecting debris as quickly as possible to help residents recover.

Starting October 16, leaves and small twigs should be containerized or bagged for collection as part of regular weekly residential curbside yard waste collection. The storm debris contractors will only target loose yard waste and large piles of tree debris.

In addition to hiring outside contractors, the County has extended the hours at two sites where residents can now dispose of storm debris 24 hours a day.

Residents can drop off storm debris at:

Hillsborough Heights Solid Waste Facility, 6209 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584 (temporary entrance on Taylor Road)

Hillsborough County’s Resource Recovery Facility, 350 N. Falkenburg Road, Tampa, FL 33619, at any time of the day or night.

Both Hillsborough Heights and Resource Recovery Facility accept storm-related yard debris and construction and demolition debris, such as furniture, drywall, carpet, and fencing.

Other options for residents to dispose of storm debris include:

• Northwest County Solid Waste Facility – 8001 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa, FL 33625
• South County Solid Waste Facility – 13000 U.S. 41, Gibsonton, FL 33534

Both the Northwest and South County Solid Waste Facilities accept residential yard waste and wood disposal and a variety of household items, including furniture, couches, chairs, tables, mattresses, washers, dryers, tires, and microwaves. The centers also accept batteries, electronics, and paint.

Additionally, the Alderman’s Ford Solid Waste Facility, 9402 County Road 39, Plant City, FL 33567, and the Wimauma Solid Waste Facility, 16180 W. Lake Dr., Wimauma, FL 33598, accept a variety of household items, including furniture, couches, chairs, tables, mattresses, washers, dryers, tires, and microwaves.
These centers accept batteries, electronics, and paint. They do not accept yard waste and wood disposal.

Disposing debris of any kind in County parks is prohibited.

Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 16, all solid waste sites will be for Hillsborough County residents only. Residents must present a photo ID showing the residential address of the property owner and a printed or digital copy of their current property tax bill. Commercial businesses will resume paying normal fees to utilize Solid Waste facilities.”

Mental Health Support

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or chat online at 988lifeline.org.

Trained counselors are also available through the Disaster Distress Helpline at (800) 985-5990 (24/7 support). Text “talkwithus” to 66746 or “hablanos” for Spanish assistance.

Legal Aid

For those needing legal assistance post-hurricane, call the Legal Aid Hotline at (866) 550-2929 or the Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline at (833) 514-2940 for free legal advice and referrals.

Wi-Fi Access

Spectrum is keeping thousands of Wi-Fi hotspots open across the Tampa Bay area. Find a hotspot map here. Wi-Fi is also available at some stores, including Walmart and Publix, often accessible from their parking lots.

Government Hotlines

• Florida: Hurricane Milton assistance hotline: (800) 342-3557
• Tampa: Emergency hotline available until 10 p.m. at (833) 872-4636
• Pinellas County: For emergency assistance, visit pinellas.gov/emergency-assistance/ or call (727) 464-4333.
• Manatee County: Sign up for emergency alerts by texting “ManateeReady” to 888-777.

Stay safe, stay informed, and look out for one another. WMNF will continue to provide updates and support for our community during this challenging time.

Support Hotlines:

Samaritan’s Purse Hotline: 1-833-747-1234 for free assistance for homeowners.
Red Cross Hotline: 1-800-Red Cross (733-2767) for financial help, sheltering, reunification, and transitional support.
Florida Baptists Disaster Relief: Call 904-253-0502 or text “Helene” to 27123 for free assistance.
Crisis Cleanup: 844-965-1386 for debris removal, tree removal, mucking out flooded homes, and more.

State of Florida Insurance Villages

“the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services is hosting four insurance villages in critical locations around the state impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. The villages will serve as an opportunity for policyholders to meet with their insurance carriers in person and work together to file insurance claims.

Policyholders should bring as much documentation as they can, including:
• A driver’s license or other form of identification (Passport/State issued ID)
• Insurance cards and insurance policy information/documentation
• Pictures or documentation of the property being claimed as a loss resulting from Hurricane Helene
• Repair estimates
• Any additional insurance-related information that is readily accessible

NOTE: Due to space limitations, the insurance village will exclusively focus on insurance related-issues and staff from other agencies will not be present to assist with other post-storm benefits. For more information visit www.FloridaDisaster.org.

Each village will launch on an opening day and operate seven days a week thereafter. Every village will remain open for as long as there is demand in each location.”

BRADENTON – OPENS TODAY – MONDAY, OCTOBER 14TH
Bradenton City Hall, Auditorium Building
101 12th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34205
Opening Day – 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. MONDAY 10/14
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the following days

CLEARWATER – OPENS TOMORROW – TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15TH
Long Center
1501 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33765
Opening Day – 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. TUESDAY 10/15
9 A.M. to 5 P.M. the following days

LAKELAND – OPENS TOMORROW – TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15TH
RP Funding Center – Sikes Hall
701 West Lime Street
Lakeland, FL 33815
Opening Day – 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. TUESDAY 10/15
9 A.M. to 5 P.M. the following days

PLANT CITY – OPENS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16TH
Florida Strawberry Festival
303 Berryfest Place
Plant City, FL 33563
Opening Day -10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. WEDNESDAY 10/16
9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. the following days   

Volunteer Opportunities:

Volunteers can assist with:
Removal of personal property and furniture
Flood cleanup
Sanitizing with shockwave treatment
Chainsaw work & debris cleanup
Temporary roof tarping

To Volunteer:

Volunteer Florida: Get connected at VolunteerFlorida.org/VolunteerConnect/ to register as a volunteer or your organization.

Information Resources:

2-1-1: Open for calls regarding school closures and sandbag distributions.

As you clean up from Hurricane Milton here are some tips to help keep you safe:

⚡️ NEVER go near downed powerlines
🏠 Keep generators over 20ft away from your home & on a flat dry surface
🦺 Wear the appropriate safety gear to protect yourself

Visit http://FloridaDisaster.org/Updates.

As you clean up from Hurricane #Milton here are some tips to help keep you safe:

⚡️ NEVER go near downed powerlines
🏠 Keep generators over 20ft away from your home & on a flat dry surface
🦺 Wear the appropriate safety gear to protect yourself

Visit https://t.co/nfDMe4HFPM. pic.twitter.com/ZK7dxpaSVf

— FL Division of Emergency Management (@FLSERT) October 10, 2024

Pinellas: How to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton

Individuals interested in helping in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton are encouraged to make a monetary donation or sign up to register to volunteer with a non-profit organization through Volunteer Connect.

Advice & Information for Residents
The most helpful way to help is to donate money to a non-profit organization that is working in the area, like the Salvation Army or the Red Cross.

The organizations use the donations to assist with specific needs in the community. To certify the registration and financial information of a charity, go to Check-A-Charity (fdacs.gov) or call (800) HELP-FLA (435-7352).

Volunteer Florida is also accepting monetary donations. Go to Donate to the Florida Disaster Fund – Volunteer Florida.
Please do not bring material donations into the area without making prior arrangements with an agency. Presently, there are no collection centers open.
Make prior arrangements with a nonprofit organization before delivering donations, or check disaster.pinellas.gov for updates.

Please do not self-deploy. Individuals and groups coming into Pinellas County are responsible for their own lodging, meals and other expenses.

Get updates on Hurricane Milton recovery efforts by visiting disaster.pinellas.gov, Facebook @PinellasGov and X @PinellasGov, searching hashtag #PinellasXXXX.