Hurricane Aftermath: Resources to help Tampa Bay rebuild

*This is ongoing coverage and will be updated as the latest information becomes available.

PROPERTY DAMAGE, FLOODING & RESTORATION

Business Damage Assessment Survey Now Available

The State of Florida has opened the Business Damage Assessment Survey for Hurricane Helene. Completing the survey helps to ensure the appropriate services are available during recovery.

https://floridadisaster.biz/Respond/BusinessDamageAssessmentsSurvey

From Paul Huszar, CEO, president and majority owner of VetCor, a restoration company, in Tampa. https://vetcorservices.com/

Take a deep breath. This too shall pass. We want to help as many people as possible, but we simply won’t be able to assist everyone who needs it. If you can find a reputable contractor, secure them. I’m working on building more capacity, but it will take time.

Here’s some advice if you’ve experienced water intrusion from rising waters:

Contamination: Everything the water touched is contaminated and must be removed, with the possible exception of items like patio furniture that can be hosed down and left outside. If the water affected your air-conditioned spaces, you cannot live there, as it will impact air quality and your health.
Insurance: Rising water triggers flood insurance, not homeowners’ insurance. Flood insurance generally doesn’t cover contents and is more limited in scope for restoration work. You will likely need to fund or complete some of the work yourself. Coverage often does not include contents manipulation (such as moving furniture and belongings). Clear out your space so you don’t have to pay the contractor to do it.
Restoration: Restoration typically requires a “flood cut,” usually four feet above the floor. Everything below that must be removed down to the studs, dried out, treated and then rebuilt. This needs to happen as soon as possible to prevent further damage, such as mold. It’s going to be a mess for a while, and there may not be enough contractor availability. Be patient, find alternative living arrangements and start doing as much as you can yourself.
Drying out: Interior spaces cannot simply be “dried out.” Using fans will only worsen the problem by circulating contaminated air. All contaminated materials must be removed before drying and the area should be properly ventilated or use air scrubbers. Don’t compromise for short-term savings that could impact long-term health.

For wind-blown rain (such as roof leaks or water entering through windows), homeowners’ insurance typically applies, but a hurricane deductible will be triggered. You still need to dry the area as quickly as possible, but it is generally livable.

From John Mejia, CEO of Mega Service Solutions, in Tampa. Mega Service Solutions is a cleaning services company.

We have portable extractors available if your power has been restored, and a truck-mounted extractor if it hasn’t. Our services include floor cleaning, debris removal, general labor to assist with cleanup, and mold remediation.

We are also collaborating with many local partners to expedite the recovery process.

Business line: 813-501-5002

Cell: 937-307-9337

What residents and businesses can do with beach sand

Many Barrier Island residents and businesses had unprecedented amounts of beach sand deposited onto their properties during Hurricane Helene.

Return the sand to the beach

Clean sand can be returned to the beach above the high tide line (mean high water line). The sand must not have stains, odors or include debris, and you must not place it over dune plants, turtle nests, storm debris or construction debris.
If the sand does not meet the criteria above, you must request permission from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (840-245-2094 or email [email protected]). Once you have permission, the same placement restrictions apply. Failure to follow these rules may result in civil penalties.
If you are using heavy equipment, be cautious of buried water lines and other infrastructure.

Important Restrictions

Do not put sand in your trash.
Do not place sand in any right-of-way or push it onto the road.
Do not attempt to clear public roads. The Public Works department is working on an authorization from Florida Department of Environmental Protection to screen clean sand to remove debris and return it to the beach.

Sea wall damage

If the seaward side of a property’s seawall is exposed, residents should consult a structural engineer or licensed marine contractor before covering the wall with sand. Placing sand on a damaged seawall could cause further and costly damage.

Source: Pinellas County Government

DONATIONS & NONPROFIT HELP

Metropolitan Ministries:

After the storm surge from Hurricane Helene, hundreds of families are flooded out of their homes and have come to Metro seeking aid.
Right now, we need immediate help, as our resources are strained.

Please give your most generous gift possible to provide urgent disaster relief, including food, water and other emergency supplies for those who have been affected by this destructive storm.

From United Way Suncoast:

After any disaster, United Way Suncoast focuses on mid- and long-term recovery, but we also recognize that some community members may need immediate relief. We are activating our Disaster Recovery Services Resource Page to provide information for those in need of help.

In times of disaster, every United Way diligently works to organize resources, connect those in need with those who can help, coordinate volunteer efforts, bridge communication, and leverage relationships to ensure our neighbors receive the support they need to recover. Several areas in our five-county footprint have experienced severe flooding, and the property damage is extensive. We are working with partners to craft a plan for mid- and long-term recovery.

Our webpage has resources with links for:

Our Disaster Recovery Fund https://unitedwaysuncoast.org/donations-together-we-recover/ Donations will support disaster relief efforts areas across our five-county footprint.
Volunteer opportunities posted as they are reported to us
FEMA Assistance – FEMA Assistance is now available in 18 Florida counties, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota. You can go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call (800) 621-3362.
County-specific resources for Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, & DeSoto
Free Disaster cleanup – Crisis Cleanup has created a Hurricane Helene Cleanup Hotline: (844) 965-1386.
If you need help cleaning up damage from the Hurricane Helene, call the number and ask for help. It will connect you with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who may be able to assist with: muck, trees, tarp and debris. Services are free but not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. This hotline will remain open through Oct. 11.

From Leadership Tampa Bay:

The Leadership Tampa Bay Foundation is collecting funds to provide grants to our Leadership Tampa Bay family members who were affected by Hurricane Helene.

If you are a Leadership Tampa Bay alumni or current class member in need of support, please contact Alice Bessette, executive director. The foundation will start allocating funds to those in need as soon as possible.

DONATIONS

From Rotary District 6890:

The eight Florida Rotary districts are working together to coordinate relief efforts with Disaster Aid USA. Please go to https://rotaryfl.org/ to ask for help, to donate or volunteer. Click on the D6890 button to link up with our district’s disaster relief efforts, including our District Foundation Disaster Relief Fund.

District disaster relief coordinators are Bernie Rush from Auburndale Rotary ([email protected] 863-660-2099) and Levi Stovall from Lakeland Sunrise Rotary ([email protected] 863-617-1809).

Fill out the volunteer form on rotaryfl.org to provide hands-on support.

From Scott Kelly, CEO of Black Dog Ventures Partners:

Hello. I am Scott Kelly, the CEO of Black Dog Venture Partners. I am also a recent resident of Treasure Island, one of the communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. Although I lost my home to flooding, I don’t need your financial support, but my friends and neighbors do.

I am asking my network of angel investors, venture capital firms, startups and partners to help me help them by making a tax-deductible donation via this GoFundMe page.

https://gofund.me/ba910e00

From Clearwater Marine Aquarium:

During Hurricane Helene, Clearwater Marine Aquarium was flooded with more than 4 feet of water. We also lost power for an extended period, and vital equipment, including our life support systems, was damaged by the saltwater. Our facilities team has been working diligently to make repairs and get everything operational as quickly as possible.

As a precaution, our two manatee patients, Yeti and Zamboni, were safely transported Saturday morning from CMA back to ZooTampa at Lowry Park. Once CMA’s systems are fully operational, we will coordinate with the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to determine when the manatees will return to CMA.

Sea turtles in rehabilitation will also be temporarily transferred to Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, in Boca Raton.

All other resident animals are safe, and some have been moved within the facility to ensure their security while we address impacts to their habitats.

Clearwater Beach is still assessing damage and working on cleanup. Access through the Memorial Causeway remains limited while Clearwater Beach is closed. CMA will stay closed during this time until we can safely reopen.

We greatly appreciate the support of our partners across Florida, and our hearts go out to everyone affected throughout Tampa Bay and other areas impacted by Hurricane Helene.

You can help support our animal care and recovery efforts by donating today at our website at cmaquariu.org or https://brnw.ch/21wNgPT.

From the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay:

Community Foundation Tampa Bay has launched its Hurricane Helene relief efforts at www.CFTampaBay.org/helene/.

Over the coming days, the Community Foundation is expecting local nonprofits to see a spike in demand from people in our community. This need for assistance may last for weeks, or months, as we saw after Hurricanes Idalia and Ian.

To help, the Community Foundation Tampa Bay is:

– Expanding its Critical Needs List criteria to include support for nonprofits undertaking local recovery efforts in Hurricane Helene’s wake. Anyone can see the directory at https://cftampabay.org/criticalneedslist/ and donate directly to these organizations. You can click on the button that says “Hurricane Helene related” to see only Hurricane-related requests as they’re received from nonprofits. Nonprofits can also submit their requests for assistance to the Community Foundation Tampa Bay this way.

– Activating the Tampa Bay Rapid Response Fund, which is a trusted and reliable way to make tax-deductible donations to address emergency situations in our community, including the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The link is https://cftampabay.org/give_now/rapidresponse/. The donations will be distributed to nonprofits in our community that are addressing emergency needs.

In addition, the Community Foundation Tampa Bay has provided several trusted resources to help in Florida’s most-impacted areas. Viewers can go to https://cftampabay.org/helene/ to access the list.

From Feeding Tampa Bay:

We’re here each day to support our neighbors who are struggling; however, in the aftermath of a storm, we must move beyond our normal support to help individuals and families who have never had to access our services before.

As you’ve seen before, the path forward after such an event can be uncertain. But one thing is sure: we’re here to provide the resources our community needs to recover and rebuild – from emergency distributions with food, water and flood kits to our expanded meal production capabilities to hosting a recovery resource hub on-site at Causeway Center in collaboration with community partners.

Feeding Tampa Bay and our Disaster Readiness team are FEMA-trained and prepared to handle disaster situations. In partnership with the Tampa Bay area Emergency Operations Centers, we work directly with local emergency management operations to provide food, water and hygiene items to our service area, state and neighboring states during crises. https://feedingtampabay.org/ways-we-serve/disaster-relief

From the Tampa Bay Chamber:

The Tampa Bay Chamber has compiled resources on its Public Health & Safety page to assist members impacted by Hurricane Helene. The chamber is encouraging affected members to review this information and utilize the available support. https://www.tampabaychamber.com/pages/health-safety/

COUNTY BY COUNTY

PASCO COUNTY

Pasco EDC’s Disaster Planning Resource webpage includes a collection of local, state and federal resources for before, during and after a storm, including:

PINELLAS COUNTY

Pinellas County donation collection sites open

Collection sites around Pinellas County are accepting donations for those affected by Hurricane Helene. These locations are for donation drop-offs only, unless otherwise specified by the location’s agency.

These stations will be open throughout the week at the following locations/times:

All Saints Episcopal Church, 1700 Keystone Rd, Tarpon Springs

Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

First United Methodist Dunedin, 421 Main St., Dunedin

Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Habitat for Humanity Admin, 14010 Roosevelt Blvd, Suite 704, Clearwater

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Greenwood Recreation Center, 900 N Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Clearwater

Monday – Friday, Sunday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Clearview United Methodist Church, 4515 38^th Ave N, St. Petersburg

Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Maritime and Defense Tech Hub, 450 8^th Ave SE, St. Petersburg

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Gulfport United Methodist Church, 2728 53^rd St. S, Gulfport

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Items not accepted:

Used clothing
Bottled water
Furniture, appliances and other large items

Items accepted:

Canned or non-perishable food
Sports drinks
Personal care items
Disposable baby diapers
Baby food/ formula
Can openers (manual)
Plastic ware
Paper products
Disposable adult diapers
Cleaning supplies, including mops and brooms
Dust masks
Work gloves, Heavy rubber kitchen gloves and non-sterile gloves
Flashlights and fresh batteries
Hand tools

Individuals interested in volunteering can sign up via Volunteer Connect, a statewide online portal to match volunteers with organizations that are looking for help

Pinellas County: Free food, water and tarps available for Barrier Island residents

Pinellas County is supporting three points of distribution where Barrier Island residents affected by Hurricane Helene can receive free food, water and tarps, while supplies last starting Monday.

The PODs will be open from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. at the following locations:

St. Pete Beach: 4700 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Food, water and tarps
Treasure Island: 10451 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. Food, water and tarps
Tierra Verde Fire Station: 540 Sands Point Drive, Tierra Verde. Water only

Additional sites are planned. For the latest information about recovery resources, visit disaster.pinellas.gov.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

Hillsborough County, City of Tampa Open Comfort Stations

Hillsborough County, and the City of Tampa, are opening six comfort stations to help residents affected by Hurricane Helene. Two comfort stations are open in the City of Tampa and four other locations will open in Town ‘N Country, Apollo Beach and Ruskin.

The comfort stations offer showers, restrooms, ice, washers and dryers for laundry, and charging stations for phones, laptops and other communications devices. Hot food or boxed meals will be available at lunch and dinner times.

The comfort stations in Marjorie Park Marina and Desoto Park are now open. The other stations will be open on Tuesday. Please follow Hillsborough County on social media @HillsboroughFL for updates on when each site will open.

Once opened, the comfort stations will be operational daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice at the following locations:

Marjorie Park Marina, 97 Columbia Dr., Tampa, FL 33606
Desoto Park, 2617 Corrine St., Tampa, FL 33605
Apollo Beach Park & Recreation Center, 664 Golf and Sea Blvd., Apollo Beach, FL 33572
Ruskin Park & Recreation Center, 901 6th St. SE, Ruskin, FL 33570
Sandy Perrone Park, 5120 Kelly Rd., Tampa, FL 33615
Skyway Sports Complex & Park, 3901 George Rd., Tampa, FL 33634

Restrooms, showers, and laundry services will be available at unincorporated county comfort station locations later today. The other amenities will be available tomorrow. In the meantime, residents can charge their devices at Hillsborough County libraries.

Dinner plan for Monday and lunch and dinner plan for Tuesday and Wednesday:

American Red Cross will be serving lunch starting at approximately 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and dinner starting at approximately 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at all comfort station locations.

People without access to adequate air conditioning also can take refuge in public places, including libraries or shopping malls. Residents also can refill water bottles in County parks, libraries, or government buildings across the county. 

Get Connected. Stay Alert.

Make sure to have a plan. Residents, and visitors, are encouraged to register for HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County’s official public notification system for emergency and urgent alerts. To receive messages by email, phone and text, go to HCFL.gov/StaySafe. without digital access are encouraged to call (833) HC STORM or (833) 427-8676, the County’s storm information line.

MANATEE COUNTY

Manatee County Continues Helene Recovery

Manatee County is continuing to recover from the effects of Hurricane Helene, as relief efforts pivot to help meet community needs.

Needs Assessment Teams have been deployed to the hardest-hit regions, including beach communities, Rubonia, Perico Bay and area trailer parks, assisting residents with immediate human needs and recovery concerns. Staff has also completed its initial “windshield assessment” for structural damages in unincorporated Manatee County (note this does NOT include damage estimates in coastal communities of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach):

A Point of Distribution for water, meals ready to eat and tarps is being established at the following locations (open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.):

GT Bray Park – 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton
Kingfish Boat Ramp – 752 Manatee Ave. Holmes Beach
Blackstone Park – 2112 14th Ave. W., Palmetto
Wakeland Support Center – E 1812 27th St. E., Bradenton
City of Bradenton Parking Garage – 3rd Ave W & 10th St W

Meals on Wheels is distributing food and cleaning supplies starting this afternoon at 4 p.m., in Rubonia.

A Red Cross Shelter is open at First Baptist (1306 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton) for those displaced by the storm.

A Helene Disaster Recovery Center is open at the Lakewood Ranch Library (6410 Rangeland Pkwy., Lakewood Ranch) co-located with the existing Debby DRC. The center will be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Preparations for a DRC location on the Island are currently underway.

The Florida Small Business Development Center Network has mobilized to support businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. A SBDC Mobile Assistance Center will be at the State College of Florida (5840 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207) today from Noon to 5 p.m. Future dates and times to be determined.

Debris Haulers are deploying through the county this morning to begin their initial collections in Palma Sola, Cortez, Terra Ceia, Ellenton and Rubonia. Residents are asked to keep storm debris separated from regular refuse to ensure it’s disposed of properly. The Lena Road Landfill will be open for those who wish to dispose of their own hurricane debris. Manatee County residents will need to show proof of residency to waive tipping fees for hurricane-related debris only.

Manatee County offices and facilities have reopened (except for those directly impacted by the storm). Continue to monitor local news and weather broadcasts as well as the County’s social media accounts for updates. Official storm information from Manatee County at is always updated at mymanatee.org/storm.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is not a full, exhaustive list. TBBW is actively monitoring alerts, and releases, from local government entities, organizations and contacts to provide as much information as we can, as quickly as we can. Please email Jo-Lynn Brown, at [email protected] with your updates and those will be added, following review, as quickly as possible. – Thank You, #TampaBayStrong #FloridaStrong