Pinellas County
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Pinellas Update: FEMA Disaster Recovery Center to open at Largo Public Library
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will open a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo, to assist residents affected by Hurricane Helene on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
The DRC will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
DRCs serve as centralized locations where people can access various services and information related to disaster recovery, including:
Pinellas PIO Storm Updates
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
FEMA assistance is now available to Pinellas County residents who experienced damages/losses due to Hurricane Helene. Disaster assistance may include financial help for temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-caused expenses. Eligible residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app, or by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). As of 8:00 AM today (10/01), 23,239 residents have registered for FEMA assistance.
Monday, September 30, 2024
FEMA Disaster Assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance is now available to Pinellas County residents who experienced damages/losses due to Hurricane Helene. Disaster assistance may include financial help for temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-caused expenses. Eligible residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app or by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
Help is available in most languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, 7 days a week.
Help is available in most languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, seven days a week.
Barrier island access remains limited to residents, business owners, employees and licensed contractors. From the Sheriff's Media Alert: To gain access to the barrier islands, citizens must provide their Barrier Island Re-Entry Permit or photo ID and reasonable proof that they reside or have legitimate business on the barrier islands. Examples of this include vehicle registration, property tax or utility bill, and proof of employment (pay stub, work ID, uniform, and work orders). In addition, licensed tow truck drivers and licensed contractors (with a visible license # displayed on their commercial vehicle), such as plumbers and electricians, will be given access.
Shelter for displaced residents is available. The Ross Norton Recreation Center offers space for general population, including pets, and the Lealman Exchange can accommodate those with special medical needs, including oxygen dependent people. We are not publicizing shelter locations, but residents can call the CIC 8-6 for information on these shelters.
County offices limited reopening Monday
Limited opening of County offices/services on Monday while most departments remain focused on hurricane response. Office openings:
Flyers for residents in affected communities are available on Dropbox to download and print. These include info on safety returning to flooded homes, fraudulent contractors, FEMA assistance and more. Recheck the files each day as we continue to update them with the latest information and resources.
Important: Remind people to turn off their breakers if you got flooded with more than 16 inches of water over power outlets. If your electrical system was flooded, a fire could start when power is restored.
Red Cross getting inundated with calls; residents recommended to use the Red Cross App for quicker help.
Boil water/potable restriction continues in South Barrier Islands. Pinellas County Utilities is still working to restore drinking water service to the southern barrier islands as they work to repair extensive damage from Hurricane Helene. This specifically affects St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island and Tierra Verde customers. These same areas also under a boil water notice.
Other resources for residents
Saturday, September 28, 2024
Cleanup and response operations continue today. Here are the latest Pinellas County updates:
Unsafe to travel - We're telling residents road conditions around Pinellas County are extremely dangerous. We have crews assessing damage and clearing roads and will let you know when it's safe to travel. Help all the crews by staying off the roads unless it is absolutely needed.
Water Conservation - Many municipalities are working on potable and sewer water issues. Please share water conservation messaging, which will prevent further system backups or failures.
There is also a boil water notice for all southern barrier island customers from John’s Pass to Fort De Soto Park due to severe impacts from Hurricane Helene. This specifically affects St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island and Tierra Verde customers. Press release with more details will be available at disaster.pinellas.gov tonight.
Barrier Islands Remain Closed - Barrier Islands will remain closed Friday and will be re-evaluated tomorrow. Crews from the county and impacted municipalities are working to clear impassable roadways, remove dangerous debris, and address other infrastructure issues. We'll notify when they're open. We do not have a timeline for them to reopen.
Some Pinellas County Parks to Reopen - The following parks will re-open on Saturday, September 28th. Certain areas may be closed to the public due to lack of power or damage:
Post Storm Tips - For a comprehensive list of storm tips, go to:
https://pinellas.gov/news/pinellas-update-post-storm-warnings-and-recovery-tips/.
Shelters - Our shelters remain open:
What we've been doing
Partner updates
Resources for Residents
What we've been doing
Partner updates
Resources for Residents
Boil water notice issued for Pinellas County Utilities southern barrier island customers
Cooling Stations Open Saturday
Crisis Cleanup - Crisis Cleanup has activated the Hurricane #Helene Cleanup Hotline: (844) 965-1386. This is for people who need help cleaning up damage from the Hurricane Helene and connects people with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who may be able assist with jobs such as mucks outs (cleaning up), trees, tarp, and debris. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed. This hotline will remain open through Friday, October 11, 2024. Please note: This hotline cannot assist with social services such as food, clothing, shelter, insurance, or questions about FEMA registration. Volunteers work free of charge and provide the tools and equipment necessary to complete the work.
Avoid Becoming a Victim of a Post-Storm Scam
Many areas in the county have incurred severe property damage because of Hurricane Helene. Pinellas County Consumer Protection wants to remind residents to be cautious when hiring someone to make repairs. Avoid becoming a victim of a home improvement scam by recognizing the warning signs:
Keep the following tips in mind to ensure that your repairs are completed satisfactorily:
Free resource for homeowners: Florida’s Disaster Contractors Network (DCN) has been activated to support homeowners who may need help with emergency home repairs. DCN is a free resource founded by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) designed to connect homeowners with licensed contractors and suppliers to perform emergency repairs. DCN also prevents homeowners from being preyed upon by unlicensed contractors through proactive education and outreach efforts. DBPR is the state agency that licenses and oversees Florida’s more than 87,000 construction industry licensees.
Price gouging: With the inclusion of Pinellas County in the governor’s declaration of a state of emergency, residents are protected by the state’s price gouging law. Consumer Protection encourages residents who suspect price gouging to report it to authorities. Effective only during a declared state of emergency, the price gouging law bans unconscionable prohibits sharp increases in the price of essential commodities, such as food, water, shelter, ice, gasoline, lumber and equipment that is needed as a direct result of an official declared emergency. Violators are subject to civil penalties of $1,000 per violation, up to a total of $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a single 24-hour period.
Residents who suspect local price gouging can report it to Pinellas County Consumer Protection at (727) 464-6200 or online at www.pinellas.gov/consumer and are also encouraged to report it to the Attorney General’s hotline at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.
Charity scams: Be wary of solicitations for charitable contributions on behalf of Hurricane Helene. All charities soliciting within Florida – excluding religious, educational, political and governmental agencies entities – are required to register and file financial information with the with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. To check whether a charitable organization is properly registered, visit Check-A-Charity, a resource that provides the information reported to the department.
Here are additional recommendations from Consumer Protection:
Proper Sand Removal, Sea Wall Repair
Many barrier island residents and businesses had unprecedented amounts of beach sand deposited onto their properties or seawalls damaged during Hurricane Helene. Details on sand removal and sea wall repair can be found at disaster.pinellas.gov.
Report Damage
Residents that have sustained damages from Hurricane Helene can report damages here: pinellas.gov/reportdamage.
Business Damage Assessment Survey
Businesses that have been impacted by Hurricane Helene can fill out the Business Damage Assessment Survey here.
Volunteering and Donating
The EOC Whole Community Group continues to coordinate with Florida VOAD to connect resources, donations, and goods with the community and volunteer organizations in need. Those looking to volunteer to assist with Hurricane Helene recovery should be directed to disaster.pinellas.gov.
Individuals interested in volunteering can sign up via Volunteer Connect, a statewide online portal to match volunteers with organizations that are looking for help here: volunteerflorida.org/volunteerconnect.
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. The list of donation sites can be found on disaster.pinellas.gov.
Boil Water Order in Effect
Potable water is limited, and a Boil Water Order remains in effect for the Cities of St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, and Tierra Verde.
Free Food, Water, Tarps Available for Barrier Island Residents
Pinellas County is supporting three points of distribution (PODs) 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:
Shelter for Displaced Residents
Shelter for displaced residents is available. The Ross Norton Recreation Center offers space for general population, including pets, and the Lealman Exchange can accommodate those with special medical needs, including oxygen dependent people. We are not publicizing shelter locations, but residents can call the CIC 8-6 for information on these shelters.
Debris - Zoned Collection Plan
Pinellas County will be implementing a zoned collection plan for Hurricane Helene debris in the unincorporated areas of the county that received critical storm damage. A link to an online map showing the collection schedule will be available in the coming days. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to work with their insurance adjusters and document damages for reimbursement.
If you live in a municipality, Contact your city or town about the availability of debris pickup in their area. If you’re not sure if your property is located within unincorporated Pinellas or within a city/municipality, use the interactive My Neighborhood Services tool to find out. To qualify for FEMA reimbursement, Pinellas County cannot accept storm debris from within cities.
Now that local emergency orders are no longer in effect, Pinellas County Solid Waste cannot accept storm-related debris from residents or private haulers. The facility is not an approved site for storm debris disposal.
What to do now:
Additional advice
If you need help with cleanup, volunteers may be available. Crisis Cleanup has activated the Hurricane Helene Cleanup Hotline: (844) 965-1386. This is for people who need help cleaning up damage from the Hurricane Helene and connects people with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who may be able assist with jobs such as mucks outs (cleaning up), trees, tarp, and debris. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed. This hotline will remain open through Oct. 11, 2024.
FEMA assistance is now available to Pinellas County residents who experienced damages/losses due to Hurricane Helene. FEMA may be able to help homeowners and renters with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. Eligible residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app or by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
Pinellas County Updates - Sunday 9/28/2024
Laundry Assistance for Those Impacted by Helene
The City of St. Petersburg has set up a full-service laundry facility available for impacted residents, located at Allendale United Methodist Church (3803 Haines Rd. N). This facility will allow you to wash and dry your clothes.
The facility will be open 24/7 until needed and staff will be there to assist from 7 am - 7 pm.
Thank you so much so Allendale United Methodist Church for lending their space for recovery.
Mandatory Evacuation Order Lifted
Based on the latest storm response developments, Pinellas County has rescinded its mandatory evacuation order for the barrier islands, but two segments of Gulf Boulevard remain without access due to health, safety and welfare issues that remain as a result of the severe impacts caused by Hurricane Helene.
The Sheriff’s Office announced the reopening of the barrier islands effective at 4 p.m. Access to barrier islands will be open only to residents, business owners or employees with a Barrier Island Re-Entry Permit or photo ID and reasonable proof that they reside or have legitimate business on the barrier islands. The barrier islands are not open to visitors at this time.
Remaining barrier island closures: The north and southbound lanes of Gulf Boulevard will remain closed from 150th Avenue (Tom Stuart Causeway) south to 140th Avenue in Madeira Beach. Additionally, Gulf Boulevard, both north and southbound from the Park Boulevard Bridge to 196th Avenue (Tiki Gardens County Park) in Indian Shores, will remain closed.
Important reminder for those entering the barrier islands: If you enter the barrier islands, be advised that the power is out and traffic lights and signals are not functioning. Drive with caution and treat each intersection as a four-way stop. Also, buildings have not been inspected for structural integrity. Re-enter your property at your own risk and use extreme caution. Be respectful of recovery and storm cleanup crews. As a reminder, debris on private property is the responsibility of the property owner. Please contact your city for additional questions.
Additional law enforcement resources will be patrolling the segments that remain closed. Deputies will reevaluate any further openings tomorrow morning. We will share Sheriff’s Office updates when there are changes to the barrier island restrictions.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will open a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo, to assist residents affected by Hurricane Helene on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
The DRC will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
DRCs serve as centralized locations where people can access various services and information related to disaster recovery, including:
- Information and Guidance: DRCs provide information on available disaster assistance programs and resources.
- Application Assistance: You can receive help with applying for federal disaster assistance programs, such as FEMA grants and low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration DRC staff can assist you in completing the necessary paperwork and explaining the application process.
- Translation and Accessibility Services: The DRC offers translation services for individuals with limited English proficiency. They also provide accommodations for people with disabilities to ensure equal access to assistance.
- Status Updates: If you have already applied for assistance, you can check the status of your application at a DRC.
- Access to Disaster-related Resources: The DRC will have informational materials, pamphlets, and brochures that can help you better understand the recovery process and available resources. DRC staff can refer you to other local, state, and federal agencies or organizations providing additional assistance, such as housing, legal services, and counseling.
- Access to Computers and Phones: The DRC offers computer access and phone services, allowing you to complete online applications.
Pinellas PIO Storm Updates
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
FEMA assistance is now available to Pinellas County residents who experienced damages/losses due to Hurricane Helene. Disaster assistance may include financial help for temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-caused expenses. Eligible residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app, or by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). As of 8:00 AM today (10/01), 23,239 residents have registered for FEMA assistance.
- The US Small Business Administration is offering low interest Physical Damage and Economic Injury Loans. Residents and businesses can visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance to apply, and can contact [email protected] or call 1-800-659-2955 for assistance.
- Pinellas County is supporting five points of distribution (PODs) where barrier island residents affected by Hurricane Helene can receive free food, water, and tarps while they last:
- St. Pete Beach: 4700 Gulf Bvd., 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)
- Redington Shores: 18200 Gulf Boulevard (Food, water, and tarps)
- Lake Vista Park: 401 62nd Ave S, St Petersburg (Food and water)
- A Family Resource Center is now open by the FL Department of Children and Families at Bridgepoint Church (6690 Crosswinds Dr. N. St. Petersburg). Food, water, diapers, wipes, and some cleaning supplies as well as resource information for Activate Hope.
- Two step-down shelters remain open and the Ross Norton Recreation Center and the Lealman Exchange.
- A current list of Community Cooling Centers locations can be found at disaster.pinellas.gov.
- Feeding Tampa Bay is offering food pantries and food distribution events in Pinellas County for residents impacted by Hurricane Helene. Many other organizations are conducting community feeding operations, distributing over 15,000 meals to residents yesterday (09/30). The latest information can be found at disaster.pinellas.gov.
- Long term housing and housing assistance programs continue to be coordinated for planning. The Pinellas County Convention and Visitors Bureau is surveying hotels available for resident relocation.
- PSTA will be resuming services to the barrier islands today (10/01) at 4:00 PM.
- Pinellas County is coordinating with debris management contractor for unincorporated Pinellas County. Residents are advised to monitor disaster.pinellas.gov for detailed information about when and how to properly dispose of debris.
- Pinellas County is advising residents to dispose of sand properly on the barrier islands, and how all residents can properly dispose used sandbags. Detailed disposal information can be found at disaster.pinellas.gov.
- The Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections identified 13 polling locations that are damaged or unable to operate and these locations have been submitted to FDEM.
Monday, September 30, 2024
FEMA Disaster Assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance is now available to Pinellas County residents who experienced damages/losses due to Hurricane Helene. Disaster assistance may include financial help for temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-caused expenses. Eligible residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app or by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
Help is available in most languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, 7 days a week.
Help is available in most languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, seven days a week.
Barrier island access remains limited to residents, business owners, employees and licensed contractors. From the Sheriff's Media Alert: To gain access to the barrier islands, citizens must provide their Barrier Island Re-Entry Permit or photo ID and reasonable proof that they reside or have legitimate business on the barrier islands. Examples of this include vehicle registration, property tax or utility bill, and proof of employment (pay stub, work ID, uniform, and work orders). In addition, licensed tow truck drivers and licensed contractors (with a visible license # displayed on their commercial vehicle), such as plumbers and electricians, will be given access.
Shelter for displaced residents is available. The Ross Norton Recreation Center offers space for general population, including pets, and the Lealman Exchange can accommodate those with special medical needs, including oxygen dependent people. We are not publicizing shelter locations, but residents can call the CIC 8-6 for information on these shelters.
County offices limited reopening Monday
Limited opening of County offices/services on Monday while most departments remain focused on hurricane response. Office openings:
- Utilities will be opening their payment center on 14 S. Ft. Harrison Ave., Clearwater, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- The Pinellas County Solid Waste Disposal Complex at 3095 114th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, will be open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Building and Development Review Services will be open during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- The Animal Services Adoption Center will be open during regular business hours, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Flyers for residents in affected communities are available on Dropbox to download and print. These include info on safety returning to flooded homes, fraudulent contractors, FEMA assistance and more. Recheck the files each day as we continue to update them with the latest information and resources.
Important: Remind people to turn off their breakers if you got flooded with more than 16 inches of water over power outlets. If your electrical system was flooded, a fire could start when power is restored.
Red Cross getting inundated with calls; residents recommended to use the Red Cross App for quicker help.
Boil water/potable restriction continues in South Barrier Islands. Pinellas County Utilities is still working to restore drinking water service to the southern barrier islands as they work to repair extensive damage from Hurricane Helene. This specifically affects St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island and Tierra Verde customers. These same areas also under a boil water notice.
Other resources for residents
- If you suspect price gouging, report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM.
- If you’re looking for hotel accommodations in non-evacuation zones, use the Hotel Evacuation Zone Look-Up Tool.
Saturday, September 28, 2024
Cleanup and response operations continue today. Here are the latest Pinellas County updates:
Unsafe to travel - We're telling residents road conditions around Pinellas County are extremely dangerous. We have crews assessing damage and clearing roads and will let you know when it's safe to travel. Help all the crews by staying off the roads unless it is absolutely needed.
Water Conservation - Many municipalities are working on potable and sewer water issues. Please share water conservation messaging, which will prevent further system backups or failures.
There is also a boil water notice for all southern barrier island customers from John’s Pass to Fort De Soto Park due to severe impacts from Hurricane Helene. This specifically affects St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island and Tierra Verde customers. Press release with more details will be available at disaster.pinellas.gov tonight.
Barrier Islands Remain Closed - Barrier Islands will remain closed Friday and will be re-evaluated tomorrow. Crews from the county and impacted municipalities are working to clear impassable roadways, remove dangerous debris, and address other infrastructure issues. We'll notify when they're open. We do not have a timeline for them to reopen.
Some Pinellas County Parks to Reopen - The following parks will re-open on Saturday, September 28th. Certain areas may be closed to the public due to lack of power or damage:
- Walsingham
- Boca Ciega
- Lake Sawgrass
- Brooker Creek Preserve
- John Chesnut
- A.L. Anderson
- Eagle Lake (dog park closed)
- John Taylor
- Ridgecrest
- Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail
- Fort De Soto
- War Veterans Memorial
- Lake Seminole
- Philippe
- Sand Key
- Fred Howard
- Wall Springs
- Weedon Island Preserve
- Pinewood Cultural Park (Florida Botanical Garden, Heritage Village)
Post Storm Tips - For a comprehensive list of storm tips, go to:
https://pinellas.gov/news/pinellas-update-post-storm-warnings-and-recovery-tips/.
Shelters - Our shelters remain open:
- Dunedin Highland Middle: 70 Patricia Ave, Dunedin (special needs)
- Gibbs High: 850 34th St S, St. Petersburg (pet friendly)
- John Hopkins Middle: 701 16th St S, St. Petersburg (special needs)
- Largo High: 410 Missouri Ave, Largo (pet friendly)
- Lealman Innovation Academy: 4900 28th St N, Lealman
- Palm Harbor University High - Building 19: 1900 Omaha St, Palm Harbor (special needs, pet friendly and general population)
- Palm Harbor University High - Main Building: 1900 Omaha St, Palm Harbor (pet friendly)
What we've been doing
- Press conference this morning (and a governor press conference in St. Pete Beach that we did not organize)
- Countywide Alert Pinellas messaging and targeted messaging to impacted areas
- All County offices and parks will be closed Friday.
- Solid Waste Facility open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow. *Debris Removal Plan not finalized... closed toed shoes, hand coverings.
- No debris removal contract yet.
- St Pete Clearwater airport reopened (check with carriers for flight status)
Partner updates
- Dept. of Health: generator, mosquitoes and storm surge water message.
- Red Cross: possible shelter being opened.
Resources for Residents
- What to do and Who to Contact Post-Storm Flyer available in both English and Spanish in the linked file
- CIC remains open t 727-464-4333.
- If you suspect price gouging, report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM.
- If you’re looking for hotel accommodations in non-evacuation zones, use the Hotel Evacuation Zone Look-Up Tool.
What we've been doing
- Press conference this morning (and a governor press conference in St. Pete Beach that we did not organize)
- Countywide Alert Pinellas messaging and targeted messaging to impacted areas
- All County offices and parks will be closed Friday.
- Solid Waste Facility open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow. *Debris Removal Plan not finalized... closed toed shoes, hand coverings.
- No debris removal contract yet.
- St Pete Clearwater airport reopened (check with carriers for flight status)
Partner updates
- Dept. of Health: generator, mosquitoes and storm surge water message.
- Red Cross: possible shelter being opened.
Resources for Residents
- What to do and Who to Contact Post-Storm Flyer available in both English and Spanish in the linked file
- CIC remains open t 727-464-4333.
- If you suspect price gouging, report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM.
- If you’re looking for hotel accommodations in non-evacuation zones, use the Hotel Evacuation Zone Look-Up Tool.
- Updates will be posted on disaster.pinellas.gov, sent out via Alert Pinellas and Ready Pinellas, and on Facebook @PinellasGov and X @PinellasGov.
Boil water notice issued for Pinellas County Utilities southern barrier island customers
Cooling Stations Open Saturday
Crisis Cleanup - Crisis Cleanup has activated the Hurricane #Helene Cleanup Hotline: (844) 965-1386. This is for people who need help cleaning up damage from the Hurricane Helene and connects people with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who may be able assist with jobs such as mucks outs (cleaning up), trees, tarp, and debris. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed. This hotline will remain open through Friday, October 11, 2024. Please note: This hotline cannot assist with social services such as food, clothing, shelter, insurance, or questions about FEMA registration. Volunteers work free of charge and provide the tools and equipment necessary to complete the work.
Avoid Becoming a Victim of a Post-Storm Scam
Many areas in the county have incurred severe property damage because of Hurricane Helene. Pinellas County Consumer Protection wants to remind residents to be cautious when hiring someone to make repairs. Avoid becoming a victim of a home improvement scam by recognizing the warning signs:
- Watch out for “fly-by-night” contractors who take deposits and do little or no work. Avoid dealing with anyone soliciting work door-to-door; take the opportunity to check them out first.
- Be wary of contractors who ask for advance payment in full. Pay upon completion or as the work progresses.
- Beware of any contractor who tells you that extensive or structural repairs do not require a permit. The contractor should pull the required building permits, not the homeowner.
Keep the following tips in mind to ensure that your repairs are completed satisfactorily:
- Deal only with licensed and insured contractors. Obtain their name, license number and proof of general liability and workers’ comp insurance.
- In a state of emergency as we have now, verify the license status of state-certified contractors online at www.myfloridalicense.com. A list of PCCLB-licensed, qualified and insured contractors can be found online using the Contractor Search feature.
- Be sure that you have a written contract that details the work to be completed. Also, retain proof of payment for the work in case you need it later.
- Require the contractor to supply a final affidavit indicating that all subcontractors and suppliers used on the job are paid in full.
- Ensure that the contractor has had the work inspected by the building department before you make final payment.
Free resource for homeowners: Florida’s Disaster Contractors Network (DCN) has been activated to support homeowners who may need help with emergency home repairs. DCN is a free resource founded by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) designed to connect homeowners with licensed contractors and suppliers to perform emergency repairs. DCN also prevents homeowners from being preyed upon by unlicensed contractors through proactive education and outreach efforts. DBPR is the state agency that licenses and oversees Florida’s more than 87,000 construction industry licensees.
- How It Works: Once homeowners are safely able to assess their home repair needs, they are encouraged to log onto DCNOnline.org and search by county for a list of Florida-licensed contractors in their local community who are providing these services.
- For Contractors/Suppliers: While many Florida contractors and suppliers have already registered, there is still an opportunity for additional licensed contractors and suppliers to log onto DCNOnline.org to register their licensed company.
Price gouging: With the inclusion of Pinellas County in the governor’s declaration of a state of emergency, residents are protected by the state’s price gouging law. Consumer Protection encourages residents who suspect price gouging to report it to authorities. Effective only during a declared state of emergency, the price gouging law bans unconscionable prohibits sharp increases in the price of essential commodities, such as food, water, shelter, ice, gasoline, lumber and equipment that is needed as a direct result of an official declared emergency. Violators are subject to civil penalties of $1,000 per violation, up to a total of $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a single 24-hour period.
Residents who suspect local price gouging can report it to Pinellas County Consumer Protection at (727) 464-6200 or online at www.pinellas.gov/consumer and are also encouraged to report it to the Attorney General’s hotline at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.
Charity scams: Be wary of solicitations for charitable contributions on behalf of Hurricane Helene. All charities soliciting within Florida – excluding religious, educational, political and governmental agencies entities – are required to register and file financial information with the with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. To check whether a charitable organization is properly registered, visit Check-A-Charity, a resource that provides the information reported to the department.
Here are additional recommendations from Consumer Protection:
- Always be wary of people soliciting on behalf of victims of natural disasters.
- Do not judge an organization based solely on its name. Many organizations have names that sound like those of reputable organizations but may be fraudulent.
- Ask for a copy of the charity’s financial report to determine how much of your contribution is going toward the cause and how much for administrative and fundraising costs.
- Beware of pressure tactics to give immediately. Don’t let emotional appeals or photos persuade you into giving. Make sure the solicitation is legitimate.
- Some charitable groups employ paid solicitors, in which case, not all of your donation will go to the charitable cause. Check to see if this is the case.
- Ask if donations are tax deductible.
- Never give cash. Contribute by check made payable to the organization, never to an individual’s name.
- For more information on how to protect yourself after a storm, visit Pinellas County Post-Disaster Consumer Tips. To report suspected fraud, call (727) 464-6200.
Proper Sand Removal, Sea Wall Repair
Many barrier island residents and businesses had unprecedented amounts of beach sand deposited onto their properties or seawalls damaged during Hurricane Helene. Details on sand removal and sea wall repair can be found at disaster.pinellas.gov.
Report Damage
Residents that have sustained damages from Hurricane Helene can report damages here: pinellas.gov/reportdamage.
Business Damage Assessment Survey
Businesses that have been impacted by Hurricane Helene can fill out the Business Damage Assessment Survey here.
Volunteering and Donating
The EOC Whole Community Group continues to coordinate with Florida VOAD to connect resources, donations, and goods with the community and volunteer organizations in need. Those looking to volunteer to assist with Hurricane Helene recovery should be directed to disaster.pinellas.gov.
Individuals interested in volunteering can sign up via Volunteer Connect, a statewide online portal to match volunteers with organizations that are looking for help here: volunteerflorida.org/volunteerconnect.
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. The list of donation sites can be found on disaster.pinellas.gov.
Boil Water Order in Effect
Potable water is limited, and a Boil Water Order remains in effect for the Cities of St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, and Tierra Verde.
Free Food, Water, Tarps Available for Barrier Island Residents
Pinellas County is supporting three points of distribution (PODs) 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
Shelter for Displaced Residents
Shelter for displaced residents is available. The Ross Norton Recreation Center offers space for general population, including pets, and the Lealman Exchange can accommodate those with special medical needs, including oxygen dependent people. We are not publicizing shelter locations, but residents can call the CIC 8-6 for information on these shelters.
Debris - Zoned Collection Plan
Pinellas County will be implementing a zoned collection plan for Hurricane Helene debris in the unincorporated areas of the county that received critical storm damage. A link to an online map showing the collection schedule will be available in the coming days. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to work with their insurance adjusters and document damages for reimbursement.
If you live in a municipality, Contact your city or town about the availability of debris pickup in their area. If you’re not sure if your property is located within unincorporated Pinellas or within a city/municipality, use the interactive My Neighborhood Services tool to find out. To qualify for FEMA reimbursement, Pinellas County cannot accept storm debris from within cities.
Now that local emergency orders are no longer in effect, Pinellas County Solid Waste cannot accept storm-related debris from residents or private haulers. The facility is not an approved site for storm debris disposal.
What to do now:
- Place storm generated debris, adjacent to but not in the road, gutters or near storm drains and separated by type:
- White goods (appliances)
- Demolition debris
- Large tree limbs or fence pieces cut to 4-foot lengths
- Debris that is bagged or not separated will not be collected. The type of storm debris collected for this storm will vary based on location and impacts and will be specified with the plan is announced.
- For residents with manageable vegetative debris such as branches, twigs and leaves, place it in your receptacle or bags and put it out for pick up by your regular trash collection provider. Small piles of vegetative debris will not be collected.
- If you live in an unincorporated area and do not want to wait for the County’s storm debris collection, you can take it to one of the three locations listed below. You must show I.D. proof that you live in an unincorporated area.
- Starting Monday, Sept. 30, from noon to 7 p.m.: east-central location: 13600 Icot Boulevard, Clearwater
- Starting Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.: north location: southeast corner of East Lake Road and Keystone Road – enter off Keystone Road.
- Starting Tuesday Oct. 1, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., west-central location: 14800 118th Ave N., Largo
Additional advice
- Remove wet contents immediately to prevent mold, including carpeting, furniture, bedding and other items holding moisture. They can develop mold within 24 to 48 hours.
- Clean and disinfect everything that got wet.
- Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
- Do not dump debris on any right-of-way or vacant lot. Doing so is a third-degree felony. To report dumping or for more information, call (727) 464-4425, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you need help with cleanup, volunteers may be available. Crisis Cleanup has activated the Hurricane Helene Cleanup Hotline: (844) 965-1386. This is for people who need help cleaning up damage from the Hurricane Helene and connects people with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who may be able assist with jobs such as mucks outs (cleaning up), trees, tarp, and debris. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed. This hotline will remain open through Oct. 11, 2024.
FEMA assistance is now available to Pinellas County residents who experienced damages/losses due to Hurricane Helene. FEMA may be able to help homeowners and renters with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. Eligible residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app or by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
Pinellas County Updates - Sunday 9/28/2024
- FEMA declaration for Pinellas County took place this morning. All impacted should register at ready.gov and file claims at disasterassistance.gov or Call 800-621-3362 to file a claim. Make sure you state this is Hurricane Helene related. If you don’t apply, you can’t get assistance. Teams will go out and assess the damage.
- Barrier Islands are open to residents, workers and employers with ID BUT Indian Shores and Madeira Beach municipalities are still closed.
- Hotel partners are being set up to provide non congregate accommodation but many of the hotels have sustained hurricane damage
- EVERY structure in Treasure Island sustained flooding. Gulf Blvd in TI is still closed.
- Insurance and Damage reporting: document and photograph everything damaged. Do not move until photos are taken.
- Mark water lines and use ruler to measure water line damage.
- Debris – separate yard, household, and building debris. If you need help with debris pick up, call 844-965-1386
- If you want to volunteer and help with clean up, reach out Volunteer Connect website.
- Power - 77,428 people still without power. Mainland 90% have power. On barrier islands, still not able to do damage assessments. Road are impassable. No time for restoration of power.
- Scams will be rampant, don’t give money without confirming contractor is licensed. Call County licensing department, 1-727-582-3100, choose option 2 to check if a contractor is licensed.
- Boil Water Notice is still under effect for Treasure Island, St Pete Beach and Tierra Verde.
- Water sites are open 24 hours a day in those affected areas. Water is free.
- Residents needing disaster assistance, including cleanup kits, can contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
- HOPE Florida is assisting residents with unmet needs. The HOPE Line can be reached at 1-833-GET-HOPE (1-833-438-4673) or at hopeflorida.com.
- Cooling Centers - Click here to find a current list in Pinellas County.
- Food Distribution - Feeding Tampa Bay is offering food pantries and food distribution events in Pinellas County for residents impacted by Hurricane Helene. Click here to find a list of sites.
Laundry Assistance for Those Impacted by Helene
The City of St. Petersburg has set up a full-service laundry facility available for impacted residents, located at Allendale United Methodist Church (3803 Haines Rd. N). This facility will allow you to wash and dry your clothes.
The facility will be open 24/7 until needed and staff will be there to assist from 7 am - 7 pm.
Thank you so much so Allendale United Methodist Church for lending their space for recovery.
Mandatory Evacuation Order Lifted
Based on the latest storm response developments, Pinellas County has rescinded its mandatory evacuation order for the barrier islands, but two segments of Gulf Boulevard remain without access due to health, safety and welfare issues that remain as a result of the severe impacts caused by Hurricane Helene.
The Sheriff’s Office announced the reopening of the barrier islands effective at 4 p.m. Access to barrier islands will be open only to residents, business owners or employees with a Barrier Island Re-Entry Permit or photo ID and reasonable proof that they reside or have legitimate business on the barrier islands. The barrier islands are not open to visitors at this time.
Remaining barrier island closures: The north and southbound lanes of Gulf Boulevard will remain closed from 150th Avenue (Tom Stuart Causeway) south to 140th Avenue in Madeira Beach. Additionally, Gulf Boulevard, both north and southbound from the Park Boulevard Bridge to 196th Avenue (Tiki Gardens County Park) in Indian Shores, will remain closed.
Important reminder for those entering the barrier islands: If you enter the barrier islands, be advised that the power is out and traffic lights and signals are not functioning. Drive with caution and treat each intersection as a four-way stop. Also, buildings have not been inspected for structural integrity. Re-enter your property at your own risk and use extreme caution. Be respectful of recovery and storm cleanup crews. As a reminder, debris on private property is the responsibility of the property owner. Please contact your city for additional questions.
Additional law enforcement resources will be patrolling the segments that remain closed. Deputies will reevaluate any further openings tomorrow morning. We will share Sheriff’s Office updates when there are changes to the barrier island restrictions.