Emergency Information

In the case of a fire, police or medical emergency, call 9-1-1

Upcoming Hurricane Recovery Deadlines

Hurricane Recovery: Milton, Helene & Debby

What to Do If Your Property Was Damaged

  • Photograph and list all damaged or lost items, including their age and value where possible. Take photos of how high the water was in the house. After photographing, remove any wet contents as soon as possible to prevent mold. Clean and disinfect everything that got wet.
  • Contact your insurance agent and file your insurance claim as soon as possible. Learn more at pinellas.gov/flood-insurance
  • Free Temporary Tarps for Roof Damage (Operation Blue Roof program): Residents with roof damage can get a FREE 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. A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contractor will install the roof covering. 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. Learn more about Operation Blue Roof in this video.
  • Do not do work on your home that is beyond your limitations. Make sure contractors you hire are licensed. Learn more at pinellas.gov/choosing-a-contractor. If you do not have internet access, you can also call the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board at (727) 582-3100 and choose Option 2 for Licensing to check whether a contractor is licensed.
  • If you suspect unlicensed construction activity is taking place and the work is actively in progress, submit your report by completing this form or call the Pinellas County Tipline at (727) 582-6767.
  • Read our Rebuilding After a Storm webpage before beginning your repairs to ensure your house can better withstand future storms.
  • See below for additional resources.

Report Damages

Report damages to your home, business, roads or other public infrastructure to help qualify our community for federal aid:

County Information Center

The County Information Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for storm questions. Call (727) 464-4333. Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the County Information Center via online chat at bit.ly/PinellasChat.

Debris & Sand Collection

Pinellas County resumed collection of residential storm debris from hurricanes Helene and Milton in the unincorporated areas of the county on Monday, Oct. 14. For more information, visit pinellas.gov/debris.

A drop-off site for residential storm debris is available for unincorporated residents (identification is required) at 13600 Icot Boulevard in Clearwater. The site will accept debris daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice. It is not open to commercial haulers.

A sand drop-off site is available 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 location is open seven days a week, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

View more information about debris and sand collection.

Marine Debris and Derelict Vessels

Marine debris is being collected and disposed of by a state contractor. Additionally, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is handling derelict vessels from hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Report marine debris at Florida Debris Cleanup or call (850)-366-6007. The call center is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Personal/Family Recovery Resources

FEMA Individual Assistance

Homeowners and renters who sustained damages or losses from hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. If you applied to FEMA after Hurricane Debby or Helene and have additional damage from Hurricane Milton, you will need to apply separately for Milton and provide the dates of your most recent damage. 

FEMA may be able to help residents with immediate serious needs, temporary lodging expenses and rental assistance. Residents can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app or at 1-800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service. View more information.

The deadlines to apply for FEMA assistance are as follows:
Hurricane Debby: Nov. 12
Hurricane Helene: Nov. 27
Hurricane Milton: Dec. 11

See below for resource centers for in-person support with FEMA assistance and other assistance resources.

Multiagency Resource Centers & Disaster Recovery Center

Disaster Recovery Center

The following Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) location is open through Nov. 1:

  • Florida Botanical Gardens (Magnolia Room): 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo – Open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The DRC will move to the Enoch D. Davis Center at 1111 18th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, starting Nov. 2.  

DRCs serve as centralized locations where people can access various services and information related to disaster recovery, including application assistance, information and guidance on disaster assistance programs, translation and accessibility services, application status updates, access to disaster-related resources, and access to computers and phones.

When visiting a DRC, 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.

Multiagency Resource Centers

The following Multiagency Resource Centers (MARCs) are available and 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:

  • Enoch D. Davis Center: 1111 18th Ave. S., St. Petersburg – Open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
  • Dunedin City Hall: 737 Louden Ave, Dunedin – Open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Comfort Stations for Residents without Power

Comfort stations are available for residents without power following Hurricane Milton. These stations provide a place for residents to cool off and charge their phones. Some stations also have pre-packaged meals, water or other resources. View more information.

Food Assistance

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) food assistance for Pinellas County. Residents who may not be eligible for SNAP in normal circumstances may be eligible for help with grocery expenses through the D-SNAP program. Applications will be accepted by phone Nov. 4-8, with in-person applications being accepted during a three-day period in-county at a date to be determined. View more information.
  • Feeding Tampa Bay is offering food pantries and food distribution events in Pinellas County for residents impacted by hurricanes Milton and Helene. Find food and resources.
  • The Salvation Army mobile feeding units are offering meals at various locations around the County. Find a location near you.
  • The St. Pete Free Clinic and partners offer free food resources across the county. View locations.
  • Operation BBQ Relief is offering free individual meals in the Tampa Bay area. View updates.
  • The Department of Children and Families has been approved to allow the purchase of hot foods with SNAP EBT benefits in Pinellas County to assist individuals impacted by Hurricane Milton. This allowance is available at participating retailers until Nov. 15. Recipients should check with retailers before making purchases to ensure participation. Examples of foods that may be purchased include hot deli foods, salad bars, prepared sandwiches, and fountain drinks. For more information, visit myflfamilies.com/Milton.

Housing Options for Displaced Residents

If you were displaced from your home by the hurricanes and need temporary shelter, visit pinellas.gov/HurricaneHousing for a list of resources to help you find short- and long-term housing options.

HOPE Florida Sheltering Assistance

FEMA has approved Non-Congregate Sheltering (NCS) assistance for Pinellas County, focusing on short-term (6-month) placement and transitioning disaster survivors into longer-term housing. Displaced survivors can apply for State NCS by visiting the Activate Hope website at hopeflorida.com and fill out the Assistance Request Form or by calling the Hope Florida support line at 833-GET-HOPE (833-438-4673).

Help with Cleanup (Crisis Cleanup Hotline)

Crisis Cleanup has activated the Hurricane Helene & Milton Cleanup Hotline: (844) 965-1386. This is for people who need help cleaning up damage from the hurricanes and connects people with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who may be able assist with jobs such as muck-outs (cleaning up), trees, tarp and debris. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed. The Crisis Cleanup registration hotline will close Nov. 1. Registration will be available online afterward.

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.

Free Temporary Tarps for Roof Damage (Operation Blue Roof program)

Residents with roof damage from Hurricane Milton can get a FREE 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. A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contractor will install the roof covering. 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. Learn more about Operation Blue Roof in this video.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Milton or Hurricane Helene and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org. View more information: Hurricane Milton | Hurricane Helene | Hurricane Debby

Deadlines:
Hurricane Debby: Nov. 18
Hurricane Helene: Dec. 2
Hurricane Milton: Dec. 10

Tenant Recovery Information

If you rent your home and it was destroyed through no fault of your own, you have the right to end your rental agreement and leave the property immediately, according to Chapter 83.63 of Florida Statues. For more information about landlord-tenant legal issues related to hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby, contact the Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline at 833-514-2940 or Bay Area Legal Services at (800) 625-2257.

Legal Help

Residents with legal issues caused by hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby can contact the Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline at 833-514-2940 or Bay Area Legal Services at (800) 625-2257.

Insurance Questions & Fraud Reporting

  • Florida Insurance Consumer Helpline:  1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236) (toll-free, available seven days a week, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
    • Out of State Callers: (850) 413-3089
    • The Florida Relay Service provides communications assistance to individuals with hearing, speech or vision disabilities and can be reached by dialing 711.
  • Insurance Fraud Hotline:  1-800-378-0445

Physical Damage Disaster Loans

Homeowners, renters, nonprofit organizations and businesses of all sizes are eligible to apply for low-interest physical damage disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Apply at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/physical-damage-loans. For assistance, contact disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955.

Disaster Mental Health Resources

Disaster Distress Helpline

The Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 toll-free, multilingual disaster crisis counseling for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. Call or text 1-800-985-5990. View more information.

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: To connect directly to an agent in American Sign Language, click the “ASL Now” button below or call 1-800-985-5990 from your videophone. ASL Support is available 24/7. FAQs for ASL NOW users.

Care About Me

Care About Me, Pinellas County’s access line for mental health, substance use and addiction services, can help residents or family members of individuals in non-crisis find local services. Call or text 1-888-431-1998 or chat in on careaboutme.org, confidentially speak with an experienced behavioral health specialist who will triage your needs, and get an appointment scheduled with a local provider.

988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available to assist anyone experiencing trauma or in need of support. Call or text 988 for support.

Lost & Found Pets

  • If you have lost or found a pet, visit pinellas.gov/lost-and-found.
  • You can visit the Pinellas County Animal Services’ Found Center to check for your lost pet or drop off a found pet at 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Found Center hours are Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can check other local animal shelters as well.

Business Recovery

Business Recovery Center in Clearwater

A Small Business Administration (SBA) Business Recovery Center is available at the Pinellas County Economic Development office at The EpiCenter in Clearwater. The SBA will offer assistance to business owners, homeowners and renters with completing disaster loan applications and will answer questions and provide information about resource partners. Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) staff will also be available to offer assistance with applications for critical business recovery programs.

  • Location: Pinellas County Economic Development offices at The EpiCenter, 13805 58th Street N., Suite 1-200, Clearwater FL 33760.
  • Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Appointments are not required and walk-in visits are welcome.

Report business damages

Complete FloridaCommerce’s survey online at https://floridajobs.org/floridadisaster.biz and select the named storm from the dropdown menu. No need to know the exact dollar value of your costs, an estimate is fine. You must fill out a damage assessment survey for each named storm.

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan

Florida Commerce has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan, making $50 million available to Florida businesses impacted by Hurricane Milton and $15 million available to businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Apply online at http://FloridaJobs.org/EBL

Physical Damage and Economic Injury Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest Physical Damage and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Residents and businesses can visit sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance to apply, and can contact disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955 for assistance.

FEMA Public Assistance (PA) for Nonprofits, Houses of Worship and Governments

FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program provides assistance to state, tribal, local governments and certain types of private non-profit organizations, including houses of worship, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies declared by the president. Through the Public Assistance Grant Program, FEMA provides supplemental federal disaster grant assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures. In addition, grant assistance may be provided for the repair, replacement or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and the facilities of certain private non-profit (PNP) organizations. To be eligible for assistance from this grant program, prospective applicants must fill out a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) through the State of Florida’s Public Assistance Web Portal, www.FloridaPA.org. The FEMA Public Assistance Grant Program also encourages protection of the damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process.

The deadline for Requests for Public Assistance has been extended to Dec. 20 for hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Closures

Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources will reopen the following parks and preserve at noon on Saturday, Oct. 26, following closures related to Hurricanes Helene and Milton:

  • Boca Ciega Millenium Park
  • Ridgecrest Park
  • Sawgrass Lake Park
  • Weedon Island Preserve
  • Weedon Island Preserve Cultural & Natural History Center

As a reminder, these parks reopened on Saturday, Oct. 19.

  • A.L. Anderson Park
  • Booker Creek Preserve
  • Eagle Lake Park
  • John Chestnut Sr. Park
  • Philippe Park
  • Ray Neri Park (partially closed due to construction)
  • Walsingham Park

Trails and amenities in these parks may be closed as rangers continue post-storm cleanup. Visitors should expect tall grass and some debris and be cautious of possible wildlife interactions as animals return to previously flooded areas. Please avoid downed trees and areas marked as off-limits. Report any issues to on-site park rangers.

Sutherland Park Blvd. and Belleair Causeway boat ramps have also reopened. Please use caution when launching and loading boats and other watercraft as debris and other hazards may be present.

All other Pinellas County parks will remain closed until further notice and should not be entered under any circumstances. Any campground or shelter reservations previously made for dates within this closure will be refunded.

Volunteers & Donations

Individuals interested in helping in the aftermath of hurricanes Milton and Helene are encouraged to visit Pinellas County’s Volunteers and Donations in Disasters page.

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