Emergency Information
In the case of a fire, police or medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Upcoming Hurricane Recovery Deadlines
- Business Mobile Assistance Center at Clearwater Main Library will be open Oct. 28-31.
- Crisis Cleanup Registration Hotline (help with cleanup) will close Nov. 1.
- Disaster Recovery Center at the Florida Botanical Gardens will close on Nov. 1 and move to the Enoch D. Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, starting Nov. 2.
- Operation Blue Roof Program (free installed temporary tarps for roof damage): Nov. 14 (deadline was extended)
- Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) food assistance applications will be accepted by phone Nov. 4 and Nov. 6-8. (Pre-registration online Nov. 3-8).
- FEMA Assistance Applications:
- Hurricane Debby: Nov. 12
- Hurricane Helene: Nov. 27
- Hurricane Milton: Dec. 11
- Hot foods available using SNAP EBT benefits through Nov. 15.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance:
- Hurricane Debby: Nov. 18
- Hurricane Helene: Dec. 2
- Hurricane Milton: Dec. 10
- FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program for Nonprofits, Houses of Worship and Governments:
- Hurricanes Helene & Milton: Dec. 20 (Deadline Extended)
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 Installation of Temporary Roof Coverings (Operation Blue Roof): Homeowners with roof damage can sign up for a FREE, installed, fiber-reinforced, water-resistant temporary blue roof covering to protect their home from further damage. For homeowners with qualifying roof damage, a USACE contractor will perform the FREE installation. To participate, please register for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Operation Blue Roof program by Nov. 14. Sign up online at BlueRoof.gov or by calling at 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258). Learn more about Operation Blue Roof in this video.
- A Blue Roof mobile registration unit will be available in St. Pete Beach Wednesday, Oct. 30, through Friday, Nov. 1, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., at 4700 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, to help Pinellas County residents register for the Operation Blue Roof Program.
- 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. Online pre-registration will be Nov. 3-8, and applications will be accepted by phone Monday, Nov. 4, and Wednesday, Nov. 6, to Friday, Nov. 8. In-person applications will be accepted during a three-day period at a date to be determined. View application instructions.
- 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.
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 Installation of Temporary Roof Coverings (Operation Blue Roof program)
Homeowners with roof damage can sign up for a FREE, installed, fiber-reinforced, water-resistant temporary blue roof covering to protect their home from further damage. For homeowners with qualifying roof damage, a USACE contractor will perform the FREE installation. To participate, please register for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Operation Blue Roof program by Nov. 14. Sign up online at BlueRoof.gov or by calling at 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258). Learn more about Operation Blue Roof in this video.
Blue Roof Mobile Registration Unit – Oct. 30-Nov. 1
A mobile registration unit will be available in St. Pete Beach Wednesday, Oct. 30, through Friday, Nov. 1, to help Pinellas County residents register for the Operation Blue Roof Program:
Location: Beach access parking lot, 4700 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach
Hours: Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
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 Mobile Assistance Center – Oct. 28-31
A FSBDC Pinellas Mobile Assistance Center will be open at Clearwater Main Library Oct. 28-31 to assist Pinellas County businesses with critical business recovery programs. Business owners can receive one-on-one consulting and assistance with the Florida Small Business Emergency Loan Bridge Program, and the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Physical Disaster Loan.
Location: Clearwater Main Library, 100 N. Osceola Ave., Clearwater
Dates: Monday, Oct. 28 – Thursday, Oct. 31
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Business owners who cannot attend in person can request an appointment with a consultant online. Visit pced.org/sbdc to request a consulting appointment.
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 has reopened the following parks and preserves following closures related to Hurricanes Helene and Milton:
- A.L. Anderson Park
- Boca Ciega Millenium Park
- Booker Creek Preserve
- Eagle Lake Park
- John Chestnut Sr. Park
- Philippe Park
- Ray Neri Park (partially closed due to construction)
- Ridgecrest Park
- Sawgrass Lake Park
- Walsingham Park
- Weedon Island Preserve
- Weedon Island Preserve Cultural & Natural History Center
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.
Traffic Information
- FL511.com for tools on traffic information statewide, regional or roadway-specific; Florida 511 mobile app; X (formerly Twitter) @fl511_tampabay; or call 511 toll free for updates in English and Spanish.
- Pinellas County roadway conditions on X (formerly Twitter): @pinellastraffic
- Pinellas County Public Works will also share all road closure updates through the Waze app.
- Sunshine Skyway bridge status
Storm Safety Information
- Important Tips: During and After a Storm
- Flooding Safety Tips
- Stay Informed
- Get Involved
- Hurricane Guide (PDF)
View information for your city/municipality
News & Updates
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will station a new mobile registration unit in St. Pete Beach Wednesday, Oct. 30, through Friday,…
- October 25, 2024 Pinellas Update: Disaster assistance deadlines approaching
- October 17, 2024 Pinellas County announces updates to storm debris operations as hurricane recovery continues
- October 17, 2024 FEMA now offering Transitional Sheltering Assistance
- October 17, 2024 Operation Blue Roof assistance available for residents with roof damage
- October 17, 2024 Operation Blue Roof – asistencia disponible para residentes con daños en el techo