The Aftermath: Resources to help rebuild Tampa Bay after Hurricane Helene
/Flooding in St. Pete's Shore Acres neighborhood from Hurricane Helene's unprecedented storm surge | Tony salazar
As Helene barreled through Florida making landfall as a Category 4 hurricane Thursday evening in the Big Bend region, it brought a sweeping storm surge to Tampa Bay, turning roads into rivers, causing catastrophic flooding, and leaving thousands without power. Helene has been called the worst storm in a century for the Tampa Bay region.
In the aftermath of the storm, local governments have initiated recovery efforts.
The surrounding cities and counties are deploying as many resources and supplies as possible. Likewise, local businesses and volunteer groups are doing the same - whether it's donating essential items or providing a temporary shelter.
Here are the resources you should know about and what you can do to lend a helping hand:
Debris clean up
Storm debris in pinellas county after Hurricane Helene ripped through Tampa Bay | associated press
City of St. Petersburg crews will do multiple citywide sweeps to pick up storm debris. Residents should expect debris to be collected no sooner than October 7th. The city is asking residents to place debris in front of the house near the roadway curb.
Do not place debris in trash bags, on alleyways, sidewalks, roads, near trees, poles, fire hydrants, utility boxes, or other structures that make debris removal difficult.
Additionally, city Brush Sites are open if you would like to drop off vegetative debris. All brush site locations are open 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., 7 days a week.
1000 62nd Avenue NE
7750 26th Avenue North
2500 26th Avenue South
4015 Dr. Martin Luther King Street South
2453 20th Avenue North
Residents needing assistance with cleanup efforts can contact the Hurricane Helene Cleanup Hotline at (844) 965-1386. This hotline connects people with local volunteers who will help remove debris and provide tarps.
Full debris instructions can be found at stpete.org/Helene
Cooling stations
Cooling stations have opened for residents to cool off and charge their phones and devices. The locations and hours may change during the storm recovery period.
Azalea Recreation Center, 1600 72nd Street North
Monday, September 30th, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Enoch D. Davis Center, 1111 18th Avenue South
Monday, September 30th, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Robert Recreation Center, 1246 50th Avenue North
Monday, September 30th, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4444 5th Avenue North
Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.Lakewood United Methodist Church, 5995 Dr. MLK Jr. Street South
Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (pet friendly)
Other cooling stations have opened throughout the county and can be found here.
Free food
Pinellas County Schools will be serving free lunch to all students for the next month.
The county is also 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, September 30th from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the following locations:
4700 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach
Food, water, and tarps will be available.10451 Gulf Boulevard, Treasure Island
Food, water, and tarps will be available.540 Sands Point Drive, Tierra Verde
Water only.
Laundry assistance
The City of St. Petersburg has set up a full-service laundry service for impacted residents at Allendale United Methodist Church at 3803 Haines Road North. This facility will allow you to wash and dry your clothes and will be open 24/7.
Free laundry service is also available at the Easy Kleen Laundromat at 2970 54th Avenue South from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Additional laundromats are expected to participate.
Free bus service
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is initiating two weeks of free fares within St. Pete city limits. The free rides will be available today through Sunday, October 13th.
The SunRunner, PSTA's bus rapid transit line, is turning around at Pasadena due to westbound access limitations.
For more information on routes and schedules, visit psta.net.
Residents with additional questions can contact the Pinellas County Information Center at 727-464-4333.
Where to donate funds and volunteer
Flooding in North Redington BEach during Hurricane Helene | facebook
Florida Disaster Fund: The state's official private fund that was established to assist Florida’s communities in times of emergency or disaster. Donations to the Florida Disaster Fund are made to the Volunteer Florida Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, and are tax-deductible.
Feeding Tampa Bay: In partnership with the Tampa Bay area Emergency Operations Centers, the group works directly with local emergency management operations to provide food, water, and hygiene items during emergencies. They are currently seeking volunteers.
Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside: Starting Monday, September 30th, Habitat will accept cleaning supplies and safety gear donations. Donations will be accepted at its Pinellas, West Pasco, and Hernando offices during regular business hours. All monetary donations will directly support disaster relief.
Tampa Bay Resiliency Fund: A fund providing disaster relief to residents.
Tampa Bay Response Fund: Controlled by the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, the fund provides a trusted and reliable way to make tax-deductible donations to address emergency situations, including the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Funds collected through this effort will be directed to address immediate needs through grants to select nonprofits.
Financial and legal assistance
Woody's waterfront restaurant on St. pete beach was completely destoryed during Hurricane Helene| facebook
Bay Area Legal Services: A legal aid non-profit organization that provides free civil legal services to low-income residents affected by the storm.
United Way Suncoast: A social service organization that provides financial assistance, recovery support, and guides people to local resources
Florida Small Business Bridge Loan: This program provides short-term, zero-interest working capital loans that are intended to “bridge the gap” while the business works to secure a longer-term funding source. Loans are available up to $50,000 per eligible applicant.
How to apply for FEMA
Flooding in shore acres as a result of Hurricane Helene | city of st. petersburg
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.
Please be aware, FEMA can't help with damage covered by your insurance, so file a claim with the insurer first.
The city is reminding residents to take photos and videos of flood damage, including structural and personal property damage on the inside and outside of the home, before discarding items. The insurance adjuster and/or FEMA will need evidence of the damage to prepare your claim.
Residents can apply online here, or through the FEMA app, or by phone at 1-800-621-3362.
