Hurricane Resources and Preparedness
FOOD & EMERGENCY MEALS
Assistance & Free Groceries
Pasco County Points of Distribution
- Food and Water Distribution for Hurricane Victims: Pasco County is stepping up to support residents affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Multiple Points of Distribution (POD) locations are now open across the county, offering food and water to anyone displaced or in need of essential supplies. These POD locations are designed to ensure that storm victims have access to critical resources during this recovery period.
Feeding Tampa Bay
- Event & Calendars: Free groceries available in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, and Manatee Counties.??
Salvation Army - Emergency Disaster Mobile Canteen Sites
- Find Locations Here: Mobile units providing emergency meals across the region.
LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORT & COMFORT STATIONS
Community-Led Support & Safe Spaces
Beacon of Hope - Independent Restaurant in Seminole Heights
Independent Bar & Café: Offering charging stations, A/C, and a place to relax.Neighbors helping neighbors in need of shelter and a meal.
Temple Terrace Library Comfort
- Visit Website
- Hours: 9 am - 5 pm through Sunday
- Sunday Services: Charging devices, snacks, meals, air conditioning.
WEATHER & FLOODING UPDATES
Rainfall Totals: 200-300% Above Normal
- St. Pete: 18.75 inches
- Zephyrhills: 14.13 inches
- Clearwater: 14.01 inches
- Tampa: 11.43 inches (2nd wettest day on record)
Flooded Rivers, Creeks, and Lakes
- Myakka River, Hillsborough at Morris, Cypress Creek at Worthington, Anclote at Elfers
These areas are expected to experience increased flooding.
source: Fox 13 - Good Day Tampa
NEIGHBORHOOD CHALLENGES
Specific Areas Facing Big Challenges
- Forest Hills: Near N. Boulevard & Newport, experiencing severe flooding.
- Riverhills Community: Power loss causing water pump failure. City of Tampa managing efforts to restore services.
- Thonotosassa - Pemberton Creek: Residents trapped by rising floodwaters. Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission assisting in evacuations.
?source: Fox 13 - Good Day Tampa
INSURANCE CLAIMS & FILING TIPS
Important Information on Filing Insurance Claims
- Homeowner's Insurance: Covers wind and rain damage.
- Flood Insurance: Covers rising water damage. If both types of coverage apply, coordinate with both insurance adjusters. Document everything thoroughly with photos, videos, and notes.
source: Fox 13 - Good Day Tampa
SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT
Businesses Affected by the Storm
- ZooTampa:Temporarily closed due to wind damage and power outage.
- Tarpon Springs Aquarium & Animal Sanctuary: Also affected by storm conditions.
source: Fox 13 - Good Day Tampa
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & SERVICES
Other Helpful Resources
- Spectrum WiFi Hotspots: Map of Hotspots Available.
- Law Enforcement Updates: Encouraging patience at gas stations due to high demand.
HURRICANE RESOURCES FOR REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
Resources Available for Hurricane Milton & Helene Recovery
Florida Realtors has compiled a list of critical resources to help real estate professionals, homeowners, and communities recover from the effects of Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Whether you’re managing property damage, helping clients navigate the aftermath, or personally affected by the storms, these resources are here to provide assistance.
- Disaster Recovery Assistance: Programs designed to support homeowners, renters, and property managers in the recovery process.
- Financial Relief Programs: Find information about grants, loans, and financial aid available to those impacted by the storms.
- Legal and Insurance Guidance: Resources to help understand the complexities of filing insurance claims and navigating legal challenges related to property damage.
- Rebuilding and Construction: Support for homeowners and real estate professionals looking to rebuild or repair damaged properties.
To access the full list of recovery resources, visit Florida Realtors and learn more about the programs and services available to assist during this time.
By Amy Connolly
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND SERVICES
Other Helpful Resources
- Spectrum WiFi Hotspots: Map of Hotspots Available.
- Law Enforcement Updates: Encouraging patience at gas stations due to high demand.
- Post Storm Resources: Just in case you need help!
- Repairing Homes in A Flood Zones
- Feed East Paseo
- America's SBDC Florida : Business Continuity and Disaster Preparedness
