Hurricane Helene Tarpon Springs Information Page

The City is in full recovery mode following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This page will continued to be updated with important information for residents.

Help document damage, by locating and uploading photos to the map below or by clicking here.

Questions? Please post any questions at the bottom of the page under the "Questions" Tab. If you have immediate questions, please contact the citizen information center at 727-464-4333.

RECOVERY ASSISTANCE

DEBRIS PICKUP

PERMITTING

OCTOBER 4, 2024 11:00 A.M. - Debris Pickup Begins Saturday 10/5

The contractor and crews are on site and will begin citywide debris collection Saturday, October 5th at daybreak.

They will be working seven days a week until all debris is collected. Ensure that debris is curbside and stacked according to the debris guidelines (pictured below).

Crews will be making several sweeps and may be at your home multiple times for pickup. They will work through the rains this weekend but will stop if lightning is present.

Please remove vehicles from the streets, it is imperative that the trucks have access to collect the debris.

Please be patient as the crews work their way throughout the City.

OCTOBER 4, 2024 8:30 A.M. - Housing Options for Storm Displaced Residents / School Family Resources

Housing Options: If you have been displaced due to Hurricane Helene, a list of resources to help you search for short-and-long term housing options is available here: https://pinellas.gov/hurricanehousing

School Family Resources

All Pinellas County Schools have assigned school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and nurses, which can be accessed by calling your student's school directly. The flyers below (both English and Spanish) provide suggestions on best practices for supporting your children after a crisis:

• Crisis Brochure - English
• Crisis Brochure - Spanish

Additionally, the links below can connect you to helpful resources throughout our community:

• First Contact
• Clothes to Kids
• Care About Me
• My Florida Families - Hope Florida
• Find Help - Tarpon Springs

Student Services also has a website that contains more information and resources for families that is updated regularly. Please visit the webpage at Hurricane Helene Recovery Resources.

OCTOBER 3, 2024 5:00 P.M. - Sunset Beach Update / 'Insurance Village' Event

Sunset Beach Update: Due to extensive damage, Sunset Beach will not reopen Monday, Oct. 7th. We will provide an update on when the beach will be safe to open.

Insurance Village - Hurricane Helene Insurance Issues??

If you’re waiting for a check or have questions about your Hurricane Helene claim, the state is hosting an “Insurance Village” this weekend in Clearwater.

Representatives from more than 40 insurance companies will be on hand to meet policyholders, answer questions and provide initial claims checks.

Anyone wondering whether they have insurance — from homeowners to flood to auto — or what their policies cover and anyone who needs help filing a claim should attend.

The insurance carrier will write you a check to get you stabilized.

• WHEN: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (October 4th, 5th, and 6th)
• TIME: 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
• LOCATION: Long Center, 1501 N. Belcher Rd., Clearwater

Residents should bring with them:

• A driver’s license or other form of identification, such as a passport or state-issued ID
• Insurance cards and insurance policy information/documentation
• Pictures or documentation of the property being claimed as a loss resulting from Helene
• Repair estimates
• Any additional insurance-related information that is accessible to residents

Since Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend last week, more than 65,000 claims have been filed, about half of which were on homeowners insurance policies. That does not include National Flood Insurance Program claims.

OCTOBER 3, 2024 10:30 A.M. - Comfort Station / Debris Pickup Update

Comfort Station Information
A full comfort station has been established at the Recreation Center for affected residents.

Services Available:

• Relief from the Heat
• Phone Charging Station
• Showers (please bring towels and toiletries)
• Washers/Dryers (8 washer/dryers are available. Please bring your own liquid soap and softeners.)
• Water

Location: Tarpon Springs Recreation Center - 400 S. Walton Avenue
Days/Time: Monday - Sunday 8:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M. (subject to change depending on need)

Sanitation, Yard Waste and Debris Update
The City Yard Waste Facility will close Friday, October 4th at 4:30 P.M. as it will be used for citywide large debris collection. Residents who want to drop off yard waste can go to 898 S. Levis (across the street) beginning Monday, October 7th. There is no charge and residents must show 2 forms of matching ID.

NO COMMERCIAL DEBRIS WILL BE ACCEPTED. NO COMMERCIAL CONTRACTORS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

The City has a contractor for large debris pickup, and we anticipate the service to begin in the next few days. It is VERY IMPORTANT that residents follow the debris pickup guidelines (see graphic below).

Waste Management is continuing its regular trash pickup. Reminder, recycling has been suspended until further notice. Residents wishing to drop off recycling materials can do so at the two locations below:

• Yard Waste Facility located at 898 S. Levis Ave.
• Behind Fire Station #70 located at 1027 Gulf Rd. (bines are located on Princess Pl.)

Thank you all for your continued patience!

Where does it Go? This search tool offers guidance and local resources for reuse, recycling, and disposal of items. Please pay special attention to the instructions for propane tank disposal.

Lithium-Ion Battery Disposal Information

• Electronics with lithium-ion batteries or small rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that were affected by water due to Hurricane Helene should be disposed of at Pinellas County Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 2855 109th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL. (Open Tuesday - Friday and the first & third Saturdays only from 7:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.)
  • A more detailed breakdown of which batteries are accepted or not accepted are outlines here: https://pinellas.gov/household-hazardous-waste-hhw-collection
  • The Pinellas County Household Hazardous Waste Facility does local hazardous materials events where they host drop off locations for these items at sites around the county.
    • Next Event: Household Chemical Collection Event on October 12, 2024, at HHW North 29582 US 19 N., Clearwater.
    • It is likely that more events will be hosted due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene in the hardest hit areas of the county.
• Large lithium-ion batteries such as car batteries, lawnmower batteries, E-Bike batteries affected by the storm must be disposed of by a private sector recycling company.
• CAUTION: Lithium-ion batteries pose a fire risk when exposed to saltwater or are damaged.

OCTOBER 2, 2024 8:00 A.M. - One-Stop Business Resource Assistance Site

This weekend a one-stop resource site for businesses and employees impacted by Hurricane Helene will be available. In-person help is available for Emergency Bridge Loans and Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Online resources can be found at www.FloridaDisaster.biz.

WHEN: October 5th - 6th
TIME: 10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
WHERE (Pinellas County Location): CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas, 2312 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater

See flyer below for additional locations in surrounding counties.

OCTOBER 1, 2024 3:30 P.M. - Homeowner/Renter Recovery Assistance

Homeowner/Renter Recovery Assistance Available

FEMA Assistance: FEMA is offering a wide variety of help to people affected by the recent hurricanes. Every homeowner and renter who suffered damage is encouraged to apply. All individuals who are impacted by a storm should apply for FEMA assistance. Please call 1-800-621-3362, or visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov to apply. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance click here.

**If you applied to FEMA after Hurricane Debby and have additional damage from Hurricane Helene, you will need to apply separately for Helene and provide the dates of your most recent damage.

SBA Assistance: Whether you rent or own your own home, business, or farm located in a declared disaster area, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the Small Business Administration. Please note that the filing deadline for SBA might be different than the FEMA deadline. Make sure you pay attention to the deadlines.

• Apply by phone to SBA: 1-800-659-2955
• Apply online anytime at https://lending.sba.gov/search-disaster/.
• E-mail: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

OCTOBER 1, 2024 2:30 P.M. - Unemployment Assistance

Disaster Unemployment Assistance is now available!

FloridaCommerce announced that 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 Helene and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org.

OCTOBER 1, 2024 12:00 P.M. - Business Recovery Assistance

Business Recovery Assistance Available
Businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene can now access disaster recovery assistance and emergency loan programs. (Download Informational Flyer Here)

1. Complete the Florida Business Disaster Assessment Survey at https://floridadisaster.biz/Respond/BusinessDamageAssessmentsSurvey.
2. Apply to the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan at https://floridacommerce.my.site.com/RebuildFloridaBusinessLoanFund/s/. Loans provide short-term, zero-interest working capital loans to "bridge the gap" between the time the disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer term funding.
3. Apply to SBA Disaster Assistance at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/hurricane-helene. Physical Disaster Loans for repair/replacement of business property, and Economic Injury Loans for working capital are available.
4. Other Resources:
   • Pinellas Disaster Information and Assistance at https://pinellas.gov/emergency-assistance/.
   • Federal Disaster Assistance (FEMA) at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/.
   • SBDC Technical Assistance at https://floridasbdc.org/request-for-consulting/.

Businesses can meet with consultants from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Pinellas County by calling 727-453-7200 or emailing businesshelp@pinellas.gov.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 7:30 P.M. - Donation & Volunteer Information

Donations: Collection sites around Pinellas County are accepting donations for those affected by Hurricane Helene. These locations are for drop-offs only, unless otherwise specified by the location's agency.

Tarpon Springs Location:

• All Saints Episcopal Church (1700 Keystone Road); Monday-Thursday 9:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.

Other Locations:

• First United Methodist Dunedin (421 Main St. Dunedin); Monday-Thursday 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
• Habitat for Humanity Admin. (14010 Roosevelt Blvd. Suite 704, Clearwater); Monday-Friday 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
• Greenwood Recreation Center (900 N Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Clearwater; Monday-Friday, Sunday 8:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. Saturday 1:00 - 5:00 P.M.
• Clearview United Methodist Church (4515 38th Ave N. St. Petersburg); Monday-Thursday 9:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
• Maritime and Defense Tech Hub (450 8th Ave N, St. Petersburg); Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
• Gulfport United Methodist Church (2728 53rd St. S, Gulfport); Monday-Friday 9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.

Items Not Accepted:

• Used Clothing
• Bottled Water
• Furniture, Appliances and Other Large Items

Items Accepted:

• Canned or Non-Perishable Food
• Sports Drinks
• Personal Care Items
• Disposal Baby Diapers
• Baby Food/Formula
• Can Openers (Manual)
• Plasticware
• Paper Products
• Disposal Adult Diapers
• Cleaning Supplies, including Mops and Brooms
• Dust Masks
• Work Gloves, Heavy Rubber Kitchen Gloves, Non-Sterile Gloves
• Flashlights and Fresh Batteries
• Hand Tools

Volunteer Information: Individuals interested in volunteering can sign up via Volunteer Connect, a statewide online portal to match volunteers with organizations that are looking for help.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 5:30 P.M. - Required Electrical Safety Inspections

Electrical Safety Inspection:

It has come to our attention that in some instances the power company (Duke Energy) is not restoring power to homes and businesses that were affected by Hurricane Helene until an electrical safety inspection has been accomplished and approved. The City of Tarpon Springs does not offer this service. A licensed electrician will be required to complete the inspection and provide the results to the City of Tarpon Springs. Upon results being forwarded to the City, we can provide a release to Duke Energy.

Under the current conditions, the City, will be offering a “no cost” permit for this situation. The licensed electrical contractor will still need to be registered with the City of Tarpon Springs and provide insurance certificates and workers comp or workers comp exempt as normally would be required. The permitting process will be standard with the exception that the permits will be at no cost, and we are expediting the application times for these applications.

These permit applications will not require an in-person inspection from our staff to help expedite the turnaround times for these applications.

Please click here to download the form and email the completed form to dsinfo@ctsfl.us.

Additional Building Permit Information:

• Permit Review Times
• Replacement of Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical Systems

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 2:00 P.M. - Cooling Center

Cooling Center Information: The Tarpon Springs Community Center remains as a cooling, device charging, and resting facility. We also have hot showers available, please bring your own towel if possible.

Hours of Operation:

• Monday - Friday: 7:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M.
• Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 9:30 A.M. - Helpful Post-Storm Resources

Below are links to several helpful post-storm recovery resources, include debris cleanup and FEMA assistance registration:

• Crisis Cleanup
• FEMA Disaster Assistance Registration Flyer
• FEMA Disaster Assistance Registration Flyer (Spanish)
• Post Storm Information Flyer
• What to do with Sand Debris?
• Useful Post-Storm Contacts

SEPTEMBER 29, 2024 3:30 P.M. - FEMA Declaration / Cooling Center

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).

Make sure contractors you hire are licensed – unlicensed or fraudulent contractors often target desperate homeowners in the aftermath of hurricanes. Learn more at pinellas.gov/choosing-a-contractor and verify contractors are licensed at contractorsearch.pcclb.com.

Cooling stations are open in areas where residents remain without power following Hurricane Helene. These stations will provide a place for residents to cool off and charge their phones. These locations can be found at disaster.pinellas.gov.

For the latest recovery and resource information, go to disaster.pinellas.gov.

COOLING CENTER REMINDER: As a reminder, the City has opened the Recreation Center as a cooling center and place for residents to charge their cell phones. The Cooling Center will be open until 5:00 P.M. today Sunday, September 29th. The Recreation Center is located at 400 S. Walton Avenue.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2024 1:30 P.M. - Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan

The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is now available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply or for more information call 833-832-4494.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2024 11:30 A.M. - FEMA Declaration / Debris Pick-Up

FEMA Declaration: Hurricane Helene has received official FEMA disaster declaration. For individual and business assistance, contact FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or Disasterassistance.gov. More information is available by clicking here.

Debris Pickup: Please follow these debris removal guidelines. We will notify residents about large debris and household item pickup as soon as we know the resources are ready. The storm affected the entire county and resources are being spread countywide.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2024 2:30 P.M. - Wastewater Outages

City crews have restored wastewater service to all City wastewater lift stations. Permanent repairs are ongoing, and residents are asked to continue to minimize water use for essential uses as several areas have temporary pump stations in place. If your neighborhood or business has a private lift station, contact the HOA or management company with any questions.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2024 9:00 A.M. - Cooling Center / Food Safety Information

Cooling Center Information:

The City is opening a resident cooling center today (9/28) and tomorrow (9/29) for residents to cool off and charge their cell phones at the Recreation Center. You will need to bring your own phone chargers. Recreation center activities and classes remain closed through the weekend. We hope the cooling center provides some respite for those residents still without power.

• WHEN: Saturday, 9/28 - 1:00PM to 5:00 PM & Sunday, 9/29 - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• WHERE: Recreation Center (400 S Walton Ave)

When in doubt, throw it out! Refrigerated or frozen foods may not be safe to eat after a loss of power. Food that may have had contact with flood water or storm water may also be unsafe to eat.

Click here to learn more from the CDC!

SEPTEMBER 28, 2024 9:00 P.M. - Wastewater Outages

Important Sewer Service Information: Several areas of the City are without sewer service due to lift stations being without power. See map below for more information. We ask residents to limit water use to essential use only!

SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 6:18 P.M. - Wastewater Outages

Important Sewer Service Information: Several areas of the City are without sewer service due to lift stations being without power. See map below for more information. We ask residents to limit water use to essential use only!

SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 2:40 P.M. - High Water Mark Survey

High Water Mark Survey (arcgis.com): If your home has a high water mark, the City Emergency Management Team would like a photo to document historic flood data. Please take two (2) photos, one wide, and one close with a house number. If the elevation of the grade is known and can be written on the stake, please include that in the picture as well.

Links to the business/resident damage assessment surveys are provided below:

• BUSINESS DAMAGE ASSESSMENT SURVEY
• RESIDENT DAMAGE ASSESSMENT SURVEY

SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 2:00 P.M. - Wastewater Outages / Important Post-Storm Information

Important Sewer Service Information: Several areas of the City are without sewer service due to lift stations being without power. See map below for more information. We ask residents to limit water use to essential use only!

Reporting/Repairing Damage:

• 9-1-1 is for reporting life-threatening emergencies only – not damages or power outages. Report issues such as downed traffic lights, broken traffic signs or other damage to public infrastructure through SeeClickFix at pinellas.gov/SeeClickFix.
• 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.
• Report damages to your home, business, roads or other public infrastructure to qualify our community for federal aid. See links at: disaster.pinellas.gov.
• Do not do work on your home that is beyond your limitations, especially with large tree branches.
• Make sure contractors you hire are licensed – unlicensed or fraudulent contractors often target desperate homeowners in the aftermath of hurricanes. 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.

Lost Pets:

• If you have lost or found a pet, visit pinellas.gov/lost-and-found.
• The Pinellas County Animal Services shelter is closed Friday, Sept. 27, but anticipates opening Saturday morning. At that time, 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.
• If you find a lost pet on Friday, Sept. 27, you may be able to take it to Tampa Bay Vet Specialists Emergency Center, 1601 S. Belcher Road, Largo. Call first: (727) 531-5752.

Home Safety:

• Avoid downed power lines. Report downed lines to the power company if you are able.
• Do not wade through floodwaters, which could have live power lines, sewage, wildlife and dangerous objects.
• Use a generator safely. Keep generators in well-ventilated locations outside, away from all doors, windows and vent openings. Never use a generator in a garage, even with the door open.
• Water-damaged power outlets can cause fires. Keep your power off after home flooding until an electrician can take a look.
• If you have an electric vehicle or golf cart and it was exposed to salt water, it needs to be moved away from your home by at least 50 feet. These vehicles may catch fire in the coming days.