Hurricane Helene & Milton - Recovery Assistance Information

This information page will be continue to be updated as new information becomes available. For all storm-related information, please visit the Hurricane Helene Information Page and Hurricane Milton Information Page.

UPDATED OCTOBER 15, 2024

OPERATION BLUE ROOF

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) announced that the US Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District has opened Operation Blue Roof through Tuesday, November 5th.

This program is a free service for homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties, providing fiber-enriched, industrial-strength sheeting to protect storm-damaged roofs until homeowners can make permanent repairs.

Impacted residents can sign up for this no-cost service by:

Visiting blueroof.gov, or
Calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258)

FEMA ASSISTANCE

If you need help with your FEMA application, have questions, or need assistance, representatives from FEMA will be at the Community Center (400 S. Walton Ave.) beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, October 16th from 9:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. daily.

DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER

A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) opened on Monday, October 14th with expanded services. When visiting a DRC, be sure 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.

Location: Florida Botanical Gardens, Magnolia Room, 12520 Ulmerton Rd., Largo
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M.

The DRCs serve as centralized locations where people can access various services and information related to disaster recovery including:

Information and Guidance
Application Assistance
Translation and Accessibility Services
Status Updates
Access to Disaster-Related Resources
Access to Computers and Phone (Computers are also available for use at the Tarpon Springs Library [138 E. Lemon Street])

In addition to FEMA, the following agencies will provide assistance at the DRC:

Florida Department of Veterans Affairs
Florida Department of Commerce
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Florida Department of Elder Affairs
Florida Department of Insurance Regulation
Florida Department of Children and Families with Hope Florida Navigators

More information, visit https://pinellas.gov/news/expanded-disaster-recovery-center-opening-in-largo/.

HOUSING OPTIONS FOR STORM DISPLACED RESIDENTS

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

HOMEOWNERS / RENTERS 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.

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)

Complete the Florida Business Disaster Assessment Survey at https://floridadisaster.biz/Respond/BusinessDamageAssessmentsSurvey.
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.
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.
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.

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.