Helene and Milton Recovery Updates 10/28

By The Greenhousedisaster recovery, hurricane, recovery

The resources and updates for businesses below were compiled on 10/28/2024.

As businesses recover from hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby, various resources are available to help. Please Note: Deadlines to apply are approaching.
  • Crisis Cleanup – Registration hotline will close November 1 (registration available online afterward). Call (844) 965-1386 or visit crisiscleanup.org.
  • Operation Blue Roof (Free Temporary Tarps for Roof Damage) – Deadline to apply is November 5. Sign up online at BlueRoof.gov or by calling 888-766-3258.
  • FEMA Individual Assistance Deadlines (Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app, or at 1-800-621-3362):
    • Debby: November 12
    • Hurricane Helene: November 27
    • Hurricane Milton: December 11
  • Disaster Unemployment Assistance: If you lost your job due to the hurricane, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits, learn more and submit claims at floridajobs.org
    • Deadlines: Debby: November 18  //  Helene: December 2 // Milton: December 10
       
  • Small Business Administration (SBA): Small businesses in Pinellas County may be eligible for Disaster Loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
  • A Small Business Administration (SBA) Business Recovery Center is available for assistance with critical business recovery programs and applications.
    • Located at the Pinellas County Economic Development office at The EpiCenter in Clearwater (13805 58th Street N., Suite 1-200, Clearwater FL 33760) from 9 AM – 4 PM.
    • APPOINTMENTS ARE NOT REQUIRED AND WALK-IN VISITS ARE WELCOME. More information and the application can be found at lending.sba.gov
    • Submit applications online using the MySBA Loan Portal at www.lending.sba.gov.
    • Please contact SBA’s Customer Service Center by email, disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or phone, 1-800-659-2955.
For the latest assistance, visit disaster.pinellas.gov AND/OR the city’s website,             stpete.org/residents/public_safety/hurricane_helene_recovery_assistance.php
 
OTHER IMPORTANT BUSINESS INFORMATION (REBUILDING, PERMITS, CONTRACTORS, RENTAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE, RECOVERY, DISASTER DISTRESS HELPLINE):
  • REBUILDING: All permitting activities will be handled at the main permitting office (Municipal Services Center at One 4th St. N).  Operating hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Wednesday 8 a.m.- 12 p.m.
     
  • PERMITTING & REBUILDING: Emergency Permits: Streamlined permit applications are available for urgent repairs. Email permits@stpete.org or call 727-893-7231 for any permitting-related questions.
     
  • PERMIT FEE WAIVERS: The City is waiving the application and inspection fees for permits to perform demolition and repair of properties damaged by the hurricane. While permits are still required, affected residents can remediate storm damage to their property without permitting fees over the next six months.
     
  • Make sure contractors are licensed. Learn more at pinellas.gov/choosing-a-contractor
    • 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
  • 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.