TAMPA, Fla. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened disaster recovery centers across the Tampa Bay area as community members and businesses work to rebuild following Hurricane Helene.
These centers offer various services, including application assistance for applying to federal disaster programs, such as FEMA grants and low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration.
Disaster-related resources, such as pamphlets and brochures that can help you better understand the recovery process, will be available at the sites. DRC staff can also refer residents to other local, state and federal agencies providing additional assistance, such as housing, legal services and counseling.
The centers will also provide translation and accessibility services, as well as access to computers and phones.
Remember 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.
Pinellas County opened a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at the Largo Public Library starting at 1 p.m. on Wednesday. The center, located on 120 Central Park Dr., will be open thereafter at the following times:
- Monday through Wednesday — 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Thursday and Friday — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hillsborough County residents impacted by Helene can find assistance at the following FEMA Disaster Recovery Center:
- Hillsborough Community College (HCC) at The Regent — 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview
- Open through Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Residents in Sarasota County can head to the following FEMA Disaster Recovery Center for assistance:
- Sarasota Christian Church — 2923 Ashton Rd.
- Open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Open Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Polk County
The county has not opened an official Disaster Recovery Center.
Residents can apply for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, via the FEMA app or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
Citrus County residents can find assistance at the following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers:
- Citrus Springs Community Center — 1570 West Citrus Springs Blvd.
- Open until further notice
- Coastal Region Library — 8619 West Crystal St. in Crystal River
- Open Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Open Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pasco County
The county has not opened an official Disaster Recovery Center.
Residents can apply for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, via the FEMA app or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
Manatee County Residents can head to the following FEMA Disaster Recovery Center for assistance:
- Lakewood Ranch Library — 16410 Rangeland Pkwy. in Bradenton
- Open Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 a.m.
Hernando County
The county has not opened an official Disaster Recovery Center.
Residents in Hernando County are eligible to apply for FEMA assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, via the FEMA app or by calling 1-800-621-3362.