ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — In the days since Hurricane Helene swept through the Tampa Bay region, causing widespread damage, so many are still left picking up the pieces.
From Hernando to Sarasota counties, Hurricane Helene's historic storm surge battered the Gulf coast. Homes were destroyed and businesses were lost. In the midst of so much uncertainty and devastation, however, there is reason for hope. Many volunteers and organizations are hard at work ensuring hurricane victims receive the assistance they need.
Below is a guide for the Tampa Bay area to access for help with Hurricane Helene recovery.
Citrus County
Shelter
Disaster Recovery Shelter: The American Red Cross is managing a shelter at the Citrus Springs Community Center for those temporarily displaced from their homes due to Hurricane Helene. The shelter will provide a place to sleep, meals and disaster case management. You will be provided a cot and blanket. Bring your own toiletries and any other personal items you may need.
Food & Water
Non-perishable food drive: Now through Oct. 11, people can drop off non-perishable food items to help victims of Hurricane Helene at 3650 W. Sovereign Path in Lecanto.
Drive-thru lunch for first responders: First responders can receive a free meal on Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lollygaggers.
Ice pickup: Hurricane Helene victims can get free ice at Jim LeGrone Memorial Park in Crystal River.
Damage Repair
Permit fees suspended for Hurricane Helene damage repairs: The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners suspended building permit fees for repairs due to storm damage from Helene. The suspensions will extend for 90 days. To learn how to qualify and what steps you need to take, tap here.
To report damage, tap here.
Debris Clean Up
In Citrus County, officials said that storm debris should be placed curbside, without blocking storm drains or the roadway. Any debris that's placed between the sidewalk and your home will not be picked up.
The county said to separate debris into six different categories to ensure efficient pickup. Tap here for a complete debris removal guide.
Waste Management has resumed regular household trash collection. Recycling is being suspended until further notice to prioritize waste collection. For more information, tap here.
Hotlines
Hurricane Helene Cleanup Hotline: (844) 965-1386
Transportation Services: (352) 527-7630
FEMA: (800) 621-3362
Red Cross: 1-800-RED CROSS
USDA - Agriculture Assistance: 1-352-379-4500
SBA Disaster Assistance Loans: 1-800-659-2955
Florida Disaster Legal Aid Hotline: 833-514-2940
Other Resources:
Laundry Services: Hurricane Helene victims can use washers and dryers for free at 70 North Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River, FL 34429, which is the Home Depot parking lot. You must bring your own detergent. The machines will be operating 24 hours a day until further notice. Learn more here.
Hernando County
Shelter
Temporary Housing Survey: The county is asking those affected by Hurricane Helene to fill out this survey to help assess the needs of the community.
Food & Water
Family Resource Center: Located at located at the Weeki Wachee Area Club, the Family Resource Center will be providing Hurricane Helene victims with non-perishable food and water. The center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Damage Repair
Hernando County is offering emergency building permits for those who complete this application and have it notarized, if applicable. Learn more here.
Debris Clean Up
In Hernando County, areas included in debris removal pickup are between CR 550 (Cortez Blvd) and Osowaw Blvd., west of US 19. Only storm-related debris will be collected. To ensure you're disposing of your debris correctly, learn more here.
Hernando County Solid Waste is extending the hours of the West Hernando Convenience Center for debris drop-off from 7 a.m. to 7 a.m. through the end of the week.
Debris removal hotline: 833-307-5580
Hotlines
Debris removal hotline: 833-307-5580
FEMA: (800) 621-3362
Red Cross: 1-800-RED CROSS
Mobile Response Team: 352-467-6529
Florida Disaster Legal Aid Hotline: 833-514-2940
Other Resources:
Family Resource Center: Hernando County is supplying those impacted by Hurricane Helene with clean-up supplies, non-perishable food, water toiletries, mental health assistance and other resources. The Family Resource Center will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until further notice. It is located at the Weeki Wachee Area Club. The county says the location and times are subject to change. Tap here for updates.
Hernando County business help: The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce is assisting with Hurricane Helene recovery, by guiding individuals through the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan, the SBA Physical Disaster Loan and Florida Small Business Emergency Loan Program. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Tuesday, Oct. 8 and Wednesday, Oct. 9 at the Family Resource Center.
Learn more about receiving business help by tapping here.
Shower/laundry: Hurricane Helene victims can do their laundry, take a shower and use the restroom at trailers located in Hernando Beach and Aripeki. Tap here for more information.
Transportation Services: Hernando County's "TheBus" will provide emergency transportation services for the Hernando Beach community until further notice. TheBus route will run between Walmart US 19, Comfort Station Hernando Beach, Linda Pederson Park (Emergency Permitting Station), Family Resource Center and Comfort Station Airipeka. TheBus will run seven days a week. It will begin its route at Walmart 19 at 7:00 AM and end its route at Walmart 19 at 7:00 PM. For more information, call 352-754-4444.
U-Haul free storage: U-Haul is offering free, 30-day self-storage as a part of its disaster relief program. Learn more here.
Hillsborough County
Shelter
Comfort stations: Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa have comfort stations for Hurricane Helene victims. These stations offer showers, restrooms, ice, washers & dryers and charging stations for electronic devices. Make sure to bring your own laundry supplies. Hot food and boxed meals will be available for lunch and dinner. Below is a list of comfort stations, operating daily until further notice from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.:
- Marjorie Park Marina, 97 Columbia Dr., Tampa, FL 33606
- Desoto Park, 2617 Corrine St., Tampa, FL 33605
- Apollo Beach Park & Recreation Center, 664 Golf and Sea Blvd., Apollo Beach, FL 33572
- Ruskin Park & Recreation Center, 901 6th St. SE, Ruskin, FL 33570
- Sandy Perrone Park, 5120 Kelly Rd., Tampa, FL 33615
- Skyway Sports Complex & Park, 3901 George Rd., Tampa, FL 33634
- Gandy Civic Association, 4207 Oklahoma Ave., Tampa, FL 33616
NOTE: The county announced on Friday that the comfort stations at Sandy Perrone Park and the Ruskin Park & Recreation Center are getting full. Residents are advised to visit the Apollo Beach Park & Recreation Center or the Skyway Sports Complex & Park if possible.
Food & Water
Comfort stations: Hot food and boxed meals will be available for lunch and dinner at six different comfort stations located above.
Damage Repair
Emergency permits for minor repairs: The county's development services department is offering emergency permits for residential and commercial structures that may need minor repairs. To learn more, tap here.
Debris Clean Up
Those impacted by flooding should place debris curbside without blocking the roadway or storm drains. Residents should also separate materials into three categories: Yard waste, damaged household appliances and construction, and demolition debris, including furniture, drywall, carpet and fencing.
Residents are also being asked to put debris out by the curb by Oct. 7. To learn more, tap here.
Collection centers: Hillsborough County Solid Waste Community Collection Centers will be open from 7:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. daily:
- Alderman's Ford Solid Waste Facility - 9402 County Road 39 in Plant City
- Hillsborough Heights Solid Waste Facility - 6209 County Road 579 in Seffner
- Northwest County Solid Waste Facility - 8001 W. Linebaugh Avenue in Tampa
- South County Solid Waste Facility - 13000 US Hwy 41 in Gibsonton
- Wimauma Solid Waste Facility - 16180 W. Lake Drive in Wimauma
Hotlines
FEMA: (800) 621-3362
Red Cross: 1-800-RED CROSS
Florida Disaster Legal Aid Hotline: 833-514-2940
Other Resources:
Disaster Recovery Center: The Hillsborough County Disaster Recovery Center is open to individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits who need help completing applications after being impacted by Hurricanes Debby and Helene. It will be open at the Hillsborough Community Center from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Sunday, Oct. 6. To learn more, tap here.
Laundry: Residents can access laundry services at the Laundromart of Tampa, located at 82151 Florida Avenue. Machines will be available free of charge, but you're asked to bring your own laundry supplies. Operations will run from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Manatee County
Shelter
Temporary Housing Assistance: A Red Cross Shelter is open at First Baptist of Bradenton (1306 Manatee Ave W) to provide temporary housing to Hurricane Helene victims.
Housing assistance: Housing providers are working with Manatee County to rehome residents. Tap here to see what's available.
Food & Water
Distribution Centers: There are five locations in Manatee County, opened from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., where Hurricane Helene victims can secure ready-to-eat meals and water:
- GT Bray Park – 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton
- Kingfish Boat Ramp – 752 Manatee Ave. Holmes Beach
- Blackstone Park – 2112 14th Ave. W., Palmetto
- Wakeland Support Center – E 1812 27th St. E., Bradenton
- City of Bradenton Parking Garage – 3rd Ave W & 10th St W
Other help: Florida Power & Light teams are stationed at 508 10th Street in East Palmetto and 6215 SSR-64 in East Bradenton, providing water and other resources.
Damage Repair
Replacing or repairing a structure: Manatee County is reminding residents to verify a contractor's license before making any repairs. Learn more here. As all repairs require permits, the county is waiving building permit fees for storm-related repairs through Feb. 1, 2025. To learn more, tap here.
Fees waived: To help Manatee County residents, Development Services is waiving residential and commercial property building permit fees through December 31, 2024, for standard door and window replacement (size for size), standard roof replacement, standard electrical (minor electrical repairs) and standard residential (alteration for interior repair from water intrusion). Learn more here.
Debris Clean Up
Debris collection is underway in Manatee County. County leaders said to separate debris from your garbage and into these three categories:
- Vegetative (e.g. tree branches)
- Construction/demolition (building materials, furniture/mattresses, fencing)
- Appliances/white goods
Debris haulers will go through impacted areas multiple times, officials said. For more information, tap here.
Hotlines
FEMA: (800) 621-3362
Red Cross: 1-800-RED CROSS
Florida Disaster Legal Aid Hotline: 833-514-2940
Other Resources:
Cooling Stations: There are five locations in Manatee County where Hurricane Helene victims can cool off and collect other resources:
- GT Bray Park – 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton
- Kingfish Boat Ramp – 752 Manatee Ave. Holmes Beach
- Blackstone Park – 2112 14th Ave. W., Palmetto
- Wakeland Support Center – E 1812 27th St. E., Bradenton
- City of Bradenton Parking Garage – 3rd Ave W & 10th St W
Mobile health clinic: MCR Health provides free medical visits, medication/prescription refills, mental health services and referral services:
- Thursday, October 3rd from 9 a.m. -4 p.m.: Cortez Village, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St W
- Friday, October 4th from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Palmetto Point
Disaster Recovery Center: Operating from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, this recovery center will be located at Lakewood Ranch Library.
Pasco County
Shelter
Cooling stations: The following locations will provide access to air conditioning, restrooms, showers, laundry and charging stations. You must bring your own toiletries and laundry supplies:
- Hudson Library | 8012 Library Rd, Hudson | 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- J Ben Harrill Recreation Complex | 2830 Gulf Trace Blvd, Holiday | 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Aripeka Baptist Church | 18731 Aripeka Rd | 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- New Port Richey Recreation & Aquatic Center | 6630 Van Buren St., New Port Richey | 5 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Green Key | 6435 US-19, New Port Richey | 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Food & Water
Points of Distribution: Pasco County has two locations where Hurricane Helene victims can access food and water. Both sites are for drive-in customers from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until supplies last:
- Hudson Library Parking Lot
- J. Ben Harrill Recreations Complex Parking Lot
Damage Repair
Report Damage: Pasco County is offering an online tool to report storm damage from Hurricane Helene. The tool is to report structural damage to homes and businesses only. This is the fastest way the county says it can schedule assessments. Learn more here.
Debris Clean Up
Pasco County began accepting free storm-related debris drop-off on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the West Pasco Resource Recovery Center on 14606 Hays Road in Spring Hill.
The facility will be open Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Pasco residents will have to show proof of residency.
Separate debris should be placed at the curb or roadside and residents should be careful not to block fire hydrants, mailboxes or any other structures. Residents should also not place any debris in bags. Learn more here.
Hotlines
FEMA: (800) 621-3362
Red Cross: 1-800-RED CROSS
Debris Removal: 727-847-2411
Comfort station transportation: 727-847-2411 (Call 3 hours prior to round-trip reservation)
Florida Disaster Legal Aid Hotline: 833-514-2940
Other Resources:
Pasco County is offering this "What's Next" storm guide for tips on rebuilding, filing insurance claims and more.
Pinellas County
Shelter
For a complete list of shelters, tap here.
Food & Water
Points of Distribution: Pinellas County has three locations, open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., where barrier island residents impacted by Hurricane Helene can receive free food, water and tarps while supplies last:
- St. Pete Beach: 4700 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Food, water and tarps
- Treasure Island: 10451 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. Food, water and tarps
- Tierra Verde Fire Station: 540 Sands Point Drive, Tierra Verde. Water only
Additional sites are planned. Tap here for more information.
Damage Repair
To report damages to your home, business, roads or other infrastructure and to qualify for community or federal aid, tap here.
Debris Clean Up
Pinellas County is picking up debris by zone. Debris collection began storm debris collection in the unincorporated area of the county on Wednesday.
Those living in unincorporated areas can take their debris to one of the three locations below. You must show I.D. proof that you live in an unincorporated area:
- Starting Monday, Sept. 30, from noon to 7 p.m.: east-central location: 13600 Icot Boulevard, Clearwater
- Starting Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.: north location: southeast corner of East Lake Road and Keystone Road - enter off Keystone Road.
- Starting Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., west-central location: 14800 118th Ave N., Largo
It's important to follow the guidelines outlined by the county to ensure your debris gets picked up. Tap here for more information.
Hotlines
FEMA: (800) 621-3362
Red Cross: 1-800-RED CROSS
Crisis Cleanup: (844) 965-1386
Florida Disaster Legal Aid Hotline: 833-514-2940
Other Resources:
Business Recovery Assistance: Businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene can learn more about disaster recovery assistance and emergency loan programs by tapping here.
Cooling stations: Clearwater, Dunedin, Gulfport, Largo, Madeira Beach, Oldsmar, Seminole, St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach and Tarpon Springs all have locations open for residents to cool off and charge their devices. Tap here for a complete list.
Disaster recovery center: The recovery center is at the Largo Public Library until Saturday at 5 p.m. Then it will reopen at 9 a.m. Monday at the Florida Botanical Gardens, Magnolia Room.
Residents can access services and information related to disaster recovery there including help with applying for federal programs such as FEMA grants. The center will also have computer access and phone services.
Polk County
Debris Clean Up
Polk County’s Roads and Drainage Division will collect hurricane debris, including yard waste that does not meet residential collection guidelines and other materials. Waste must be hurricane-related. For more information, tap here.
Hotlines
FEMA: (800) 621-3362
Red Cross: 1-800-RED CROSS
Other Resources:
Polk County Emergency Management: Learn more about the county's emergency response by tapping here.
Sarasota County
Shelter
According to the county website, a temporary shelter is available at Colonial Oaks Park. Call 311 or 941-861-5000 for more information.
Damage Repair
Permitting: Sarasota County is expediting permits related to storm damage from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Debby. Fees will be temporarily reduced. For more information on permits and what you need, tap here.
Debris Clean Up
Sarasota County began collecting storm debris on Wednesday.
County leaders provided the following guidelines:
- Place large storm-related debris separately from regular garbage at the curb for collection.
- Separate items by category (construction and demolition materials, furniture/mattresses and appliances/white goods).
- Any construction and demolition materials contained in plastic bags should be placed with the regular garbage.
Disposal guidelines for those not living on the barrier islands can be viewed here.
If you need help cleaning up debris from Hurricane Helene, the county is offering free "Crisis Cleanup" services. Call (844) 965-1386 for more information.
Hotlines
FEMA: (800) 621-3362
Red Cross: 1-800-RED CROSS
State Assistance Information Line: 1-800-342-3557
Crisis Cleanup: (844) 965-1386
Florida Disaster Legal Aid Hotline: 833-514-2940
Other Resources:
Disaster Recovery Center: Sarasota County will offer services from FEMA, the Small Business Administration and other helpful organizations for those recovering from Hurricane Helene. Visit Sarasota Christian Church located at 2923 Ashton Road. The hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.