Hurricane Helene Recovery: Updates from Local Authorities

As communities recover from Hurricane Helene, local governments are rolling out vital resources and updates to assist residents. The following information highlights essential services available across various counties, ensuring residents are informed about recovery efforts.

Hillsborough County: Comfort Stations Opened

Essential Amenities for Affected Residents

Hillsborough County, in collaboration with the City of Tampa, has initiated the opening of six comfort stations to assist those impacted by Hurricane Helene. These stations are designed to provide:

• Showers and Restrooms: Essential sanitation facilities.
• Laundry Services: Washing machines and dryers available for use.
• Charging Stations: A place for residents to recharge their electronic devices.
• Food Services: Hot meals and boxed lunches available at designated times.

Locations and Hours of Operation

• Open on Monday, September 30:

  • Marjorie Park Marina: 97 Columbia Dr., Tampa, FL 33606
  • Desoto Park: 2617 Corrine St., Tampa, FL 33605
• Open on Tuesday, October 1:
  • 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 Road, Tampa, FL 33615
  • Skyway Sports Complex & Park: 3901 George Rd., Tampa, FL 33634

Hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., subject to change.

Reporting Damage

Residents are encouraged to fill out the Hurricane Helene Damage Reporting Form to document property damage. This will help authorities assess and respond to the storm’s impact. For assistance, contact (833) HC Storm or (833) 427-8676.

Pinellas County: Cooling Stations Available

Temporary Relief for Residents

Pinellas County has opened multiple cooling stations for residents still without power:

• Locations & Hours:

  • Clearwater:
  • Morningside Recreation Center: 2400 Harn Blvd, Clearwater – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Long Center: 1501 N Belcher Road, Clearwater – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Countryside Rec Center: 2640 Sabal Springs Drive, Clearwater – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • More locations available; check Pinellas County.
• City of Clearwater: Access for Island Estates Residents
  • Re-entry for residents and business owners is permitted for damage assessments. Proof of residency required.

St. Petersburg Updates

St. Petersburg’s city teams are assessing storm damage, with numerous facilities expected to resume normal operations by Monday, September 30.

Manatee County: Ongoing Damage Assessments

Restoration Efforts

As of late Friday, preliminary assessments indicate significant damages with residential losses estimated at $153 million and commercial losses totaling over $1.9 million. Residents should exercise caution by verifying contractor credentials before enacting repairs.

Community Support

Manatee County has established Points of Distribution (PODs) for meals, water, and basic necessities at various locations:

• Sites include:
  • Bennett Park: 400 Cypress Creek Blvd., Bradenton
  • Blackstone Park: 2112 14th Ave. W., Palmetto
  • GT Bray Park: 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton

Sarasota County: Preliminary Damage Reports

Community Assessments Underway

Sarasota County reports an estimated $49 million in residential damages, with assessments continuing. All residents are encouraged to follow proper storm debris disposal protocols.

Barrier Island Preparations

Debris collection will begin on October 2 for barrier island residents. Proper separation of debris from regular trash is essential for efficient collection.

Hernando County: Volunteer Support and Cleanup Hotline

Assistance for Residents

Hernando County has activated the Hurricane Helene Cleanup Hotline at (844) 965-1386 to connect residents with volunteer assistance for cleanup tasks.

Important Safety Reminders

Residents should be cautious concerning food safety post-power outages and to avoid floodwaters, which may harbor harmful contaminants.

General Safety Tips Post-Hurricane

• Food Safety: Always check the safety of perishable items after a power outage. When in doubt, discard potentially unsafe food.
• Flood Awareness: Avoid driving or walking through floodwaters. Consult the latest advisories and community updates for travel safety.

For more information and ongoing updates, residents should continue to monitor local news channels and follow their respective county’s social media accounts.

By staying informed and utilizing available resources, residents can effectively navigate the recovery process following Hurricane Helene.