Hurricane Aftermath: Moving Forward

Hurricanes Helene & Milton have ravaged the Gulf coast from Hernando to Sarasota counties, leaving behind destroyed homes and ruined businesses. Despite the widespread devastation and uncertainty, hope remains. Numerous volunteers and organizations are tirelessly working to provide the necessary support to those affected by the hurricane. From shelters, to food & water, to storm debris and damage repair, here is a complete guide to help you recover, organized by resources for each county affected.

Shelter

Citrus County: 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.

Hernando County:  The county is asking those affected by Hurricane Helene to fill out this survey to help assess the needs of the community.

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.  Click here for more info.

Manatee County:  A Red Cross Shelter is open at First Baptist of Bradenton (1306 Manatee Ave W) to provide temporary housing to Hurricane Helene victims.

Florida Division of Emergency Management and FEMA are urgently reopening centers that were in place for Debby prior to Helene and these centers can serve people affected by both storms. New locations are being assessed to meet the needs in areas heavily impacted by Helene.

Food Assistance

Citrus County: 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.

Ice pickup: Hurricane Helene victims can get free ice at Jim LeGrone Memorial Park in Crystal River.

Hernando County:  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.

Manatee County: 5 distribution locations open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 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

Clean Up and Debris Removal

Citrus County: 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. Debris should be separated into six different categories to ensure efficient pickup. Click 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.

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.  Debris removal hotline:833-307-5580

Miscellaneous Aid

Citrus County

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.

Hernando County

Hurricane Helene victims can do their laundry, take a shower and use the restroom at trailers located in Hernando Beach and Aripeki.

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.

Hillsborough County

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

Pasco County

Pasco County is offering this “What’s Next” storm guide for tips on rebuilding, filing insurance claims and more.

Pinellas County 

Sarasota County

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.

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