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http://www.tampa.gov
Hurricane Recovery


** Hurricane Recovery Resources
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** Storm Debris Collection
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Curbside Collection: Debris collection continues seven days a week. Debris from Hurricanes Helene & Milton is estimated to be an approximate 1,000,000 cubic yards. That’s 10,000 football fields! The collection strategy:
* The City of Tampa has hired additional contractors to support its Solid Waste teams. Although regional demand for haulers has caused stiff competition, the City is doubling its payment rate to increase resources.
* Household debris will be collected first, and then vegetative debris will be collected second.
* The full storm debris collection process is expected to take approximately 90 days. FEMA will reimburse the City of Tampa for the cost of collection up to 90 days, so City staff is striving to reach that goal to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Vegetative Storm Debris Drop-Off Sites: Tampa residents can bring vegetative storm debris for free to two drop-off sites: Gadsden Park and 22nd St Park. Just need to bring ID, showing a City of Tampa address. Both sites are open Monday through Saturday from 7 am – 5 pm. Reminder: No plastic bags.

McKay Bay Transfer Station: Have debris (any kind) and ready to dispose of it? Take it for free to the McKay Bay Transfer Station, which is open Monday through Saturday from 7 am – 7 pm. Just need to bring ID, showing a City of Tampa address.

New Debris Webpage: Follow along and track collection progress on the new debris webpage at tampa.gov/debris (https://www.tampa.gov/debris) . There’s a progress map, FAQs, curbside collection guidelines, and more.


**
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** Apply for FEMA
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FEMA assistance is available to City of Tampa residents who experienced damages/losses due to Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton - financial help for temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-caused expenses. Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov (https://www.DisasterAssistance.gov/) , the FEMA app, or by phone at 1-800-621-3362. Note: After applying for FEMA assistance, a home inspection may be necessary to help determine whether the home is safe, sanitary and livable. Inspectors do not make decisions regarding eligibility for assistance. Information gathered during the inspection is part of several criteria used by FEMA to determine if applicants are eligible for federal assistance. Some programs available are:
* Individual Assistance (https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual)
* Clean and Sanitize Assistance (https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/clean-and-sanitize-assistance-4)
* Transitional Sheltering Assistance (https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_tsa_qrg_20241009_final.pdf)
* Operation Blue Roof (https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Emergency-Operations/Blue-Roof-Info/)
* Small Business Administration Loans (https://www.sba.gov/)

Inspectors will make an appointment with the applicant before coming and will already have the applicant’s FEMA application number. They carry photo identification. For security reasons, federal identification may not be photographed or recorded. Inspectors will never ask for, or accept, money. Their service is free. Don't believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment. Don't give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information. If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to the Tampa Police Department or contact Florida’s Office of the Attorney General by calling 866-9-NO-SCAM (866-966-7226) or visit myfloridalegal.com (https://www.myfloridalegal.com/) .

2024 FEMA application deadlines:
* Hurricane Debby - November 12
* Hurricane Helene - November 27
* Hurricane Milton - December 11


** Multi Agency Resource Center
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Multiple state and local agencies are stationed at Barksdale Senior Center (1801 N. Lincoln Ave) to assist residents: Department of Motor Vehicles, CareerSource, and Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation. It is open today and tomorrow (October 21-22) from 7 am - 7 pm.


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Resident Damage Self Reporting Form
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Residents can self-report damages to help prioritize the City of Tampa's damage assessment operations using the Resident Damage Self Reporting Form (https://www.tampa.gov/SelfReport) .


**
Comfort Stations
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Hillsborough County has opened eight comfort stations (https://hcfl.gov/newsroom/2024/10/20/hillsborough-county-to-open-four-additional-comfort-stations-on-monday-oct-21) to offer showers, restrooms, washers and dryers for laundry, and a cooling tent. Hot food or boxed meals are available at lunch and dinner times. They are open from 7 am - 7 pm daily until further notice. Three are almost adjacent to City of Tampa city limits:
* Hillsborough Avenue and Hanley Road in Town N Country (7501 W. Hillsborough Ave)
* University Area Community Development Corporation, Inc. (14013 N 22nd St)
* University Mall (2200 E. Fowler Ave)


** Beware of Contractor Scams
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After a disaster, qualified contractors are usually in high demand. Scammers or unqualified out-of-state workers may take advantage of those in need of expert service. If you have been approached to have work done on or at your home, you can check if that individual is licensed at myfloridalicense.com (https://www.myfloridalicense.com/) . See tampa.gov/hurricane (https://www.tampa.gov/hurricane) for tips when hiring a contractor.


**
Virtual Appointments for Hurricane Recovery Permit Assistance
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The City of Tampa’s "Q-Up Tampa" tool (https://www.tampa.gov/construction-services/qup-tampa) offers virtual appointments (https://mailchi.mp/tampa.gov/city-of-tampa-offers-virtual-appointments-for-permit-assistance?e=37e7a7e3a2) for permits and plan review consultations. Residents can meet with the Construction Services staff from anywhere from a computer or smartphone. To lessen the burden of repairs, the City is waiving fees on storm-related damage permit applications and offering expedited permit review for specific types of permits & inspections:
* Trade Permits: Roof repair/roof replacement over 500 SF, all electrical-related activities related to storm damage, garage door replacement, HVAC mechanical change-out, hot water heater change-out, and replacement of multiple exterior doors.
* Building Permits: Alteration permits to include wall repair/wall replacement and demolition permits related to storm damage.

Reminder: In performing repairs during this time, the following actions do not require a building permit:
* Any drywall repair 2 feet or less from the finished floor.
* New roof covering, or the recovering, re-roofing or repairing of an existing roof covering, either of which is five hundred (500) square feet or less.
* Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.
* Fence Repair & Replacement.
* Repair of soffits & facia.
* Replacement of front and rear exterior doors (keeping existing framing).


** Help Tampa
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Together, we can make Tampa stronger and more resilient. The City of Tampa is gathering a list of volunteers interested in supporting our community’s recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. If you're ready to lend a hand and assist in relief efforts, please provide your contact information via the form at tampa.gov/HelpTampa (https://www.tampa.gov/HelpTampa) . To donate new items, food, or essential supplies please email Neighborhoods@tampagov.net (mailto:Neighborhoods@tampagov.net) .


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Food Resources
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Feeding Tampa Bay (https://feedingtampabay.org/) is operational and distributing food from its Causeway Center.


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Sandbag Reuse Guidance
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If sandbags did NOT come in contact with floodwaters, sandbags can be reused for future preparedness. Rained on sandbags can sun-dried and stored in a dry location until time to reuse. Clean sand can also be spread in gardens or on lawns, and empty bags can be stored or disposed of.

If sandbags have come in contact with floodwaters, sandbags should not be reused due to potential contamination. To dispose of sandbags, residents should bring them to the City of Tampa McKay Bay Scale House (114 S 34th Street). Residents should not place sand bags in any City-issued solid waste container.


**
Mental Health Resources
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Florida residents have experienced three hurricanes in a short period. There are resources available to help cope with stress. See tips from the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay on prioritizing mental health after hurricanes. (https://www.crisiscenter.com/stories/2024/10/prioritizing-mental-health-after-the-hurricanes/)


**
Stay #TampaReady
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Hurricane season ends November 30, so it’s important to stay prepared and informed. Text TAMPAREADY or TAMPALISTA to 888-777 to sign up for emergency text alerts. Register at tampa.gov/AlertTampa (https://www.tampa.gov/AlertTampa) for voicemail and email alerts. Make sure to restock your Emergency Supply Kit and review the 2024 Hillsborough County Disaster Preparedness Guide (https://www.tampa.gov/document/2024-hillsborough-county-disaster-preparedness-guide-148516) again.

LAST WEEK'S HEADLINES

washing machines
Hillsborough County to open additional comfort stations (https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/hillsborough-county-to-open-additional-comfort-stations/)
WFLA NewsChannel 8
All comfort stations will provide showers, restrooms, and washers and dryers for laundry.

front loader cleaning up downed trees in the road
City of Tampa hopes to collect all storm debris within 90 days (https://www.abcactionnews.com/city-of-tampa-hopes-to-collect-all-storm-debris-within-90-days)
ABC Action News
“We need the community’s help in this,” Castor said.

Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful help clean up Tampa parks after back-to-back hurricanes
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful help clean up Tampa parks after back-to-back hurricanes (https://www.fox13news.com/news/keep-tampa-bay-beautiful-help-clean-up-tampa-parks-after-back-to-back-hurricanes)
FOX13
As the City of Tampa continues to recover from these storms, groups like Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful will continue their cleanup efforts.

hurricane debris
‘Almost every day somebody stops by:’ Beware of unlicensed public adjusters (https://www.wfla.com/8-on-your-side/better-call-behnken/beware-of-unlicensed-public-adjusters/)
WFLA NewsChannel 8
Dominguez says they’re giving bad advice and asking for money upfront.

man holding open sign in front of business
11 ways to help struggling Tampa Bay businesses after Milton and Helene (https://www.tampabay.com/hurricane/2024/10/17/hurricane-milton-helene-small-business-gofundme/)
Tampa Bay Times
You can support the local places you love while doing some post-hurricane self-care.

glass of water
Tampa residents will get estimated utility bill due to Milton damage (https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/tampa-residents-estimated-water-bill-due-milton-damage/67-baf7faae-7c15-4324-9133-31a9ccf2e401)
10 Tampa Bay
Residents will see changes to their bills since water meters can't be read from storm damage.

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COMING UP THIS WEEK

Tuesday, October 22 at 9:30 a.m.
PORT TAMPA BAY COMMISSIONERS MEETING

Thursday, October 24 at 3 p.m.
UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

Friday, October 25 at 11 a.m.
Ribbon Cutting – MOFFITT CANCER CENTER / FERMAN FAMILY'S MOBILE LUNG SCREENING UNIT GRAND OPENING EVENT

Friday, October 25 at 4:15 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting - NEW WAVE ENERGY HEADQUARTERS/CASA GOMEZ BUILDING

Saturday, October 26 at 6 p.m.
TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION: ELEVATING EXCELLENCE GALA


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