Hurricane Milton Updates
 Some libraries and recreation centers that now have electricity will reopen to the public starting Saturday, Oct. 13. And Monday, Oct. 14, the city will reopen the majority of its city offices, libraries and recreation centers.
A small number of libraries and recreation centers with power continue to operate as cooling and charging stations for our residents.
 Individuals who are interested in helping in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton can make a monetary donation or sign up to volunteer with a non-profit organization through Volunteer Connect.
Advice and Information for Residents
- The most helpful way to help is to donate money to a non-profit organization that is working in the area, such as the Salvation Army or the Red Cross. The organizations use donations to assist with specific needs in the community. To certify the registration and financial information of a charity, go to Check-A-Charity (fdacs.gov) or call (800) HELP-FLA (435-7352). Volunteer Florida is also accepting monetary donations. Go to Donate to the Florida Disaster Fund - Volunteer Florida.
- Please do not bring material donations into the area without making prior arrangements with an agency. Presently, there are no collection centers open. Make prior arrangements with a nonprofit organization before delivering donations, or check disaster.pinellas.gov for updates.
- Individuals interested in volunteering can sign up via Volunteer Connect, a statewide online portal to match volunteers with organizations that are looking for help.
- Do not show up to volunteer at disaster areas without first registering and receiving an assignment through Volunteer Connect. The organization you are assigned to will provide instructions and information.
- Please do not self-deploy. Individuals and groups coming into Pinellas County are responsible for their own lodging, meals and other expenses.
 While many Clearwater residents remain without power, the city of Clearwater is offering several city facilities to serve as cooling and charging stations.
-
North Greenwood Recreation Center, 900 N. MLK Jr. Ave., is open Friday, Oct. 11 (8 a.m. to 9 p.m.), Saturday, Oct. 12 (1 to 5 p.m.), and Monday, Oct. 14 (8 a.m. to 9 p.m.). The center is closed Sunday, Oct. 13.
-
North Greenwood Library, 905 N. MLK Jr. Ave. is open Friday, Oct. 11 (noon to 5 p.m.), Saturday, Oct. 12 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and Monday, Oct. 14 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.) The library closed Sunday, Oct. 13.
-
The Long Center, 1501 N. Belcher Rd., is open Friday, Oct. 11 (6 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Saturday, Oct. 12 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and Monday, Oct. 14 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.). The center is closed Sunday, Oct. 13.
-
Clearwater Main Library, 100 N. Osceola Ave. will be open Saturday, Oct. 12 (noon to 5 p.m.) and Monday, Oct. 14 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.). The library is closed on Sunday, Oct. 13.
-
Countryside Library, 2642 Sabal Springs Dr., is open Saturday, Oct. 12 (noon to 5 p.m.), Sunday, Oct. 13 (noon to 5 p.m.) and Monday, Oct. 14 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
-
Countryside Recreation Center, 2640 Sabal Springs Dr., is open Saturday, Oct. 12 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Monday, Oct. 14 (5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.). The recreation center is closed on Sunday, Oct. 13
In the aftermath of the recent hurricanes, the city of Clearwater will waive building permit fees for residents trying to make repairs after the storm. The waiver will be for residential customers across the city who are most seriously impacted. It will not apply to businesses.
A pop-up permitting site will be open starting at noon Tuesday, Oct. 15 at the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center, 69 Bay Esplanade, on the tennis courts. After that, it will be open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Staff will be on hand to answer questions, help with and issue permits. Look for the Clearwater Police Department command bus.
The city of Clearwater has adopted higher standards for building within the flood-hazard area, which are identified within the city of Clearwater’s Community Development Code, Chapter 51, Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. To view your required design flood elevation for your property and other flood-protection information, visit MyClearwater.com/zones.
 Residents with Friday pickups should place their black barrels out at the curb Saturday, Oct. 12. Recycling pickups continue to be suspended, due to the storm. Our processor is currently experiencing a power outage, and once power is restored, recycling will most likely resume on Monday, Oct. 14.
 Clearwater Fire & Rescue were on scene of a structure fire today, Oct. 11, on Gentry Drive at a scrap metal recycling business in Clearwater. Clearwater public safety officials said this fire was caused by appliance debris from the recent hurricanes.
It's so important to properly sort debris at your curb and to dispose of hazardous materials properly for this reason. You can dispose of electronics and hazardous materials, like lithium-ion batteries, at Pinellas County Solid Waste for free recycling and disposal.
-
Household Hazardous Waste Center: Drop off materials from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays and the first and third Saturday of each month, at 2855 109th Ave. N. in St. Petersburg.
-
Household Chemical Collection Events: These events are held throughout Pinellas County on select Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Events are held Oct. 12, Oct. 26, Nov. 23 and Dec. 14, at 29582 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater.
This collection program is for Pinellas County households only. Businesses, hobbyists, haulers, and nonprofits should visit the Pinellas County's Business Collection webpage.
Cleaning up after Hurricane Helene took crews a week to complete just one day's route, which covers approximately one-fifth of the city, in less severely affected areas. It will take approximately a month to complete debris removal throughout the entire city. We ask for your patience as crews resume work when it is safe to do and routes are cleared of debris.
Separating debris into categories helps speed up the collection process and ensures reimbursement from FEMA. Residential homeowners should organize their storm debris into three piles at the curb: large appliances, construction debris, and vegetative debris. It’s important not to place debris on the road or near trees, poles, fire hydrants, utility boxes, or meters. You can mix debris from both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. If debris isn’t sorted correctly, it may delay pickup.
For business, residents on private roads, or those in condos or apartments should coordinate debris pick up with your provider. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this challenging time.
 Drinking water service has been fully restored to the Clearwater barrier island as of 7 p.m. Oct. 10. There is no need to boil water; the drinking water is perfectly safe to drink.
Some of the wastewater lift stations are still offline for Island Estates, Clearwater Beach and Sand Key, so residents are encouraged to continue conserving water to avoid unnecessary strain on the city's wastewater system.
 Several traffic signals across the city of Clearwater remain out, due to damage from Hurricane Milton. Clearwater Police Department reminds motorists to drive slowly and treat all inoperable or flashing traffic lights like a four-way stop.
Report Storm Damage
 Clearwater residents can report storm damage via Clearwater Connect or by calling (727) 562-4682 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14. The call center will not be open Saturday or Sunday.
Beware of Scams
 Many areas in the city of Clearwater have incurred severe property damage because of back-to-back impacts from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
Pinellas County Consumer Protection reminds residents to be cautious when hiring someone to make repairs. Avoid becoming a victim of a home improvement scam by recognizing these warning signs:
-
Watch out for “fly-by-night” contractors who take deposits and do little or no work. Avoid dealing with anyone soliciting work door-to-door; take the opportunity to check them out first.
-
Be wary of contractors who ask for advance payment in full. Pay upon completion or as the work progresses.
-
Beware of any contractor who tells you that extensive or structural repairs do not require a permit. The contractor should pull the required building permits, not the homeowner.
Keep the following tips in mind to ensure that your repairs are completed satisfactorily:
-
Deal only with licensed and insured contractors. Obtain their name, license number and proof of general liability and workers’ comp insurance.
-
In a state of emergency, as we have now, verify the license status of state-certified contractors online at MyFloridaLicense.com. A list of PCCLB-licensed, qualified and insured contractors can be found online using the Contractor Search feature.
-
Be sure that you have a written contract that details the work to be completed. Also, retain proof of payment for the work in case you need it later.
-
Require the contractor to supply a final affidavit indicating that all subcontractors and suppliers used on the job are paid in full.
-
Ensure that the contractor has had the work inspected by the building department before you make final payment.
Marymont Park Update
Marymont Park is temporarily being used as a staging area for city debris, until our contractor returns and removes it from this location. This decision was made in an emergency, as crews work hard to clear the road to restore access for public safety, provide access for Public Utilities to restore wastewater service to avoid sanitary sewer overflows, and to allow staff to restore our stormwater system that was impacted by storm debris. We apologize for the inconvenience.
We are unsure at this time how long the area will serve as a staging location, but when the work is done, our crews will restore the beauty of this bright and beautiful park.
Resources for Businesses
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans
 Florida Commerce activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making money available for businesses impacted by the hurricanes. Florida small business owners in need of assistance are encouraged to visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. Businesses in Pinellas County, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply.
The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Helene. Interested applicants can apply now through Nov. 24, 2024, or until all available funds are expended. Business owners who need further program information may call 833-832-4494 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern Time.
Unemployment Assistance
Florida Commerce announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of the recent hurricanes and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits.
U.S. Small Business Administration
Businesses and most private non-profit organizations located in a declared disaster area that incurred damage during a disaster may apply for low-interest loans or economic injury disaster loans.
|
