GOLF CART SERVICE (SUNSET BEACH)
The sand removal process continues today, Oct. 5, in the Sunset Beach neighborhood. The city will continue providing golf cart shuttles to assist in getting residents in and out of the neighborhood. Some areas of the neighborhood won't be accessible due to the apparatus working to remove sand. Crews are working as fast as they can to move sand so vehicles can access the neighborhood. The service will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
FEMA REGISTRATION:
• 800-621-FEMA (3362)
• www.disasterassistance.gov
• Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Dr., Largo FL 33771
• CLICK HERE to learn how to document home ownership and occupancy for FEMA
DISASTER CLEANUP GUIDANCE:
• https://www.cdc.gov/natural-disasters/safety/index.html
• https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/disaster-cleanup.html
DISASTER DISTRESS HOTLINE:
• Call: 800-985-5990
• Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
FREE DISASTER LEGAL HELP
• Call (833) 514-2940 for free legal advice and referrals. This helpline assists residents living in Florida affected by disasters.
CRISIS CLEANUP ASSISTANCE
Crisis Cleanup has activated the Hurricane Helene Cleanup Hotline: (844) 965-1386. This is for people who need help cleaning up damage from Hurricane Helene and connects people with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who may be able to assist with jobs such as muck-outs (cleaning up), trees, tarp, and debris. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed. This hotline will remain open through Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.
FEMA TO OPEN REGISTRATION ASSISTANCE POINTS
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Pinellas County and local partners have coordinated to open six sites around Pinellas County Saturday, Oct. 5, to expand access to federal application assistance.
The six federal registration assistance points will open at 9 a.m. Saturday and operate until 7 p.m. each day throughout the week. Staff will be available to help residents navigate applying for FEMA assistance.
Assistance site locations are:
- Gulfport Public Library: 5501 28th Ave S., Gulfport
- Enoch D Davis Center: 1111 18th Ave S. St. Petersburg
- Palm Harbor Parks and Recreation: 1500 16th St., Palm Harbor
- City of Madeira Beach Recreation Center: 200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach
- City of South Pasadena: 7047 Sunset Drive S., South Pasadena
- Oldsmar Public Library: 400 St. Petersburg Drive E., Oldsmar
Residents looking for updates on their application should visit the Disaster Recovery Center. For more information about the Disaster Recovery Center, visit disaster.pinellas.gov.
Avoid becoming a victim of a post-storm scamMany areas in the county have incurred severe property damage because of Hurricane Helene. Pinellas County Consumer Protection wants to remind residents to be cautious when hiring someone to make repairs. Avoid becoming a victim of a home improvement scam by recognizing the 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 www.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.
