The city of Clearwater has launched the Disaster Assistance Grant program for qualified residents who sustained damages or losses due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Eligible recipients will receive grants of up to $20,000 per household. The city is not obligated to recapture these funds.

Eligible grant activities include:

• Repairs necessary to prevent further home damage or debris removal to ensure homes are habitable.
• Reimbursement for emergency supplies purchased between Sept. 27, 2024, and Oct. 24, 2024, used to weatherproof damaged homes.
• Insurance deductible payments for home repairs, up to $10,000.
• Rental assistance, including up to three months’ rent and security deposits for displaced households.
• Temporary offsite storage costs during active construction on damaged homes.
• Inspections for life safety, structural concerns, and repairs related to hurricane damage.
• Additional activities approved by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. 

Individual homeowners earning up to $80,280 annually, or $114,600 for a family of four, may qualify. Grants will be awarded on a first-qualified, first-served basis within Clearwater city limits.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Household income must not exceed 120% of Area Median Income (AMI).
• Properties must be homesteaded and owner-occupied.
• Priority is given to special needs residents, elderly individuals as defined in Florida Statute 420.503, and households earning 80% or below the AMI.

Applicants must show proof of attempts to secure other funding resources, such as insurance claims, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds, and Small Business Administration support, before applying for State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funding. SHIP funds will only cover expenses not supported by other sources. If a substantial wait exists for other funding, the city may waive this requirement.

For more information on eligibility, activities covered, and to download an application, visit myclearwater.com/DisasterAssistanceGrant. For paper applications or further questions, contact Economic Development and Housing Department at 727-562-4030.

• Clearwater Harbor Marina is open; the gate to the fishing pier is closed.
• Seminole Boat Ramp is open and the restrooms are open, but the elevator is closed.
• Clearwater Beach Marina is open; the fuel dock is closed.
• Clearwater Beach Marina Harbormaster's Office has relocated to 700 Bayway Blvd.
• Pier 60 remains closed due to storm damage.
• The Clearwater Airpark is open.

These are parks and facilities have reopened to the public:

Parks and Trails

• Enterprise Dog Park
• Country Hollow Park
• Forest Run Park
• Lake Chautauqua Park
• Soule Road Park
• Northwood Park
• Woodgate Park
• Valencia Park
• Montclair Park
• Cypress Point Park
• Long Center
• Coachman Ridge Park
• N.E. Coachman Park
• Carpenter Fields 
• Cliff Stephens Park
• Moccasin Lake Nature Park (Trails Still Closed)
• Bayview Park
• Allen's Creek Park
• Belmont Park
• Ed Wright Park
• Prospect Lake Park
• Plaza Park
• Cherry Harris Park
• Garden Ave Park
• Charles Park
• Edgewater Drive Park
• Overbrook Park
• Lake Lucille
• Hibiscus Lake
• Glen Oaks Park
• Glenwood Park
• Harding Plaza
• Drew Plaza
• Bay Park Sand Key
• Mandalay Park
• Memorial Causeway Trail
• Sand Key Bayside Park
• Ann Circle Park
• Charter Oaks Park
• Druid Road Trail
• Bayshore Trail
• Dd Davis Park
• Frank Tack
• Hillcrest Park
• Lake Hobart Park
• State Street Park
• Horseshoe Club 
• Phillip Jones 
• Shuffleboard
• Sid Lickton Fields
• Countryside Sports Complex 
• Countryside Community Park
• Pier 60 Park
• McMullen Tennis Complex

Recreation Centers

• Countryside Recreation Center
• Long Center
• Morningside Recreation Center
• North Greenwood Recreation Center

Libraries

• Countryside Library
• Clearwater Main Library
• North Greenwood Library
• East Community Library

The state has hired a contractor to collect and dispose of marine debris and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is working to remove derelict vessels from Helene and Milton. Report marine debris and derelict vessels at the link below call 850-366-6007. The call center is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Report marine debris and derelict vessels

Deadlines for residents and business owners seeking disaster relief are approaching. See the list below for resources and deadlines for disaster relief applications.

• FEMA Assistance Applications
  
  • Hurricane Helene: Nov. 27
  • Hurricane Milton: Dec.11
• Operation Blue Roof
  

  • Pinellas: Army Corps to help residents apply for free Operation Blue Roof program at additional mobile registration unit in St. Pete Beach The deadline to apply for free roof protection has been extended to Nov. 14

    Residents can register online at BlueRoof.gov or by calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258). The deadline to apply for the program has been extended to Nov. 14.

    This program is for primary residences with less than 50 percent of roof framing damaged. Vacation rental properties are not eligible. The roof must be standard roof shingles or a similar material that will allow contractors to nail the roof covering in place. Contractors cannot cover roofs made of slate, asbestos or clay tile, or any material that would be exceptionally difficult to repair. Metal roofs and mobile homes will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

    Operation Blue Roof will remove homeowner-installed tarps and minor debris to allow for proper installation. Large debris, such as trees, must be removed from the roof by the homeowner to be eligible.

    For additional Pinellas County hurricane recovery resources and updates, visit disaster.pinellas.gov

• Disaster Unemployment Assistance
  • Hurricane Debby: Nov. 18
  • Hurricane Helene: Dec. 2
  • Hurricane Milton: Dec. 10

The Florida Health Department has resumed testing for the healthy beaches and program and deemed the water quality for Clearwater Beach-Mandalay Park to be good.

View Report

You may qualify for a sewer credit adjustment if you have had a leak or unusual usage of potable water at your location that has not entered the city’s sewer system. If you have received a bill with a high sewer charge, a sewer credit adjustment has the potential to adjust the sewer portion of your bill back to your location’s average sewer consumption.

Learn More

• Clearwater Solid Waste is back on the regular collection of black-barrel solid waste collections.
• Clearwater has resumed recycling pickup for scheduled routes. Please place your blue bin out on your normal pickup day. We are seeing a lot of contamination in residents' recycling bins that are placed at the curb. If you used your recycling bin for trash or yard waste, it must be emptied into your black barrel for solid waste. Please help us make sure Clearwater's recycling stream is as clean as possible. 
• The city of Clearwater is working extended hours to clear yard waste, construction, and demolition debris from city streets and residences.
• The city anticipates it will take up to three months to clear all debris that resulted from the hurricanes. It is currently taking three weeks to completely clear the properties of one full collection route (ex: Thursday's route), which is one-fifth of the city’s 29,000 customers.
• The city has hired a debris management contractor to help clear storm debris in Clearwater. Our contractor has ten trucks and 30 employees that are helping us in our worst-hit areas, the Clearwater barrier islands.
• Residents can help us to speed up the process by properly sorting their debris at the curb into three piles: large appliances, construction debris, and vegetative debris.
• Keep roadways clear of parked cars or other obstructions that impede the debris trucks.
• Do not pile debris on top of or too close to transformer boxes or utility boxes that may be damaged while picking up debris.

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. You can dispose of electronics and hazardous materials, like lithium-ion batteries, at Pinellas County Solid Waste for free recycling and disposal. For more information, please visit pinellas.gov/wheredoesitgo.

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.

Commercial Debris Pick Up

• On Oct. 29, FEMA officially designated Pinellas County as a high-impact county due to the recent hurricane damage we sustained. This designation, in conjunction with new FEMA guidance described in Public Assistance Rapid Debris Removal and Demolition in Florida (FEMA-4828/4834-DR-FL) (Version 2), provides revised language regarding the removal of storm debris in the right of way under the FEMA reimbursement category A.
• While this guidance will allow the city of Clearwater’s debris contractor, Crowder Gulf LLC, to pick up storm debris from condominiums, apartments, and some commercial business, it is not without restriction. The guidance excludes large scale commercial businesses, which FEMA does not clearly define but would include larger business chains. It is also limited to the first pass through an area, so time is of the essence.
• Starting Nov. 5, 2024, the City of Clearwater will begin collecting storm debris that is in the right of way from condominiums, apartments, and some smaller businesses and will seek to have this service reimbursed by FEMA. For the city to pick up the debris, it needs to currently be in the right of way and the necessary documentation needs to be obtained. An authorized agent of the condominium, apartment complex, or small business must complete the following electronic document (CLICK HERE FOR FORM) to have the storm debris from the property collected out of the right of way. This form must be completed and retuned by Nov. 12, 2024, so collection can be completed during the first pass.
•  Should an eligible business, condominium or apartment complex not take advantage of this opportunity within the time constraints described the responsibility for the disposal of construction or demolition debris would be the responsibility of the property owner to dispose.  The business, condominium or apartment complex would then be required to pay for the removal of the debris through a private provider or the City of Clearwater Solid Waste Department.

If you have any questions, please contact (727) 562-4920 or Ronald.Rice@myclearwater.com.

Residents and commercial contractors can also reach out to the following places to see if they are accepting storm debris:

Household Appliances

• Anclote Metal Recycling, 806 Anclote Rd, Tarpon Springs | (727) 938-2822
• Best Metal Recycling (Clearwater), 15122 63rd St. N., Clearwater | (727) 524-2550
• Best Metal Recycling (Tarpon Springs), 1599 Rainville Rd., Tarpon Springs | (727) 937-6962
• Trademark Metal (Clearwater), 2032 Gentry St., Clearwater | (727) 447-6960
• Trademark Metal (Pinellas Park), 9380 67th St. N., Pinellas Park | (727) 544-5810

Construction & Demolition Debris Disposal

The following locations are available for commercial haulers:

• Angelo’s Recycled Materials, GFL Environmental, 1755 20th Ave. SE, Largo | (727) 588-9529
• Sarnago & Sons, 1741 N. Keene Road, Clearwater | (727) 446-4909
• Waste Management, 12950 40th St., Clearwater | (727) 572-8779

Every residential home in Clearwater should have a black barrel trash can and a blue recycling cart. If yours were damaged during the storm or is missing, request one online at https://myclearwater.info/requestabin or by calling us at (727) 562-4920. There has been an increase in requests after the storm, so please allow staff additional time to arrange a replacement.

Hazardous Waste

Residents can take hazardous chemicals and items like lithium-ion batteries and propane tanks to Pinellas County Solid Waste for proper recycling and disposal. Dropping materials off at their two locations is free.

Residents can take hazardous chemicals and items to Pinellas County Solid Waste for proper recycling and disposal. Dropping materials off at these two locations is free:

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.

Electronics with lithium-ion batteries or small rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that were affected by water due to Hurricane Helene or Milton should be disposed of at the Pinellas County Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 2855 109th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL. (Open Tuesday through Friday and the first and third Saturdays only 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Large lithium-ion batteries, such as car batteries, lawnmower batteries, and E-bike batteries affected by the storm, must be disposed of by a private sector recycling company.

Caution: Lithium-ion batteries pose a fire risk when exposed to saltwater or damaged.

If hazardous items are left at the curb, Clearwater Solid Waste crews will not pick them up. Hazardous items have the potential to catch on fire, damage city equipment, and injure or kill our employees. Lithium-ion batteries pose a fire risk when exposed to saltwater or damaged. Please dispose of hazardous materials safely and properly.

Why and how a staging site is chosen?

Due to the desire to remove items quickly from throughout the city between our two storms, a centralized debris field was set up at Marymont Park. This was an emergency, time-sensitive scenario that didn’t allow for thorough debate and time-consuming community approval. Due to the volume of debris and the long wait time at the disposal site, city management and our debris management contractor, collaborated with Parks and Recreation department to finalize a site. The review included looking at properties throughout the city based on size, availability, location, traffic flow, and in most cases the ability to receive an approved permit from the Department of Environmental Protection.

What type of debris is being staged there?

Depending on the permitted sites, the items staged could include a wide variety of items such as yard waste, construction demolition debris, and household appliances.

Are there any health and safety concerns with the debris staged in this location?

All permitted sites are secure with temporary fencing. Once the operation is completed, the park will be cleaned and restored to regular operation.

How long do you expect the debris to be there?

At this point, the city is working diligently with our contractor to remove all debris off the street within 90 days to qualify for FEMA reimbursement. Once completed the item and sent to the proper processor. As of Oct. 22, the site is estimated to be 90% removed of debris. Once all the debris has been removed, the fence will be removed and the park will be restored through the Parks and Recreation department.

What type of activity might be going on at the site?

Currently, this location is only used as a staging site. The debris is in the process of being removed from this park.  

What other locations are being utilized for staging?

Joe DiMaggio - Yard debris and construction and demolition debris. (This site is not open to residents.)

Marymount Park - Temporary staging site for construction and demolition debris. The debris is being sorted and taken to the Joe DiMaggio site for consolidation.

Open Lot on MLK - Staging site for construction and demolition debris.

BayCare Ball Park parking lot - This will be the staging site for white goods (still waiting on final approval from FDEP)

We recommend you save your sandbags for the time being if they did not come into contact with floodwaters. Hurricane season is not over yet, so save them for future storms. If you must dispose of them, spread sand on lawns or landscape beds. DO NOT place bags in your garbage bin or any sand in your regular trash. The sand does not burn and will not convert to energy in the county’s Waste-to-Energy Facility. Furthermore, do not mix sandbags with yard debris. The sand is abrasive and damages equipment used to grind yard debris into mulch.

PLANNING AND BUILDING DEPARTMENT

Automatically extend all eligible building permit applications and Development Orders for a period of 24 months pursuant to Gov. DeSantis’s Executive Order declaring a state of emergency and Chapter 252, Florida Statutes.

The Florida Statutes provide an opportunity for permit holders to extend certain permits due to declared states of emergency.  According to Section 252.363(1)(b), permit holders are responsible for requesting these extensions.  

Our team will reach out electronically using contact information on file to inform all open permit holders about the option of requesting an extension along with the instructions on how to do so. In addition, we will also include this information on our website and include in updated mailings. 

If a permit holder does not request an emergency extension, it’s important to know the Building Official has the authority to extend building permits for good faith efforts. To maintain an active permit status, only one inspection is required within a 180-day period. However, if a development order or permit has already been extended in accordance with previous emergency orders, the full 24-month extension may not be available to them. Additionally, holders of development orders should also be aware that they can seek extensions through the Community Development Coordinator and/or the Community Development Board.  

Create mobile permitting station(s) to assist businesses with permitting questions as well as review and expedite permit granting.

The city opened a pop-up permit center in a Police Command bus located at the Beach Recreation Center on Oct. 15th after the original scheduled opening of Oct. 8th was delayed by Hurricane Milton. Permitting and floodplain management questions are being answered and certain permits can be issued on the spot. The location of the pop-up center has transitioned to the pool building at the rec center at 51 Bay Esplanade. 

Waive permit and development review application fees, inspection fees, and impact fees for all applications for repair and replacement resulting from the hurricanes.

Permit fees for all repairs needed due to damage caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton are being waived for 90 days (Jan. 10th). This can be extended if needed.

Adopt proposal for commercial establishments to repair Hurricane damage as outlined below:

1.  Establishments will not violate the 50% rule. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) 50% rule is a regulation that limits the cost of repairs and improvements to a structure in a flood zone to less than 50% of its market value. The rule is part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).The 50% rule applies to non-conforming structures, which are structures that are not in compliance with current flood regulations.

2.  Establishments can use 30% of the FEMA allowance and begin repairs without any permit.

3.  Establishments must have licensed contractors perform all work.

4.  Establishments must photograph all the work performed. Example: interior walls before closing them in, showing electrical repairs, etc.

5.  Once work is complete, establishments must apply for the permit and submit their photographs with the permit application.

Note: If the work shown in the photos was not done correctly, businesses will be required to tear out work performed and fix within the guidelines.

City staff understands the need and urgency of moving quickly to repair damaged businesses. Permits related to damaged properties are being provided priority review through the staffing of the pop-up permit center located on Clearwater Beach. The Planning and Development Department is also in the process of obtaining additional Building Plans Examiners that will be dedicated to reviewing permit applications related to storm damage in the floodplain. It should also be noted that the city provides next-day inspections for any project requesting an inspection before midnight.

To obtain a permit for restoration work the following processes and rules should be followed:

1. You must have a licensed contractor.
2. The contractor must provide a list of the work to be done, a hand sketch of the room or area the work is being done in, a written description of the work to be performed in each room or area, and a list that includes the estimated value of the work. 
3. You must provide the Pinellas Couty Property Appraisers letter showing the amount that can be spent under the 50% rule. Note: All work within the past 12 months count toward the non-substantial 50% grand total allowable if the property is below the base flood elevation. 
4. Take pictures of the work before construction and then after construction.
5. You must meet the inspection criteria by meeting one of the 3 following options:
   1. A licensed architect or engineer certified for inspections who signs off on all the work
   2. You can self-certify by having each subcontractor provide a letter certifying they have done the work according to the Florida Building Code.
   3. Use city inspectors

To comply with the National Floodplain Insurance Program, permits must be issued within the special flood and coastal high hazard areas prior to work being performed. Circumventing this process could not only jeopardize the city’s ability to participate in the insurance program, it could also result in a property owner unknowingly creating a substantial improvement/damage that would have unwanted and expensive ramifications for the owner.    

Please see FEMA Publication 213 “Answers to Questions About Substantially Improved/Substantially Damage Buildings” dated August 2018 which specifically answers the question about suspending permit requirements for the repair of damaged buildings (see question 32).

https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema_p213_08232018.pdf

For smaller establishments or those with less damage; Adjust the monetary threshold required to apply for a permit for repairs. The current threshold is $500 or more in repairs requires a permit.  Additionally,  consider waiving permitting requirements for repairs such as; 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).

It would be difficult to adjust the threshold for permitting for a small segment of properties in the city. Permit fees have been waived for all work associated with repairs that require a permit, and many permits can be issued the same day or within 1 business day.  

The following work does not need a building permit, however, if a property is substantially damaged and located in a flood hazard area, these will be part of the project value for substantial improvements:

• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.
• Repair of small areas of damaged soffits and facia
• Repair of a small and minor roof leak less than $500.
• Repair of existing exterior doors provided existing frame is not impacted.  
• Replacement of broken windowpanes

Staff discussed drywall repair 2 feet or less from the finished floor and believe this requirement should not be waived for several reasons. It is important to see what is behind the wall as water damage over time can impact structural stability. Also, saltwater can rust the various fasteners behind the drywall. The Florida Building Code also has requirements for fastening and inspections should be conducted. It is possible for much older homes to also have electric outlets on the baseboards.  Lastly, drywall sheets come in a standard size of four feet by eight feet so most repairs will remove up to four feet of drywall. A major factor in permitting and inspections is to minimize damage in the event of another flood event. Proper construction can minimize the damage and cost of repair in future flood events.  

FEMA

To the greatest extent possible, work with property owners to ensure their repairs and replacement are considered less than 49% of the value of the structure to avoid the cost of complying with the FEMA 50% rule including working proactively with property owners on phasing repairs and replacement efforts.

The city and the Planning and Development Department understands the very difficult choices our residents and business owners are facing with the damage sustained by hurricanes Helene and Milton. Staff has been and will continue to counsel property owners on the requirements of the 50% rule and will discuss options for compliance.  Staff continues to advise owners to have a 10% contingency because most renovation projects have unexpected costs that, if not planned for, could result in a project resulting in a substantial improvement. Phasing of a project that exceeds the 50% threshold is in violation of the city’s participation with the National Floodplain Insurance Program. Staff is in the process of scheduling a town hall meeting to go over the 50% rule with our community, additional information and a date will be announced soon.

Amend Comprehensive Plan Section 5.1.5 which provides: “Allow for the redevelopment of structures in the AE and V Zones where damage is greater than 50% of the assessed value prior to damages, consistent with adopted densities or as-built densities at the time of the storm damage and in accordance with applicable codes, the CDC, and FEMA requirements” to include replacing density and intensity for allow replacement of commercial and accessory uses and not just residential density units. The City should also consider this effective immediately under the Pending Ordinance Doctrine to allow for its immediate effect.

It would be beneficial to understand the extent of properties in the AE and V zone that have nonconforming FAR as this is not something staff has seen. The Resort Facilities High Future Land Use category would govern most of these properties and allows a FAR of 1.0. This means that the total interior floor area of a building measured at the inside face of the exterior walls, but excluding parking garages, stairwells, and elevator shafts can equal the land area on which the building sits.  

The process to amend the Comprehensive Plan is lengthy (approximately 9 months) and requires City, County and State approval. The City Attorney has advised that the pending ordinance doctrine likely does not apply to comprehensive plan amendments, being that such amendments require approval of several independent government entities. Therefore, it is not likely that an amendment could be applied retroactively to a property if a substantial damage/substantial improvement determination has been made prior to the adoption of the ordinance. 

DEBRIS REMOVAL

Currently, Pinellas County dump is not an approved site for FEMA commercial contractor debris disposal. Identify solutions within the city to assist business owners with debris removal.

As of 10/29/24 we have received additional guidance regarding commercial debris removal, and we will have a new plan updated and implemented very soon. 

COUNTY COORDINATION

Coordinate with Pinellas County municipalities identifying common rules for all cities and create messaging on behalf of entire county.

We meet regularly with the County Administrator and the other Pinellas County administrators; our next meeting is on 11/1 where this topic is going to continue to be discussed. 

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Collaborate with Visit St Pete/Clearwater to identify additional dollars to communicate with our markets that Clearwater & Clearwater Beach/Pinellas Beaches will be ready by spring break of 2025 and to plan your vacations now.

This is ongoing as well. We coordinated a press conference with VSPC/Amplify and our Public Communications team is currently working on a national news pitches to further that message. Visit Florida and Visit St. Pete Clearwater are both planning to invest significant dollars into these types of campaigns prior to spring break 2025.

It's difficult to lose so much of what makes your house a home. We understand the idea of repairing and rebuilding is overwhelming, and we are here to help you build back stronger.

In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the city of Clearwater will waive building plan review and permit fees through Friday, Jan. 10 for residents and business owners trying to make repairs after the storms. The waiver will be for those customers across the city who were impacted by the storms.

The city has opened a pop-up permitting site located on the beach that will make it easier for residents and business owners on the Clearwater barrier islands to talk with employees from the Planning and Development Department and begin the permitting process. That site is located on the tennis courts by the Clearwater Beach Pool, 51 Bay Esplanade, and will be open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Contractors and residents can apply for building permits at the pop-up permitting site or at the Municipal Services Building, 100 S. Myrtle Ave., Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Planning and Development Department is located on the second floor. Contractors can also apply for permits online at MyClearwater.com/Permits.

Residents or business owners who need repairs are reminded to always use licensed contractors. For more information on the permitting process, call 727-562-4567 or email epermit@myclearwater.com.

It's difficult to lose so much of what makes your house a home. We understand the idea of repairing and rebuilding is overwhelming, and we are here to help you build back stronger.

In order to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP),the city of Clearwater has adopted flood damage prevention regulations which may affect how you repair, remodel, renovate or add on to your building in order to better protect lives and investment from future flood damages if it is located in flood hazard area.

Visit MyClearwater.com/RebuildingAfterStorm for more information on what to do after your property is damaged, what work requires a permit and what does not, and other frequently asked questions.

Unpermitted, uninspected work to repair damage may reduce the safety and value of affected properties and will jeopardize the 25% discount on flood insurance currently applied to all residents with a federal flood insurance policy in Clearwater through FEMA's Community Rating System.

After a disaster, qualified contractors are usually in high demand. Scammers or unqualified out-of-state workers may take advantage of Floridians 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 through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) by going to myfloridalicense.com and the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board at ContractorSearch.pcclb.com.

Avoid becoming a victim of post-storm scams! Residents who suspect price gouging can report it by calling the Pinellas County Consumer Protection at (727) 464-6200 or online at pinellas.gov/consumer and also to the Attorney General’s hotline at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.

Pinellas: Disaster Recovery Center to move to St. Petersburg

As recovery continues for hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby, Pinellas County is sharing the following updates about resources available for impacted residents:

The MARC at the Enoch D. Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, remains open.

The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) and the MARC at the Florida Botanical Gardens will close Friday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m., allowing the facility to serve as an election polling location.

The DRC will relocate to the Enoch D. Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, starting Nov. 2. It will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Nov. 27. This will expand the services offered at the existing MARC at this location. Any changes to the schedule will be updated at disaster.pinellas.gov.

Multiagency Resource Centers (MARCs) are staffed with personnel from federal, state and regional partners to connect residents with helpful disaster recovery resources.

DRCs offer expanded services and serve as centralized locations where people can access resources and information related to disaster recovery, including FEMA application assistance, information and guidance on disaster assistance programs, translation and accessibility services, application status updates, access to disaster-related resources, and access to computers and phones.

If your FEMA disaster assistance application was denied, FEMA may need additional information. The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) provides in-person assistance to help residents update their applications.

When visiting a DRC or MARC, it’s a good idea to bring identification, proof of residence, insurance information, and any documentation related to your disaster-related losses to facilitate the application process and ensure you receive the appropriate assistance. 

Residents can also register for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, via the FEMA app or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

For additional recovery resources for residents, businesses and nonprofit organizations, visit disaster.pinellas.gov.

Eligible Homeowners and renters who sustained damages or losses from Hurricane Milton or Hurricane Helene may now receive Transitional Sheltering Assistance when applying for FEMA Individual Assistance.

Transitional Sheltering Assistance provides a place to stay for displaced residents living in shelters, vehicles or at their job for up to 90 days. Eligible applicants will be notified after applying for individual assistance.

FEMA can also help residents with immediate serious needs and rental assistance. Residents can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app or at (800) 621-3362. Help is available in most languages. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service. 

What You’ll Need When You Apply

• A current phone number where you can be contacted.
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
• Your Social Security number.
• A general list of damage and losses.
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance.

For the latest information on the ongoing recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, visit disaster.pinellas.gov.

FEMA assistance is now available to Pinellas County residents who experienced damages/losses due to the hurricanes. FEMA may be able to help homeowners and renters with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. Eligible residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app or by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

If you applied to FEMA after Hurricane Debby or Helene and have additional damage from Milton, you will need to apply separately and provide the dates of your most recent damage.

Phone lines are open every day, and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. View an accessible video on how to apply here.

Pinellas County has posted a list of resources to help displaced people find short- and long-term housing options, including online search tools, real estate company information, short-term rental companies, and apartment listings. Realtors and property managers are responsible for updating their available listings on their websites, but the listings and resources allow residents to more easily locate potential housing options.

See Pinellas.gov/HurricaneHousing

Crisis Cleanup has activated the Hurricane Cleanup Hotline: (844) 965-1386. This is for people who need help cleaning up damage from the hurricanes and connects people with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who may be able assist with jobs such as cleaning up, trees, tarp, and debris. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed.

Please note: This hotline cannot assist with social services, such as food, clothing, shelter, insurance, or questions about FEMA registration. Volunteers work free of charge and provide the tools and equipment necessary to complete the work.