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Hurricane Season Information

Helpful Contacts

CALL 911 FOR ANY LIFE-THREATENING OR MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Displaced by Hurricane Helene? Sign up to receive housing assistance here.

Federal Resources

FEMA: After urging from my office, the White House approved a Major Disaster Declaration for certain counties in Florida. Residents impacted by Hurricane Debby and/or Hurricane Helene can apply for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App.

FEMA DRC’S: Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) for one-on-one help from FEMA representatives. These centers serve Floridians affected by Hurricane Debby and Hurricane Helene:

  • Sarasota Disaster Recovery Center: Sarasota Christian Church, 2923 Ashton Rd., Sarasota, FL 3423 (Open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Open Sundays 1 p.m.–5 p.m.)
  • Manatee Disaster Recovery Center: Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Pkw, Bradenton, FL 34211 (Open daily 9 a.m.–7 p.m.)
  • Hillsborough County: Hillsborough Community College – The Regent 6437 Watson Rd., Riverview, FL 33578 (Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Sunday)

SBA: The Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans to businesses and homeowners affected by Hurricane Debby and/or Hurricane Helene. Apply online at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance or by calling 1-800-659-2955. If you are approved for a loan, you are not obligated to accept it. Funds you get from SBA must be repaid over time.

  • DEBBY: Residents of Sarasota and Manatee counties are eligible. The deadline for Physical Property Damage applications is October 9, 2024. The deadline for Economic Injury Applications is May 12, 2025. 
  • HELENE: Residents of Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee counties are eligible. The deadline for Physical Property Damage applications is November 27, 2024. The deadline for Economic Injury Applications is June 30, 2025.
  • How to Apply for an SBA Disaster Loan
  • Customer Service Email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

SBA BRC’s: Visit a Business Recovery Center (BRC) for one-on-one help from SBA representatives:

  • Sarasota Business Recovery Center: Sarasota Christian Church, 2923 Ashton Road, Sarasota, FL 34231 (Open Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Open Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • Manatee Business Recovery Center: Rocky Bluff Library, 6750 US-301, Ellenton, FL 34222 (Open Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Open Friday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Closed Sundays)

IRS: The IRS postponed various tax filing and payment deadlines for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Debby and/or Hurricane Helene.

FL County-Level Recovery Resources

For updated information on rescue services, wellness checks, volunteering, or how to donate, find fuel, debris removal & drop-offs, food & water sites, shelters, school & road closures, and other recovery services and news, please utilize your individual county’s resources below:

SARASOTA COUNTY

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

LEE COUNTY

FL State-Level Recovery Resources

HOPE FLORIDA: Floridians impacted by Hurricane Helene who need resources like temporary housing, food, supplies, home repairs, and more can request help through Hope Florida by completing the form here.

INSURANCE INFORMATION: If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance. Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance. Do not make assumptions. Check your policy. If you are having issues with your insurance company, submit an insurance complaint to Consumer Services using this form.

ALERTFLORIDA – Sign Up to Receive Emergency Alerts in Your Community
STATE ASSISTANCE INFORMATION LINE: 1-800-342-3557
FLORIDADISASTER.ORG DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
SCHOOL CLOSURES
POWER OUTAGE TRACKERS: FPL,Peace River Electric,LCEC
FLORIDA511 TRAFFIC AND TRAVEL APP
FLORIDA511 TRACK ROAD CLOSURES
FLORIDA STORMS MOBILE APP
REPORT PRICE GOUGING IN FLORIDA: 1-866-966-7226

How to Prepare for the Next Disaster

It is important to start preparing for the potential impacts of the storm now instead of waiting until a storm is already in our area. Below you will find resources and preparedness tips. Our office is always here to help, but please ensure you are closely monitoring local news during storms for the latest updates. 

  • Make sure you have all of the items on your disaster preparedness list.
    • This includes items like additional supplies of medications, food, and bottled water.
  • Especially for those in coastal areas, make sure you know your evacuation zones, routes, and maps should you need to leave the area.
  • Make a pet plan so you don’t have to leave your pets and animals behind.
  • Have a place to go should you need to evacuate. Make sure any vehicles are filled up with gas beforehand.
  • Flood Smart: Visit FloodSmart.gov for information on flood maps, preparing for future floods, and NFIP’s Insurance Provider Locator.

My office stands ready to assist you with any federal disaster recovery issue. If you can’t get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been mistreated, our office may be able to help resolve a problem or get you the information you need. Please do not hesitate to call my office at 941-499-3214 or send me an email.