Help After Hurricane Helene | Pop Up Building Permit Sites | 4th Comfort Station Opens – Get Free Rides | World Central Kitchen Sets up in Port Richey | City Assists with FEMA Forms | Emergency Biz Loan Help

Affected by the storm? Here are some ways to get help and tips to stay safe in the aftermath

October 2, 2024 michele525 ABOVE THE FOLD, BUSINESS, BUSINESS BRIEFS, Health, Hot Off The Press Release, IN THE LOOP, NEWS BITES 0
Photo by ALTEREDSNAPS

Updated October 4, 2024

Check in here to be informed about next steps for what comes after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and how people who have been affected by the storm can get help offer help and keep safe in the aftermath. Media releases will be published here as they are submitted with the most recent news at the top.

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Steps for Storm Recovery

What’s Next – Steps for Storm Recovery

Pasco County Offers Pop-Up Building Permit Sites

~~Customers affected by Hurricane Helene can get permitting assistance onsite~~

Media Release | October 4, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications

PASCO COUNTY, FL  —-  In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Pasco County Building Construction Services (BCS) is offering pop-up building permit sites in our hardest-hit areas.  Customers can get help figuring out the process to repair or rebuild their homes in a flood zone.

To lessen the burden on those affected by Helene, Pasco County is waiving all county fees for home repair and building permit applications related to the storm.

Pop-Up Permit Locations and Times:

These locations are staffed Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturdays, from 8 – 4:30 p.m.

Pasco BCS team members can help explain the steps you need to take to begin home repairs and answer any questions you have about your specific situation.

Click HERE for a printable ‘Repairing Homes in a Flood Zone’ flyer outlining the steps you should take: mypas.co/RepairingHomes

Please hire a LICENSED contractor to do any repair work.  Scams are common during storm recovery, but you can reduce your risk of falling victim by verifying your contractor is properly licensed at MyFloridaLicense.com.

To see a list of repairs that do NOT require a building permit, click HERE.

Questions?  Call Pasco Building Construction Services at 727.847.8126 and press 5.

Fourth Comfort Station Opens – Free Rides Available

PASCO COUNTY, FL —- Pasco County now has four comfort stations on the west side of the
county to provide essentials to Hurricane Helene victims. Pasco County’s stations will be open from
7 a.m. – 8 p.m., until further notice:

  • Hudson Library | 8012 Library Rd, Hudson
  • J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex | 2830 Gulf Trace Blvd, Holiday
  • Aripeka Baptist Church | 18731 Aripeka Rd
  • Green Key Location | 6435 US-19, New Port Richey
    The City of New Port Richey’s comfort station is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. until further notice:
  • New Port Richey Recreation & Aquatic Center | 6630 Van Buren St., New Port Richey
    The following amenities will be available at all locations:
     Air Conditioning
     Restrooms
     Showers (bring your own toiletries)
     Laundry (bring your own supplies)
     Charging stations
    Need a ride to a comfort station? Call Pasco Customer Service at 727.847.2411.
    Please call at least 3 hours ahead for a round-trip reservation. Rides are available during comfort
    station operating hours so please plan accordingly.

World Central Kitchen – Distribution Center Sets up at Waterfront Park

World Central Kitchen will have a food and water distribution center set up at Waterfront Park (8119 Old Post Road., Port Richey on Thursday and Friday, October 3rd – October 4 from 12 – 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. or until resources run out. If you need any food and water, please come to the park.

Get Help Applying for Disaster/Emergency Small Business Loans

October 2, 2024
Pasco Economic Development Council

The Florida SBDC @ USF will have a mobile assistance center at AmSkills located in Holiday, FL to assist those who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene (See scheduled dates and times below. Stop by and let their professionally certified consultants guide you through these critical recovery programs:

  • SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
  • SBA Physical Disaster Loan
  • Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program

A resource bus will be at CareerSource Pasco Hernando from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. October 7-8 in New Port Richey. Florida Commerce, CareerSource Pasco Hernando, and Florida SBDC @ USF will have consultants available at this location who will be able to assist with Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, and other business and employee resources.

MOBILE ASSISTANCE CENTER HOURS

AmSkills (4606 Darlington Road, Holiday FL 34690)

  • Thursday, October 3 9am – 4pm
  • Friday, October 4 9am – 4pm
  • Tuesday, October 8 10:30am – 4pm
  • Thursday, October 10 9am – 4pm
  • Friday, October 11 9am – 4pm

CareerSource Pasco Hernando (4440 Grand Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34652)

  • Monday, October 7 10:30am – 4pm
  • Tuesday, October 8 10:30am – 4pm

DISASTER LOANS FOR BUSINESSES

FloridaCommerce activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $15 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Pasco County 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. The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Helene.

DOH-Pasco Urges Residents to Follow Flood Safety Tips Following Hurricane Helene

Media Release | October 1, 2024
Florida DOH Pasco Media Relations

Pasco County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) urges
residents to be aware of the health risks associated with flooding.

Skin contact with flood waters does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk. However, health hazards are a concern when waters are or become contaminated with bacteria or contain dangerous debris.
DOH-Pasco recommends the following to prevent illness or injury from flood waters:

  • Basic hygiene is critical. If you are under a boil water notice, use commercially bottled
    water for mixing baby formula. Wash your hands with soap and either disinfected or
    boiled and cooled water, especially before preparing or eating food, after toilet use,
    after handling a soiled diaper, after participating in flood cleanup activities, and after
    handling objects contaminated with flood water or sewage.
  • Avoid eating or drinking anything that has been contaminated with flood waters.
  • Avoid contact with flood waters, especially if you have open cuts or sores.
  • If you have any open cuts or sores and come in contact with flood waters, wash the
    area well with soap to prevent infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling, or
    drainage, seek immediate medical attention.
  • Residents who sustain lacerations and/or puncture wounds are encouraged to
    contact their primary healthcare provider to make sure they are current on their
    tetanus vaccine and possibly get a booster.
    If on a septic system and your plumbing is functioning slowly:
  • Conserve water as much as possible; the less water used, the less sewage the
    septic tank must process. Minimize use of your washing machine.
  • Do not have the septic tank pumped. Exceptionally high-water tables might crush a
    septic tank that was pumped dry. If the basic problem is high ground water, pumping
    the tank does nothing to solve that problem.
    If your well is flooded:
  • Heavy rainfall may have made your well water unsafe to drink. If you are unsure
    about the impact of flooding on your well water, use bottled water or boil water for
    drinking, making ice, teeth brushing, and washing any areas of the skin that have
    been cut or injured.
  • If your well is affected by flood waters, there may be disease-causing organisms in
    your water making it unsafe to drink.
    DOH-Pasco also reminds the community to protect themselves from mosquito bites by following
    these simple precautions:
  • Protect yourself with repellent by applying it to exposed skin.
  • Drain standing water around your home.
  • Keep screens on all windows and repair any holes.
    If you have lost power and are using a generator, DOH-Pasco reminds you to use it safely:
  • Carbon dioxide (CO) is invisible and odorless but inhaling it can cause serious
    health issues and even death, because portable generators produce high levels of
    CO very quickly.
  • Never use generators indoors or in your garage. All gas-powered or charcoal-burning equipment should be run outdoors, well away from windows and doors.
  • Make sure your CO detector is working if you have one installed.
    DOH-Pasco also suggests these post-storm tips for mold cleanup:
  • Any items soaked with flood waters that can’t be cleaned or dried completely within
    24 to 48 hours should be disposed of.
  • Open all doors and windows when removing wet or moldy items to avoid exposure.
  • Scrub wet surfaces with detergent and water to remove visible mold.
  • Remove visible mold before painting or caulking.
  • Never mix bleach with other cleansers or ammonia to avoid health issues.
    For additional questions regarding well water testing, contact DOH-Pasco
    Environmental Public Health at 727-841-4425 option 3.

#

Pasco County Lifts Mandatory Evacuation Order for Zone A

~~Residents, business owners can return to the area~~

Media Release | September 30, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications

PASCO COUNTY, FL  —-  Pasco County Emergency Management has lifted the mandatory evacuation order for Evacuation Zone A and residents are now welcome to return home.  Please use caution heading back into the storm-damaged areas, as recovery efforts are ongoing.

Pasco County has an online tool to report structural damage to homes and businesses.

Just click on Report Damage or fill out the form here: mypas.co/ReportDamage

You can also file a damage report by calling Pasco County Customer Service at 727.847.2411 or chatting with us online at MyPasco.net.

City of NPR Opens Service Center to Assist with FEMA Forms

Media Release | September 30, 2024
City of New Port Richey

 The City of New Port Richey will be opening a service center to assist city residents with filling out FEMA forms in regards to Hurricane Helene.  The service center will be located in the New Port Richey Public Library located at 5939 Main Street, New Port Richey. It will be open Tuesday, October 1, 2024, through Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 10 AM to 5 PM except Sunday, October 6th as the Library is not open on Sundays.  This is a walk-in service center so residents do not need to make an appointment for assistance.

FEMA Aid Now Available in Pasco County

To apply for FEMA Assistance:
💻 Go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov
📱 Download the FEMA App
📞 Call 1-800-621-FEMA

IMPORTANT: Make sure you mention #HurricaneHelene in your application. Applications for Hurricane Debby will not be accepted.

FloridaCommerce Activates the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, Making $15 Million Available for Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Helene

Media Release | September 29, 2024
FloridaCommerce

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, FloridaCommerce activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $15 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. 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 the following counties, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington counties.

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 November 24, 2024, or until all available funds are expended.

Eligible small businesses may apply for loans of up to $50,000 through the program. Loans of up to $100,000 are available for agriculture and aquaculture small businesses. Loans approved through the Emergency Bridge Loan Program are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer term recovery funding, such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims, or other resources.

Loans made under this program are short-term, zero-interest, personal loans using State of Florida funds. They are not grants and loans must be repaid by the approved applicant.

FloridaCommerce administers the Emergency Bridge Loan Program alongside its fiscal administrator, Florida First Capital Finance Corporation.

Visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL  to learn more about the program, view the lending guidelines and required documentation, and complete an application by the November 24, 2024, deadline. Business owners who need further program information may call 833-832-4494 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time.

Pasco County & City of NPR Open Comfort Stations

~~Comfort Stations to provide A/C, showers and charging stations~~

Media Release | September 28, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications

PASCO COUNTY, FL  —-  Pasco is opening two comfort stations on the west side of the county to provide essentials to Hurricane Helene victims.

Both sites will be open beginning Sunday, Sept. 29, from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., until further notice:

The City of New Port Richey is also opening a comfort station beginning Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice:

The following amenities will be available at all three locations:

  • Air Conditioning
  • Restrooms
  • Showers (bring your own toiletries)
  • Laundry (bring your own supplies)
  • Charging stations

Pasco County is also extending services at our Points of Distribution (POD) locations at Hudson Library Parking Lot and J. Ben Harrill Recreations Complex Parking Lot to ensure anyone displaced by the storm will have access to food and water.  Both sites are open to drive-in customers daily from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., while supplies last.

Pasco County Customer Service is open Sunday, Sept. 29 from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. to answer your questions.  Call 727.847.2411 or chat with us online at MyPasco.net.

Biden-Harris Administration Supports Continued FEMA, Federal Family Helene Response

FEMA
Release Date: September 29, 2024

WASHINGTON — Together with state, tribal and federal partners, the Biden-Harris Administration and FEMA are actively supporting Hurricane Helene response and recovery efforts. People should be aware of ongoing post-storm hazards that can be life-threatening. Everyone in affected areas should continue to follow instructions from local officials to stay safe. 

Yesterday, President Joseph R. Biden approved Major Disaster declarations for Florida and North Carolina. These designations help individuals so they can start their recovery. These declarations also provide federal assistance to help communities clean up and start the rebuilding process. 

At the direction of President Biden, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is on the ground in Georgia today and will be in North Carolina tomorrow to survey damage and assessing the need for federal resources. 

FEMA has more than 800 deployed staff supporting states affected by the hurricane. Our distribution centers are fully stocked and ready to provide commodities and equipment to any impacted state as requested. FEMA is coordinating a federal force of more than 3,200 personnel each contributing their expertise and manpower to this mission. 

Emergency declarations are still in effect for Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. Under an emergency declaration, FEMA can provide support for urgent disaster response activities. FEMA and state partners continue to assess affects from the hurricane in these states to determine if further federal assistance is needed. Visit FEMA.gov to learn how a disaster gets declared.

  • Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas activated the Surge Capacity Force (SCF). The SCF makes rostered federal employees available to support FEMA’s response and recovery missions. 
  • Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) deployed a total of 24 teams with more than 1,302 personnel to affected states. All teams are equipped with Swift Water Rescue Capabilities. In Florida, eight US&R teams are actively responding. Four team are in North Carolina, two are in Tennessee. Additional teams and four Swift Water Mission Ready Packages are in route to the impacted areas.
  • U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Crews saved or assisted 11 lives and four pets in the Hurricane Helene response to date. USCG units in the affected areas are ready to support search and rescue, conducting post-storm assessments and providing interagency support. More than 8,000 personnel are assisting in response efforts.
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has teams positioned to provide temporary emergency power, with others prepared to deploy if needed. In addition to temporary emergency power, personnel assist the states with assessments of critical infrastructure including water/wastewater treatment facilities, debris management, and road and bridge inspections as needed. USACE is also providing technical expertise for flood responses. They have activated eight emergency operation centers in the affected regions to coordinate operations. 
  • Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) declared Public Health Emergencies for Florida and Georgia to address the health impacts of Hurricane Helene. The declarations give the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services health care providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs of their beneficiaries. HHS staff are assessing public health and healthcare infrastructure. The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response medical responders are in Alabama, Florida and North Carolina to help secure health care services. These personnel include Health Care Situational Assessment teams and National Disaster Medical System Disaster Medical Assistance Teams along with several tons of medical equipment and supplies to provide medical surge support. A Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team Subject Matter Expert was activated for North Carolina. HHS is offering free crisis counseling through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Disaster Distress Helpline. Call or text 1-800-985-5990. Español: Llama o envía un mensaje de texto 1-800-985-5990 presiona “2.” For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: To connect directly to an agent in American Sign Language, click the “ASL Now” button below or call 1-800-985-5990 from your videophone. ASL Support is available 24/7. FAQs for ASL NOW users. 
  • Department of Energy (DOE) activated the Energy Response Organization (ERO) and is closely monitoring impacts and restoration efforts related to Helene, including power, fuel, and supply chain interruptions. The ERO and field responders are in contact with industry partners and local officials. DOE responders deployed to the Florida Emergency Operations Center, Georgia Emergency Operations Center, and the North Carolina Emergency Operations Center. 
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working closely with federal, state, local and Tribal partners to help water systems, prepare for debris management and ensure facilities, including Superfund sites, maintain critical public health and environmental protections. The agency has personnel on the ground in regional and national operations centers who are offering technical assistance and guidance to those affected by Helene. 
  • American Red Cross (ARC) has more than 745 Red Cross responders deployed to affected areas with another 320 responders in route. As of Sunday morning, systems reporting indicates that 2,033 people are still in 73 shelters. As anticipated, ARC is seeing this count rise as they continue to gain connectivity and more clarity about the evolving needs in the Carolinas.  More than 45 Emergency Response Vehicles are supporting this event and two dozen additional vehicles are moving into position throughout affected areas. Anyone who needs a safe place to go can find information on redcross.org or by texting GETEMERGENCY to 90999 to download the free Red Cross Emergency app. 
  • Salvation Army is increasing its services in response to community needs. In Florida, they are providing meals through 17 mobile feeding units: five in Live Oak and 12 in Perry, where they are serving hot meals. Teams are also assisting survivors and responders along Florida’s west coast, delivering cleanup kits, blankets, and meals. In Georgia, The Salvation Army is serving meals at six shelters and will begin operations in Douglas/Alma and Vidalia on Sunday through mobile feeding units. In South Carolina, they are supporting meal service at the Greenwood County shelter and have activated a mobile unit. In Tennessee, Salvation Army is working alongside Baptist Kitchen, serving meals at two state shelters. Two mobile units are in Johnson City and Newport will start meal service beginning Monday. Full details and service locations are available at disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.
  • USA.gov published a one-stop-shop for hurricane information. 

Pasco County EOC UPDATE (Saturday October 28)

~~Recovery & clean-up underway; comfort stations to open~~

Media Release | September 28, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications

PASCO COUNTY, FL  —-  Pasco County is in full recovery mode following Hurricane Helene.  Floodwaters west of U.S. 19 have receded, and clean-up is underway.

Here are the latest updates and resources from Pasco County Government:

  • Evacuation orders are still in effect for Zone A – but only for areas west of U.S. 19.  Evacuation orders for Zones B and C have been lifted.
  • Pasco County’s EOC is operating at a Level 1 activation.
  • Pasco County Government offices will reopen to the public Monday, Sept. 30.
    • Hudson Library will be closed until further notice as the building is being used for storm recovery.
    • Some Pasco County parks are closed due to storm debris.  Monitor our social media feeds for park updates.
  • Pasco shelters are closed, except for the Mike Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter in Hudson, which is open for displaced residents and those with special needs.
    • 595 people stayed in Pasco shelters.
  • Pasco Fire Rescue Special Operations carried out 180 rescue missions during the height of the storm Thursday evening into Friday morning.
  • GoPasco County Public Transportation resumed all fixed routes Saturday, Sept. 28.
    • Regular fares have resumed.
    • GoPasco provided 135 people rides to shelters.
  • Public Works crews are clearing debris from roadways.
  • Drivers are reminded to treat intersections without working traffic lights as a four-way stop.
  • Damage assessment teams are canvassing affected neighborhoods, performing inspections.
  • Building Construction Services teams are working with local electric companies to safely restore power as quickly as possible.
  • Pasco County is accepting storm-related debris at the West Pasco Resource Recovery Facility, 14606 Hays Road, Spring Hill.  (Open Sunday, Sept. 29, from 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
  • Two sandbag disposal sites are open to properly dispose of used sandbags:
  • Pasco County Customer Service is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Shelter in Need of Donations to Help With Hurricane Relief

Media Release | September 28, 2024
Pasco Coalition for the Homleless

The Mike Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter is in need of donations to help with Hurricane relief. The items needed are:

  • Men’s and women’s underwear
  • Socks
  • Towels
  • Blankets

You can drop the items off at the shelter, located at:

11611 Denton Ave., Hudson.

Thank you for helping our community in this time of need.

DOH-Pasco Offices Reopen After Severe Weather Impacts

Media Release | September 28, 2024
Pasco DOH Media Relations


Pasco County, Fla. — All Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) offices
will reopen with regular operation hours on Monday, September 30, 2024.
For more information, please call DOH-Pasco at 727-619-0300.

Pasco County Provides Water and Meals

~~Points of Distribution Opening~~

Media Release | September 27, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications

PASCO COUNTY, FL  —-  Pasco County is opening two locations on the west side of the county to provide food and water to Hurricane Helene victims.  These two Points of Distribution (PODs) locations will ensure anyone displaced by the storm will have access to essential supplies.

Both sites will be open to drive-in customers Saturday, September 28, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while supplies last:

Pasco County teams will also be delivering supplies directly to affected neighborhoods – stretching from Holiday to Hudson.  To see our interactive map of all distribution points, please visit: mypas.co/Map

Important Information:

  • Supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while they last.
  • If you have questions, please contact Pasco County Customer Service at 727.847.2411 or chat with us online at MyPasco.net.

Follow Pasco County on social media for continuing updates on Hurricane Helene response and recovery efforts.

Pasco County Storm-Related Debris Removal

~~Storm victims can bring storm-related debris to West Pasco Recovery Center~~

Media Release | September 27, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Commuications

PASCO COUNTY, FL  —-  Pasco County will begin accepting free Hurricane Helene-related debris drop-off beginning Saturday, September 28 at the West Pasco Resource Recovery Center, 14606 Hays Road, Spring Hill.  The facility will be open Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. These services are being provided for people in Pasco only.  Be prepared to show proof of residency.

Pasco County will also begin picking up storm-related debris in affected neighborhoods over the next few days:

  • Separate all storm debris (whether you drop it off or leave it at the curb).
  • Do not mix yard debris (branches, leaves, etc.) with home debris (mattresses, chairs, couches, etc.) or household garbage.
  • Refrigerators and freezers MUST be emptied, with doors secured or removed.
  • Keep in mind, your curbside debris might not be picked up immediately.
  • Only residential storm debris is eligible for free disposal. Commercial debris will not be accepted.
  • Both the West Pasco Resource Recovery Center and the East Pasco Transfer Station (9626 Handcart Road, Dade City) will be open for regular garbage drop-off.

We urge you to document your storm debris for insurance purposes in case your provider asks for proof.

Private haulers will pick up regular trash on your regularly scheduled pick-up day.

Please place separate debris at the curb or roadside – being careful not to block fire hydrants, mailboxes, electrical boxes, or any other structures.  Do not place debris in bags.

*Note: Contractor-generated construction debris will not be collected.

Pasco County Launches Tool to Report Human Services Needs

~~Online tool available at MyPasco.net~~

Media Release | September 27, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations and Communications

PASCO COUNTY, FL  —-  Pasco County Government Human Services is offering an online tool to help anyone who needs food, water, clothing or shelter following Hurricane Helene.  The quickest way to report human services needs and schedule an appointment with the county is to fill out this Hurricane Helene Human Needs survey.

You can access the Human Services Needs tool in a few convenient ways:

This tool allows Pasco County to gather accurate information to help you with your immediate

needs.

For more information, call Pasco County Customer Service at 727-847-2411.

Pasco County and the State of Florida have opened Business Damage Assessment Surveys

News Brief | September 27, 2024
Pasco Economic Development Council

We hope you and your families are safe from the storm. Hurricane Helene brought significant flooding and damage to our area and throughout Florida. We are thinking of you all during this time and are here to help. Pasco County and the State of Florida have opened Business Damage Assessment Surveys which will allow the local and state organizations to expedite recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of affected businesses. If your home or business was affected by the storm, please complete both forms below.

For more resources to assist with storm recovery, visit our webpage for a collection of local, state, and federal resources.

United Way Suncoast Disaster Recovery Resources

Media Release | September 27, 2024
United Way Suncoast

In the wake of a natural disaster, we see both the heartbreak of destruction and the heartfelt generosity of those stepping forward to ask, “What can I do to help?” Now that Hurricane Helene has passed, damage assessment will begin and we know some of our neighborhoods have experienced severe damage.

And we begin the long process of disaster relief and recovery across the region. Rest assured that United Way Suncoast will be here with our community every step of the way as we have been for the last 100 years.

With that in mind, we wanted to share important resources for those who may need assistance, and those able to offer it.

GET HELP

If you have been impacted by the storm and need assistance, please call 211 to be connected to available resources.

DONATE

  • Money: If you would like to make a donation that helps those across our region, we encourage you to donate to the United Way Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund.
  • In-Kind: To ensure in-kind donations such as food, water and household donations are deployed to the community as quickly as possible, we encourage you to contact Feeding Tampa Bay, All Faiths Food Bank, Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee County or other local food banks.

VOLUNTEER

We are working diligently to organize resources and connect those in need with those who can help, coordinate volunteer efforts, bridge communications across the region and leverage relationships to ensure our neighbors across the Suncoast have the support they need to recover.

STAY CONNECTED

For the most up-to-date information and links to a variety of resources, please visit our Disaster Recovery page and follow us on social media.

Above all, stay safe as you work on your recovery efforts.

United We Rise. United We Win.

DOH-Pasco Urges Residents to Follow Flood
Safety Tips

Media Release | September 25, 2024
DOH Pasco
Pasco County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) urges
residents to be aware of the health risks associated with flooding. Skin contact with flood waters
does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk. However, health hazards are a concern when
waters are or become contaminated with bacteria or contain dangerous debris.
DOH-Pasco recommends the following to prevent illness or injury from flood waters:

  • Basic hygiene is critical. If you are under a boil water notice, use commercially bottled
    water for mixing baby formula. Wash your hands with soap and either disinfected or
    boiled and cooled water, especially before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, after
    handling a soiled diaper, after participating in flood cleanup activities, and after handling
    objects contaminated with flood water or sewage.
  • Avoid eating for drinking anything that has been contaminated with flood waters.
  • Avoid contact with flood waters, especially if you have open cuts or sores.
  • If you have any open cuts or sores and come in contact with flood waters, wash the area
    well with soap to prevent infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage,
    seek immediate medical attention.
  • Residents who sustain lacerations and/or puncture wounds are encouraged to contact
    their primary health care provider to make sure they are current on their tetanus vaccine
    and possibly get a booster.
    If on a septic system and your plumbing is functioning slowly:
  • Converse water as much as possible; the less water used, the less sewage the septic
    tank must process. Minimize use of your washing machine.
  • Do not have the septic tank pumped. Exceptionally high-water tables might crush a
    septic tank that was pumped dry. If the basic problem is high ground water, pumping the
    tank does nothing to solve that problem.
    If your well is flooded:
  • Heavy rainfall may have made your well water unsafe to drink. If you are unsure about
    the impact of flooding on your well water, use bottled water or boil water for drinking,
    making ice, teeth brushing, and washing any areas of the skin that have been cut or
    injured.
  • If your well is affected by flood waters, there may be disease-causing organisms in your
    water making it unsafe to drink.
  • For additional questions regarding well water testing, contact DOH-Pasco
    Environmental Public Health at 727-841-4425 option 3.

Pasco County Government Closures & Openings

Media Release | September 25, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications

PASCO COUNTY, FL  —-  Pasco County Government offices will be closed Thursday, September 26, as we anticipate deteriorating weather conditions associated with Hurricane Helene.  Please also note the following service interruptions:

  • GoPasco bus services will be running and offering free rides to Pasco shelters beginning at 2 p.m. Wednesday, September 25; however, you should expect delays due to high demand.  Please monitor our social media pages for updates, as bus services could be suspended based on weather conditions.
  • Senior Services will not be providing meal delivery or congregate meal service until further notice. 
  • Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources is closing parks and boat ramps beginning at 5 p.m. Wednesday, September 25, until further notice.
  • Animal Services will reopen at 12 p.m. Saturday, September 28. (Animal Control Officers will be available for emergency response only, as weather permits.)

Follow Pasco County on social media for the latest county updates on Hurricane Helene. Please contact Pasco County Customer Service with questions or concerns.  Call 727.847.2411 or chat with us online at MyPasco.net.

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for Florida

Media Release | September 24, 2024
FEMA

WASHINGTON — FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Florida to supplement response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Helene beginning Sept. 23 and continuing. 

The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe. 

Federal funding is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support. That assistance is available for Bay, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Monroe, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties.

Federal funding is also available to provide emergency protective measures limited to direct federal assistance for Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Escambia, Hamilton, Holmes, Marion, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Sumter, Union, Walton and Washington counties.

John E. Brogan has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

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