Hurricane Milton Recovery: Resources for Residents Across the Bay Area

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Area is slowly recovering from Hurricane Milton and resources are available to residents affected by the storm.

Governor DeSantis announced that the state will provide up to 10 gallons of free gas to every resident who needs it from three gas distribution sites along Florida’s west coast.

Point-of-distribution (POD) locations, drive-thru assistance areas where residents can pick up essentials like food and water, and comfort stations are opening across the Bay Area:

Hillsborough County

Point of Distribution (POD) locations are drive-up support areas where residents can pick up essentials such as food and water.

Locations are open Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. or while supplies last. Residents can take water, tarps to protect their homes and meals.

Elev8 Fun, Citrus Park Mall, 7902 Citrus Park Town Center Dr., Tampa, FL 33625
HCC Brandon, 10451 Nancy Watkins Dr, Tampa, FL 33619
Gibsonton Walmart, 9205 Gibsonton Dr, Gibsonton, FL 33534
Former Kmart parking lot, 431 19th Avenue NE, Ruskin, FL 33670

Tampa

The City of Tampa has opened four locations to provide essential supplies such as water, MREs and ice at two locations:

Gandy Boat Ramp (5108 W Gandy Blvd., 33611)
Al Lopez Park (4810 N Himes Ave, 33614)

The drive-thru PODS are open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will remain open daily for up to a week, subject to supplies.

Neighborhood pop-ups distribute water, MREs and hygiene kits, also at two locations:

Babe Zaharias Golf Course (11412 N Forest Hills Drive, 33612)
Copeland Park (11001 N 15th St., 33612)

The neighborhood pop-ups, set up in response to flooding in the area, are open Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Temple terrace

The City of Temple Terrace, in partnership with the National Guard, is opening a POD site to assist residents. The site is open today from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and tomorrow from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. while supplies last.

7701 E. Telecom Pkwy, Temple Terrace 33637

Pinellas County

Gulfport

The Gulfport Library is open as a convenience station from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The library has internet access, flush toilets, WiFi, and access to library materials and collections.

St Petersburg

The comfort stations are open on Saturdays until 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Frank Pierce Recreation Center: 2000 7th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Childs Park Recreation Center: 4301 13th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
Roberts Recreation Center: 1246 50th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33703

POD locations are also open in Pinellas County, distributing free prepackaged meals and water to residents:

Dunedin: City Hall, 737 Louden Ave. – Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (self-service – next to the gas station)
Gulfport: 25th Ave. S. and Beach Ave. – Saturday, Oct. 12 (until 7 p.m.) and Sunday, Oct. 12 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Redington Shores: 18200 Gulf Blvd. – Daily (8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Treasure Island: 1 Park Place (self-service – next to comfort station)
St. Pete Beach Community Center, 701 Boca Ciega Dr., – daily (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

St. Pete:

Frank Pierce Recreation Center, 2000 7th St. S. – Sunday, October 13 (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Childs Park – Childs Park Recreation Center – 4301 13th Av. S. (Sunday, October 13th, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Roberts Recreation Center, 1246 50th Ave. N. (Sunday, October 13th, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

Polk County

Water and food distribution sites have been established at several locations in Polk County:

Lakeland: Walker Road Park, 1285 Walker Road
Lakeland: Gator Creek Preserve, 9725 US Hwy 98 N
Frostproof: Family Life Church, 139 Bulldog Way
Mulberry: Civic Center, 901 NE Fifth St.

The sales points are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. while stocks last.

Other recovery resources available in Florida

Government support

President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for Florida on Saturday.

Federal funding is available to affected individuals in Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee counties. Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia, as well as the Miccosukee Indian Tribe of Florida.

Assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property damage, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

For more information about how hurricane victims can receive assistance from FEMA, click here.

reunification efforts

According to Governor DeSantis, anyone who cannot locate a loved one can contact the American Red Cross for help. Residents can call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Cleanup after the hurricane

Residents who need help cleaning up damage from Hurricanes Helene and/or Milton can request cleanup assistance by calling (844) 965-1386. All services are free, but service cannot be guaranteed due to overwhelming demand. The hotline will remain open until Friday, October 25, 2024.

Residents can check contractors’ licenses by visiting myfloridalicense.com. You can also report any unlicensed activity by calling (866) 532-1440.

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