Thrive
City government rallies to help storm victims
The City of St. Petersburg helped ensure those affected by Hurricane Helene had hot meals, laundry facilities and transportation over the somber weekend.
The federal government also announced aid applications opened Sunday. The much-anticipated news provided some relief for residents who realized the long road to recovery ahead after three days of damage assessments.
Transportation
City and Pinellas Suncoast Transit Agency (PSTA) have partnered to provide two weeks of fare-free bus service due to Hurricane Helene’s “unprecedented impacts.” At least 15,000 homes flooded in St. Petersburg, and many more people lost their vehicles and refrigerators full of food.
The St. Pete Emergency Zero Fare Program launched Monday morning and runs through Sunday, Oct. 13. The initiative is open to residents citywide and includes all bus routes that begin and end in the city. However, the SunRunner will turn around in Pasadena due to limited beach access.
“As part of the city’s recovery efforts, and in order to reduce the financial and transportation impacts Helene has caused, the city has made this arrangement to assist our residents with their essential transportation needs,” said Mayor Ken Welch in a prepared statement. “And as a small gesture to help everyone through this tough time.”
Laundry
City officials established a full-service laundry facility for impacted residents Sunday morning at Allendale United Methodist Church. Washers and dryers are available around the clock at 3803 Haines Rd. N, and staff can provide assistance from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
County Commissioner Renee Flowers, a South St. Pete resident, urged city officials to establish another facility on the city’s south side. She said the Greater Mt. Zion AME Church offered space in a social media post.
Flowers noted that many District 7 residents, “several whom I know personally,” lost everything they owned to flooding. “Please consider,” she wrote. “Even if you use another church, South St. Pete could use the help.”
The city acquiesced less than an hour later. Residents without power can also wash their clothes free of charge at the Easy Kleen Laundromat from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. The facility is at 2970 54th Ave S.
Officials wrote that the free services would remain available until further notice. “More locations are coming soon,” they added.
According to the city website, officials will open additional laundry facilities. Photo: City of St. Petersburg.
Food
The city enlisted Renee Edwards, founder of Saturday Shoppes, to help rally food truck operators Saturday. Local leaders strategically deployed 10 of the mobile restaurants to provide free hot meals throughout St. Petersburg.
Organizers worked to replace business owners who quickly depleted their meal supply. They deployed another 13 food trucks Sunday. “Please stop by, have a meal and relax for a moment,” officials wrote.
The city has not announced if it will deploy food trucks again Monday. However, Operation BBQ Relief will distribute 2,000 meals from The Gathering Church to flood victims at 11 a.m.
The giveaway is at 4400 Shore Acres Blvd. “Don’t be too proud to eat,” wrote business owner and city council candidate Pete Boland. “Your city loves you and wants to help, but you gotta ask,” he said in another post.
FEMA Assistance
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) opened applications to local storm victims Sunday. Disaster assistance can include funding for temporary lodging, home repairs and other expenses.
Those affected can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA app and by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). City officials urge residents to ensure contractors have proper licensing and insurance.
The city will likely expedite storm-related construction permits. For more information on how to choose a contractor, visit the website here.
One of at least six homes that caught fire in Shore Acres following Hurricane Helene. Photo: Facebook.
Debris
Officials have pledged their commitment to “cleaning up the city” following Helene’s extensive impacts. However, residents should not expect debris collection before Oct. 7.
Crews will conduct multiple citywide sweeps for storm debris. That includes vegetation, fencing, electronics and appliances.
Officials urge residents to document flood damage through pictures and video before discarding items, as insurance adjustors and FEMA will need evidence to support assistance claims. They also say to place debris in front of homes, near curbs and not in trash bags or by trees, poles, fire hydrants, utility boxes and other structures that impede collection.
City brush sites at 1000 62nd Ave. NE, 7750 26th Ave. N, 2500 26th Ave. S, 4015 Dr. Martin Luther King St. S, and 2453 20th Ave. N will accept vegetative debris seven days a week from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Additional information
As of 10 p.m. Sunday, about 13 traffic signals citywide remained offline. Officials urge drivers to “proceed with caution” and treat the intersections as a four-way stop.
Residents should also contact their power company before entering flooded homes, not touch wet electrical equipment, turn off power at the main circuit breaker, avoid using extension cords and wait for approval before restoring power.
For more storm recovery information, visit the website here.
