World Central Kitchen is providing free hot meals to those impacted by the recent storms starting at noon today. Meals will be available until supplies run out at the following locations: - Franklin Pierce Recreation Center at Bartlett Park, 2000 7th St. S. - Walter Fuller Recreation Center, 7891 26th Ave. S.
The State of Florida Fuel Distribution Site at 800 1st Ave. S. is open today until 4 p.m., offering up to 10 gallons of free gasoline per vehicle. Yesterday, 945 people received fuel from the site. Due to high demand, delays are expected, and drivers are advised to enter from 1st Ave. S. Traffic congestion is reported in the area between MLK St. and Central Ave. Those not in need of fuel are encouraged to avoid the area if possible.
Stageworks Theatre, at 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa, was undamaged by Hurricane Milton, and will present the final performances of What the Constitution Means to Me, on schedule tonight at 8, and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are BOGO. "I'm performing in exchange for a hot shower, and you can quote me on that," lead actress Kari Goetz said.
State officials have opened a free fuel distribution site at 800 1st Ave. S. until 7 p.m. Saturday. Those who need gas should enter the site from 1st Avenue South and can receive up to 10 gallons. They should also expect an extensive wait. The city has urged residents who do not need gas to avoid the extremely congested area.
Red Apple Real Estate, the development firm behind the Residences at 400 Central, announced Friday that the project’s general contractor and crane subcontractor have “engaged engineering specialists to begin removing debris.” Hurricane Milton blew a large section of a 500-foot tower crane into the adjacent Tampa Bay Times building. The firm’s leadership said it “does not appear that the 400 Central structure was damaged, and thorough inspections are being performed.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced Saturday that President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida. That allows several counties, including Pinellas, to receive federal recovery funding. Assistance includes grants for temporary housing, home repairs, debris removal and other resources. For more information, visit the website here.
In response to recovery efforts following Hurricanes Helen and Milton, the City of St. Petersburg has set up three temporary Comfort and Charging Stations to aid residents. The stations will provide essential supplies and charging capabilities as power is restored across the city. The stations are located at Frank Pierce Recreation Center, Childs Park Recreation Center, and Roberts Recreation Center. They will be open on Saturday, Oct. 12, from noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Available supplies include bottled water, battery packs, clean-up kits, storage bins, and tarps. For updates, visit stpete.org/recovery.
Sunday's Capitol Theatre concert by singer Samara Joy has been rescheduled for Oct. 25. All purchased tickets will be good for the new date.
The St. Pete Pier remains closed as cleanup from the hurricane continues. The Fall Festival, Pumpkin Patch and the Monster Energy St.Pete Powerboat P1 Grand Prix have been canceled.
St. Petersburg has provided a list of known open food stores and gas stations to assist in Hurricane Milton recovery efforts. Residents can check for open Publix locations at www.publix.com/pages/publix-storm-basics/publix-store-status, Check Wawa location status here, and gas stations through GasBuddy Additional resources will be compiled at stpete.org/Recovery as they become available.
Feeding Tampa Bay is urgently seeking volunteers to support ongoing emergency relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Since Hurricane Helene, the organization has provided 1.5 million meals and set up 56 emergency distribution sites across the Tampa Bay region. Volunteers are needed to continue distributing resources to help the community recover. To sign up for a volunteer shift, visit volunteer.feedingtampabay.org/disaster-response.
St. Petersburg officials have reminded residents they must boil water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth and cleaning until Monday. If bottled water is unavailable, residents should bring faucet water to a rolling boil for one minute to eliminate pollutants. The Cities of Gulfport, Pasadena and Lealman are also under a boil water notice.
