Storm Response
Last week's hurricane brought a storm surge that severely affected many homes in Old Seminole Heights and has displaced numerous OSHNA members. We're proud that our community has come together to support our neighbors as best we can, and OSHNA will continue to work with everyone to the best of our abilities. Affected neighbors have expressed their deep thanks for the offers of housing, food, and laundry assistance as they attempt to put their homes and lives back together.
These are the times our role in the context of Tampa's long history of mutual aid societies is most important, and the OSHNA board thanks everyone for showing what it really means to be a neighbor. If you and your home are okay, take a moment to reach out to those who may have been affected by the storm. Some folks won't think to ask, and there is so much you can do to help, such as:
- making lunches, snacks, and dinners (start a
meal train
!)
- dropping off ice daily
- bringing bottles of water and Gatorade
- washing and drying towels used for clean up
- doing folks' regular laundry
- running errands for supplies (garbage bags, paper towels, disinfectant wipes, etc)
- lending an ear
- providing a spot to power devices and relax
Feeding Tampa Bay Disaster Relief
is here for those who need food, and it's there for anyone who is compelled to help but doesn't know where to start.
Solid Waste services
has resumed for garbage and recycling collection. Yard waste and regular SWEEP collection are suspended at this time. The City of Tampa Solid Waste Department has begun the collection of storm debris. Storm debris includes vegetative, household items and construction debris created due to the damaging effects of Hurricane Helene.
Residents that are ready for storm debris collection immediately may request collection
by calling the City of Tampa Solid Waste Call Center at 813-274-8811 or online at https://tampaconnect.com. For customers requiring additional time for assessment and removal of vegetative-storm debris, and damaged household items, the official collection will begin on Monday, October 7, 2024. As of this date, call in requests will not be required. Crews will canvas each neighborhood within City of Tampa limits and collect storm related debris from the curb.
Additionally, the McKay Bay Transfer Station is extending its operating hours to accommodate the increased debris. City of Tampa residents can dispose of accepted items at no additional charge. See a full list of accepted items and disposal requirements. Extended McKay Bay Transfer Station hours starting Monday, September 30, 2024:
- Monday through Friday: 7 am – 7 pm
- Saturday: 7 am – 3:30 pm
FEMA assistance
now available to City of Tampa residents who experienced damages/losses due to Hurricane Helene - financial help for temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-caused expenses. Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov
, use the FEMA App
, or 1-800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
If your home was damaged but you can live in it safely after Hurricane Helene, FEMA may be able to provide up to $300 in one-time financial assistance to help with cleanup. This assistance is for eligible homeowners and renters.
You may qualify for FEMA assistance if you meet the following criteria:
- Your pre-disaster primary home must be in one of the counties designated for Individual Assistance for Hurricane Helene.
- Based on a FEMA inspection, your home has disaster damage; or if you are a renter, the inspection noted clean-up actions are needed or have already been done. If you have already cleaned up, save your receipts from any supplies, materials or paid help.
- The damage is not covered by your insurance.
- FEMA determines your disaster-damaged primary residence is safe to occupy.
After Floridians apply for FEMA assistance following Hurricane Helene, a home inspection may be necessary to help determine whether the home is safe, sanitary and livable. Inspectors do not make decisions regarding eligibility for assistance. Information gathered during the inspection is part of several criteria used by FEMA to determine if applicants are eligible for federal assistance. Inspectors will make an appointment with the applicant before coming. They will already have the applicant’s FEMA application number. They carry photo identification. For security reasons, federal identification may not be photographed or recorded. Inspectors will never ask for, or accept, money. Their service is free.
Be Alert to Fraud After Hurricane Helene
FEMA personnel working in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene carry official photo identification. FEMA representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. Don't believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment. Don't give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information. If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff's department or contact Florida’s Office of the Attorney General by calling 866-9-NO-SCAM (866-966-7226) or visit myfloridalegal.com. To file a fraud complaint, go online to Scam Report (myfloridalegal.com).
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