INITIATIVEs
AMPLIFY HOPE
AMPLIFY HOPE
Hurricane Helene & Hurricane Milton have left a lasting mark on our beloved Clearwater community. Collectively, the storms brought not only fierce winds, heavy rain, and a massive water surge but also devastation that has impacted our neighbors, friends, and local businesses. From water damage to structural loss, the heart and soul of Clearwater—its residents and businesses—are facing significant challenges in the aftermath.
Local business owners, many of whom have dedicated years to building their dreams, now confront the daunting reality of starting over. Shops, restaurants, and service providers that contribute to our vibrant community are struggling to survive, and residents are also dealing with repairs and recovery.
But there is hope.
We are reactivating AMPLIFY Hope, a community-led initiative designed to provide direct monetary support to both local businesses and residents who need help to rebuild. Every donation—no matter how big or small—goes 100% into recovery grants that will be distributed directly to affected businesses and residents. These grants will provide critical financial aid to help cover repairs, restock inventory, and support families, giving our community the chance to stand tall once again.
Now more than ever, they need your help.
This is our opportunity to come together and ensure that the Clearwater we know and love doesn’t lose the small businesses and families that make it special. Every dollar you give makes a difference. Together, we can rebuild and restore our community, one business and home at a time.
Donate today and help us restore hope to Clearwater. Your generosity will directly impact the future of our local economy and help families and businesses rebuild after these tragic storms.
With your support, we can bring Clearwater’s community back stronger than ever.
Let’s rebuild, together.
If you are a business or resident in need of a recovery grant, please click each link below to obtain the Recovery Grant Application. Once you complete the application you may send it via mail, email, or drop it off during office hours (M-F 9-4) at 1346 S. Ft Harrison Ave Clearwater, FL 33756. If you need additional assistance, please call us at 727-461-0011.
Grant recipients will be notified by December 5th, 2024.
RESOURCES
_______________________________________
Immediate Needs
- Places to Play, Stay, Eat & Shop Following the Hurricanes
- Business Damage Assessment Survey
- Florida Emergency Information Toll-Free Line: (800) 342-3557
- To report price gouging in Florida: (866) 966-7226
- NOAA
- National Weather Service
- Duke Energy Outages Map
- Florida Division of Emergency Management – (850) 815-4000 or Dial 711 (TDD/TTY)
- State of Florida Shelter Locator by County
SBDC Mobile Unit in Downtown Clearwater
The FSBDC Network’s Mobile Disaster Recovery Unit is available to provide business services to Pinellas County businesses affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Representatives from the FSBDC and an SBA Representative are on site to provide one-on-one consulting. Business owners can come to the FSBEC Mobile Disaster Recovery Unit for financial technical assistance in Downtown Clearwater at Coachman Park, 100 N Osceola Ave, Clearwater, FL 33755, Monday- Thursday, between the hours of 10:00 AM-3:00 PM.
FEMA AND SBA RESOURCES
Navigating the FEMA process for both home and business assistance requires a slightly more detailed approach since FEMA offers different types of aid for individuals and businesses. Here’s a step-by-step guide for each:
Navigating the SBA (Small Business Administration) disaster loan process can be a critical step for businesses recovering from a disaster like a hurricane, flood, or fire. Here’s a guide to help businesses through the process:
If you need additional assistance, please reach out to our team to assist you at 727-461-0011.
Register now with FEMA to house Hurricane Helene & Hurricane Milton victims on the barrier islands who can’t stay at home.
FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Open in Largo
A Disaster Recovery Center is open with expanded services at the Florida Botanical Gardens, Magnolia Room, 12520 Ulmerton Road Largo.
The DRC is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday at the new location.
DRCs serve as centralized locations where people can access various services and information related to disaster recovery, including:
- Information and Guidance: DRCs provide information on available disaster assistance programs and resources.
- Application Assistance: You can receive help with applying for federal disaster assistance programs, such as FEMA grants and low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration DRC staff can assist you in completing the necessary paperwork and explaining the application process.
- Translation and Accessibility Services:The DRC offers translation services for individuals with limited English proficiency. They also provide accommodations for people with disabilities to ensure equal access to assistance.
- Status Updates: If you have already applied for assistance, you can check the status of your application at a DRC.
- Access to Disaster-related Resources:The DRC will have numerous state agencies and social service organizations on site to help you get additional help, such as housing, legal services, and counseling.
- Access to Computers and Phones:The DRC offers computer access and phone services, allowing you to complete online applications.
In addition to FEMA, the following agencies will provide assistance at the DRC: Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, Florida Department of Commerce, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida Department of Elder Affairs, Florida Department of Insurance Regulation and Florida Department of Children and Families with Hope Florida Navigators.
When visiting a DRC, it’s a good idea to bring identification, proof of residence, insurance information, and any documentation related to your disaster-related losses to facilitate the application process and ensure you receive the appropriate assistance.
Residents can register for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, via the FEMA app or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
FEMA Clean and Sanitize Assistance
If your home was damaged but you can live in it safely after Hurricane Helene or Milton, 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.
How to Apply
Go online at www.disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA App, or call 800-621-3362.
Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
CORE
CORE: Children of Restaurant Employees is a national nonprofit providing financial grants to food & beverage service employees with children when the employee, their child, or their spouse/partner faces a life-altering medical crisis, death, injury, or natural disaster. CORE is here to give a hand-up to qualifying families during their time of need!
HOPE FLORIDA
Serving as the emergency response arm for the Hope Florida initiative, Activate Hope pulls together the private sector, nonprofits, and government resources to help Floridians get back on their feet following a natural disaster. Activate Hope helps connect Floridians with outside resources to provide food, household goods, home repairs, and more. Click the button below and fill out the form to request help today!
SMALL BUSINESS EMERGENCY BRIDGE LOAN PROGRAM
The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program provides short-term, zero-interest working capital loans that 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 are available up to $50,000 per eligible applicant.
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS & RECOVERY
BUSINESS DAMAGE ASSESSMENT SURVEY
The State of Florida has opened the Business Damage Assessment Survey for Hurricane Helene & Hurricane Milton. Please take a moment to complete the survey. Completing the survey helps to ensure the appropriate services are available during recovery.
UPDATES FROM THE CITY
___________________________________________________________________
MOST RECENT INFORMATION
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the city of Clearwater will waive building plan review and permit fees for residents and business owners trying to make repairs after the storms. The waiver will be for those customers across the city who are impacted by the storms.
The city has also opened a pop-up permitting site on the beach, making it easier for residents and business owners on the Clearwater barrier islands to talk with employees from the Planning and Development Department and begin the permitting process. That site is located at the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center, 69 Bay Esplanade, and open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Contractors and residents can apply for building permits at the pop-up permitting site or at the Municipal Services Building, 100 S. Myrtle Ave., Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Planning and Development Department is located on the second floor. Contractors can also apply for permits online at MyClearwater.com/Permits.
Residents or business owners who need repairs are reminded to always use licensed contractors. For more information on the permitting process, call 727-562-4567 or email epermit@myclearwater.com.
POP-UP PERMITTING
DEBRIS REMOVAL
Household Appliances
The following locations are available for commercial haulers:
|
Facility |
Address | Phone |
|
Anclote Metal Recycling |
806 Anclote Rd, Tarpon Springs | (727) 938-2822 |
|
Best Metal Recycling (Clearwater) |
15122 63rd St. N., Clearwater | (727) 524-2550 |
|
Best Metal Recycling (Tarpon Springs) |
1599 Rainville Rd., Tarpon Springs | (727) 937-6962 |
|
Trademark Metal (Clearwater) |
2032 Gentry St., Clearwater | (727) 447-6960 |
|
Trademark Metal (Pinellas Park) |
9380 67th St. N., Pinellas Park | (727) 544-5810 |
Construction & Demolition Debris Disposal
The following locations are available for commercial haulers:
|
Facility |
Address |
Phone |
|
Angelo’s Recycled Materials |
1755 20th Ave. SE, Largo |
(727) 588-9529 |
|
Sarnago & Sons |
1741 N. Keene Road, Clearwater |
(727) 446-4909 |
|
Waste Management |
12950 40th Street, Clearwater |
(727) 572-8779 |
|
Waste Pro |
11880 34th Street N, Clearwater |
(727)-304-4500 |
Vegetative Debris
The following locations are available for commercial haulers:
|
Facility |
Address |
Phone |
|
Angelo’s Recycled Materials |
1755 20th Ave. SE, Largo, 33771 |
(727) 588-9529 |
|
Veransa Clearwater |
12101 40th Street N, Clearwater, 33762 |
(727) 299-9300 |
WHAT TO DO WITH SAND
From Pinellas County: If clean sand from the beach ended up on your property you can return it to the beach and dune above the high tide line (mean high water). It must not have stains, odors or debris, and you must not place it over dune plants, turtle nests, hurricane generated debris or construction debris.
If the sand does not meet the criteria above, you must request permission from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (850-245-2094 or CCCL@FloridaDEP.gov). Once you have permission, the same placement restrictions apply.
Failure to follow these rules may result in civil penalties.
Don’t put sand in your trash or out in the road.
If you’re using heavy equipment, be cautious of buried water lines and other infrastructure. Call 311.
CRA GRANT PROGRAM
The Community Redevelopment Agency has streamlined our Downtown Clearwater Community Redevelopment Area Commercial Grant Program. Applicants can now apply for one grant program and select the best option that fits their business needs and project size. The grant opportunities offer varying levels of support and address both short—and long-term challenges that commercial stakeholders have experienced in Downtown Clearwater. This comprehensive business assistance program offers assistance for both exterior and interior business improvements.
Commercial Grant Program Downtown CRA
Eligible applicants must meet the program guidelines and be located within Downtown Clearwater Community Redevelopment Area boundaries. Interested parties should note that no projects will be funded retroactively, and applications must be approved prior to beginning work. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and are subject to CRA approval and budget availability.
OFFERS FROM OUR MEMBERS
____________________________________________________________________________
HELP HABITAT REBUILD LIVES AND RESTORE HOPE
Your financial support will allow our team to directly impact families in desperate need of recovery efforts and mortgage assistance.
Together, we can create a stronger, more resilient community. Join us in this crucial mission to uplift and empower those in need.
To make a donation, click the button below.
WYNDHAM GRAND CLEARWATER BEACH OFFERING DISCOUNTED HOTEL STAYS
Understanding that many locals may be displaced for an extended time, Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach wants to assist. For the time being, while occupancy levels allow, Wyndham is offering rooms at a deeply discounted rate and waiving resort fees.
Residents with a valid ID with local address can book using the link below or by visiting their website https://www.wyndhamgrandclearwater.com and clicking on the link in the banner at the top of the home page.
RESIDENCE INN/SPRINGHILL SUITES CLEARWATER BEACH OFFERING DISCOUNTED HOTEL STAYS
We recognize that Hurricane Helene has caused many in our community to be displaced. The Residence Inn/Springhill Suites would like to extend the following offer to all affected locals:
- Offer Valid for standard studio King rooms or double queens- $169 + Taxes
- No Resort Fee
- Pet Friendly (Standard hotel pet fee)
- $19 discounted parking per night
Breakfast is included each morning for our guests, and our Residence Inn rooms will have a full kitchen.
Offer Valid from Friday, October 4, 2024 through Friday, October 31, 2024
JW MARRIOTT CLEARWATER BEACH OFFERING DISCOUNTED HOTEL STAYS
We understand that Hurricane Helene has left many of our community displaced. JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa would like to offer the following for all displaced locals:
- $199/night
- Offer valid for: Guest room, 1 King, balcony or Guest room, 2 Queen, Balcony.
- Offer valid Wednesday, October 2, 2024, through Monday, October 14, 2024.
- Waived daily resort fee.
- 50% off valet parking
Residents with a valid ID with local address’ (Pinellas and Hillsborough) can book directly by calling: 727.946.0284.
Allow us to help you find comfort and a place to rest during this difficult time.
Also to support the locals, show your local ID to receive 20% off at Latitude 28 & The Deep End with complimentary valet parking till October 11, 2024.
RUTH ECKERD HALL PLEDGES TO DONATE 5,000 TICKETS TO PINELLAS AND PASCO COUNTY FIRST REPONDERS, LINEMEN AND BEACH HOSPITALITY EMPLOYEES
Susan M. Crockett Ruth Eckerd Hall President & CEO and the Ruth Eckerd Hall Board of Directors announced today to pledge 5,000 tickets to Pinellas and Pasco County First Responders, Lineman and beach hospitality employees. Tickets will be offered to select shows and performances scheduled through the end of the year at venues managed and operated by Ruth Eckerd Hall.
In making the announcement, Crockett said, “As we pick up the pieces from the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we are humbled to be a refuge where the First Responders and Lineman, as well as the beach hospitality employees can go to escape the stress and recapture a little joy for a while.”
Those eligible for tickets must present government or company issued identification at The Raymond James Central Ticket Office at Ruth Eckerd Hall when picking up tickets. There is a limit of four tickets per person and the list of performances will be updated as new shows are announced. The ticket office is open Tuesday through Thursday, from noon to 6 pm, Friday, from 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturday, from noon to 6 pm.
For more information, please visit www.RuthEckerdHall.com.
