Floridians affected by Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Debby can now access vital FEMA services at new recovery centers across 10 counties
Florida – After the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Debby, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared the opening of Disaster Recovery Centers spread over ten counties in Florida Citrus, Columbia, Gilchrist, Hillsborough, Madison, Manatee, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, and Taylor counties each will have FEMA center set up. The goal is to offer Floridians dealing with the aftermath of these natural disasters vital one-on-one help.
Strategically placed in places like parks, local fire stations, and community centers, the centers provide a range of services meant to assist hurricane survivors start their road towards recovery. These services include support with updates on application statuses, explanation of any information obtained from FEMA, and direction on disaster aid applications. Except in Madison County, where they close an hour early on Saturdays, the centers are active seven days a week, with a usual timetable ranging from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Every facility is fully accessible to those with disabilities or other access and functional needs and equipped with assistive technology so that all impacted people may get the support they need. Apart from direct support, FEMA underlines that survivors do not have to attend a center in order to seek for help. Supporting several languages and ready to manage higher call volumes, applications can be filed online at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA App, or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.
Hillsborough County’s mobile approach
Hillsborough County is special because it has a transportable Disaster Recovery Center now housed at the David Barksdale Senior Citizen Center. By relocating to different sites as needed, this center provides flexibility and guarantees better access to services for county people everywhere.
Apart from the major recovery facilities, FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are also present at other sites including Faith Bible Church in Baker County. Staff members here are committed daily until October 19, 2024, extending the hours of operation to 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., assisting survivors apply for aid.
Additional applications for recent damage
Florida residents who had previously sought help following hurricanes Helene or Debby and experienced more damage from Hurricane Milton are advised to file an additional request for the most current storm. This is crucial for accessing additional aid and ensuring all damages are assessed and addressed appropriately.
Residents are encouraged to visit the specific disaster portal at fema.gov/disaster/4834 for continuous updates and further information regarding recovery activities for Hurricane Milton. Through social media sites like X and Facebook, FEMA also keeps active public communication offering regular updates and useful information.
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Center locations:
Citrus County
West Citrus Community Center
8940 W. Veterans Drive
Homosassa, FL 34448
Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Sunday
Columbia County
Lake City Reporter
180 E. Duval St.
Lake City, FL 32055
9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Sunday
Gilchrist County
Gilchrist County Fire Station #2
460 NW County Road 138
Branford, FL 32008
Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Sunday
Hillsborough County (Mobile Center)
David Barksdale Senior Citizen Center
1801 N. Lincoln Ave.
Tampa, FL 33607
Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Sunday
When this center moves to a new location, details will be provided to the public.
Madison County
The Bridge Church
1135 US East 90
Madison, FL 32340
Open 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Manatee County
GT Bray Park
5502 33rd Avenue Drive W
Bradenton, FL 34209
Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Sunday
Pinellas County
Botanical Gardens – Magnolia Room
12520 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33774
Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Sunday
Sarasota County
Sarasota Municipal Auditorium
801 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34236
Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Sunday
Suwannee County
Hale Park
215 Duval St. NE
Live Oak, FL 32064
Open 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday-Sunday
Taylor County
Loughridge Park
1100 W. Hampton Springs Ave.
Perry, FL 32347
Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Sunday
These recovery hubs highlight the larger dedication of the Florida Division of Emergency Management and FEMA to assist and rebuild impacted areas as they become the focal point for efforts at hurricane relief. Offering a range of easily available services and comprehensive support systems, these organizations are significantly helping many Floridians on the long road to recovery following a series of catastrophic events heal and rebuild.
