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Dear Industry Partners,
The beautiful weather this past week reminds us why we love this place we call home. With clear skies and the sun shining upon us once more, I wanted to personally reach out to you with a sense of gratitude and unwavering optimism. With so many challenges in our rearview mirror and some still in front of us, our foundation remains stronger than ever, and our community continues to show the resilience and strength that defines us.
As we continue to see more and more of our destination return to action, Visit St. Pete-Clearwater remains committed to promoting and shining a spotlight on our beloved destination. In fact, I am sending you this note from the heart of London in the U.K. as St. Pete-Clearwater has brought the sunshine to Brand USA's Travel Week. As part of our trip to continue to retain and further develop key international markets, we will also take part in special events with key travel tour operators and media in Amsterdam to celebrate the return of Delta Air Line’s seasonal flight from Amsterdam to Tampa International Airport starting this Saturday. This route will bring even more international visitors to our destination and provide a bridge to major cities throughout Europe to our destination.
In addition to our international efforts, your VisitSPC team has also been around the U.S. making sure meeting planners, tour operators, media, and potential visitors know we are open for business. This past weekend we made a strong presence at the NYC Wine & Food Festival, a fantastic opportunity to amplify our destination’s culinary offerings.
Additionally, the team’s planned activities for the month include meeting planner events in Tallahassee, New England and the Bahamas, as well as sales and trade events in Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., Mexico, Brazil and Colombia. These events allow us to connect with valued partners and showcase the unique experiences that St. Pete-Clearwater offers. Our main message to everyone – there is no need to cancel any plans and no need to hesitate about booking a trip to St. Pete-Clearwater. The news coverage of our area that they may have seen on TV or online does not represent our current look, and certainly not the entirety of our eclectic destination.
While much of our destination has been able to re-open their doors quickly, including many of our top attractions, we know our award-winning beaches and waterfront communities, which saw historic storm surge during Hurricane Helene, are in need of a little more time to fully recover. Throughout it all, we look forward to sharing the continued growth of our destination across our social and digital channels with each passing week.
We've weathered the storms, welcomed clear skies and are emerging stronger than ever. Together, we are Still Shining.
Brian Lowack
The Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections has relocated 25 polling places following the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Despite these changes, Pinellas County voters still have access to the same voting options they are familiar with, including voting by mail, in-person early voting, and voting on Election Day.
“While some adjustments were necessary, voters in Pinellas County can still rely on the voting methods they’ve used in the past,” said Supervisor of Elections Julie Marcus. “Whether you choose to vote by mail, at an early voting site, or on Election Day, you can rest assured that access to the ballot remains constant, and election integrity is paramount.”
(For a complete list of polling place changes, please see at the end of this message)
The Supervisor of Elections implemented extensive contingency plans to ensure minimal disruption to voters. The accessibility and security of voting options remain top priorities. Voters can feel confident that despite any weather-related obstacles, every eligible voter will have the opportunity to cast a ballot.
No changes have been made to early voting or secure mail ballot return locations.
Early Voting: Oct. 21 – Nov. 3, 2024
Early Voting for the November 5 General Election will be held from Monday, Oct. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Early voting sites include:
Voting by Mail
The deadline to request a mail ballot is 5 p.m. on Oct. 24, 2024. For mail ballot requests, please call 727-464-VOTE (8683).
Returning Mail Ballots
Mail ballots can be returned at one of 21 secure ballot return locations across Pinellas County between Oct. 21 and Nov. 3. Voters can find hours and locations on VotePinellas.gov or in the mail ballot kit. Ballots may also be returned to any of the three Supervisor of Elections Offices between now and Nov. 5. Please note, mail ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Important Reminders
Voters choosing to vote on Election Day should anticipate longer lines at polling places due to a long ballot and disruptions caused by the hurricanes. For a complete list of polling place adjustments and additional election information, please visit VotePinellas.gov or see the attached PDF.
For hurricane-specific information, visit VotePinellas.gov/Hurricane.
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Ashley McKnight-Taylor
Communications Director
Representing Julie Marcus, Supervisor of Elections
13001 Starkey Rd., Largo, FL 33773
(727) 453-7553
ATaylor@VotePinellas.gov
Find us on Facebook ~ Follow us @VotePinellas
Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing. -- F.S. 668.6076
Conforme a la legislación de Florida, las direcciones de correo electrónico son registros públicos. Si no desea que su correo electrónico se divulgue como respuesta a una solicitud de registros públicos, no envíe un correo electrónico a esta entidad. En su lugar, póngase en contacto con esta oficina por teléfono o por escrito. -- F.S. 668.6076
Good day everyone!
I don’t know about anyone else but I am thrilled with some actual Fall like weather. If we are dealing with no power, cutting, picking up, raking, trimming, pulling, dragging whatever, it sure makes it a tad more bearable to be doing it in temps in the 60’s versus the mid 90’s. It is a bright spot along our road to recovery. Below is information I thought might be of interest or beneficial to you.
Feeding Tampa Bay
Please visit their website https://feedingtampabay.org/ways-we-serve/disaster-relief the information is updated daily. They are offering food distribution events as well as food pantries .
Pinellas Update: Operation Blue Roof assistance available for residents with roof damage
Pinellas County residents with roof damage from Hurricane Milton can get a temporary blue tarp to prevent further damage by signing up for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA’s Operation Blue Roof program through Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Impacted residents can sign up online at BlueRoof.gov or by calling at 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258). You will need a driver’s license or other proof of residency.
This program is for primary residences or a permanently occupied rental property with less than 50% structural damage. Vacation rental properties are not eligible for this program. Roofs that are flat or made of metal or clay, slate, or asbestos tile do not qualify. The roof must be standard roof shingles, or similar material that will allow contractors to nail the tarp in place. Contractors will consider repairs to metal roofs and mobile homes on a case-by-case basis and will install the cover if possible.
Operation Blue Roof will remove homeowner tarps installed and minor debris to allow for proper installation. Any large items of debris, such as a tree, must be removed from the roof by the homeowner to be eligible for the program.
For more information on Operation Blue Roof, visit BlueRoof.gov. Stay up to date on Pinellas County storm recovery efforts at disaster.pinellas.gov.
Insurance Village
An insurance village is operating at the Long Center at 1501 N. Belcher in Clearwater is open where insurance agencies can help residents navigate filing insurance claims for damaged property.
Cooling Centers
A list of cooling center locations is available at www.disaster.pinellas.gov.
Fuel Distribution Sites
FDEM has opened public fuel distribution sites. Additional information can be found at www.floridadisaster.org/disaster-updates/Hurricanemilton.
US Small Business Administration
The US Small Business Administration is offering low interest physical damage and economic injury loans. Residents and businesses can visit www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance to apply and can contact disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955 for assistance.
Discounted Rides
Lyft has activated the Lyft Up Disaster Response Program to provide free and discounted rides to help those in affected areas travel to and from designated shelters with critical resources. Riders can use code MILTONRELIEF24 for two rides up to $25 to and from state-approved shelters.
Florida Commerce – Unemployment Assistance
Florida Commerce has opened Disaster Unemployment Assistance that helps people who lose their job as a direct result of a declared disaster. For more information visit floridajobs.org.
There is a lot more information available daily at www.disaster.pinellas.gov
Stacy O’Donnell
Executive Aide, Commissioner Dave Eggers
Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners
315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756
sodonnell@pinellas.gov
Office (727) 464-3276
All government correspondence is subject to public record law.
TampaBayBeaches.com/HurricaneResources has been fully updated with all FEMA documents/information, SBA (residential and business), general business information, and a list of open businesses. If you are not an ACTIVE member of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber and you would like to continue to receive important updates and benefits; email Robin@tampabaybeaches.com We have a variety of options to help the business community in these difficult times. DEBRIS: The debris collection continues and will continue for quite some time. Each day we are making progress. PERMITTING: Each beach community has different hours and processes for their building permitting. Please go to your city's website to locate this information. Treasure Island: https://www.mytreasureisland.org/news_detail_T13_R219.php St. Pete Beach: https://stpetebeach.org/813/Post-Helene-Milton-Recovery-Updates Madeira Beach: mgoconnect.org/cp/portal (permit fees waived) Redington Beach: (partner with Redington Shores) Redington Shores: https://townofredingtonshores.com/ North Redington Beach: Using SafeBuilt (17985 Gulf Boulevard) Indian Rocks Beach: https://www.indian-rocks-beach.com/residential-information/permit-information/ Indian Shores: permits@myindianshores.com. Belleair: https://www.townofbelleair.com/401/Building Belleair Bluffs: https://www.belleairbluffs.org/permits.aspx -Robin Miller, CEO 727.385.7686
We wanted to respect your prep and evacuations, but also provide some final communication. Thank you to those who have followed the orders. We will spend this "wait time" developing recovery protocols and resources for all of you. I assure you we will provide as much as we can to fulfill the needs of the barrier islands. IMPORTANT NOTES: (If you did not leave, I hope you did!! Please know you will lose electricity, potable water on barrier islands, and in some islands sewage use.) FROM PINELLAS COUNTY:
The public is NOT allowed to cross the bridges once they are closed and should NOT cross the bridges, even if there are no physical barriers or officers there.
Authorities will reopen the bridges as soon as it is safe to do so, Check www.FL511.com for more info. BARRIER ISLANDS: Are closed!! PLAN RECOVERY: Think about what you need and should do to post-storm. Build your resource list now. www.tampabaybeaches.com will be updated often. We are here for you. Charge your devices. We will update you after the storm passes, unless otherwise necessary. (Yes I am safe thank you to those who have asked. Our team is anxious to help each of you. Stay Safe, Robin, Roxanne, Tina & Alex (and our board of directors) Here for you and your community. 727.385.7686
Good morning everyone:
As we all know hurricane Milton is coming and I hope everyone has made preparation for themselves and their loved ones. You should be in your safe place or completing last minute details. Hopefully, everyone is prepared as we can be.
Evacuations - Shelters
Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for all residents, mobile homes, long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities and hospitals in evacuation zones A, B and C countywide as well as mobile homes. PLEASE, PLEASE if you are in an evacuation zone, EVACUATE to a hotel, friends, family or shelter in a non-evacuation zone.
Ten public shelters are open, including specific shelters for people with special needs or pets. Three additional shelters are opening at 9:30 a.m. today with plenty of space, including Palm Harbor Middle School in Palm Harbor, New Heights Elementary and Fairmount Park Elementary, both in St. Petersburg.
The State of Florida is offering free shuttles to shelters. Reservations are not required. Times and locations can be found at FloridaDisaster.org/Updates (see “Evacuation Assistance”). Call 800-729-3413 for more information.
During and After a Storm
As a storm approaches and gains strength, there will come a point in time when it is no longer safe to evacuate and everyone will need to shelter in place. Once winds reach 40 to 50 mph conditions, responders will not be able to respond to emergencies. If you choose to shelter in your home instead of evacuating, you must be prepared to react to certain dangers. Here are some things you can do to keep you and your family safe during and after a storm.
During the Storm
If floodwater starts coming into your home:
Do not go outside and wade through the water. Floodwater and storm surge can move very quickly, and live power lines could be hidden in the water. Stay inside. Stand or sit off the floor, like on a bed or table. If the water becomes too high, get on your roof if necessary.
If there is a tornado or high sustained winds:
Get to the lowest level of your home and take shelter in an interior room without windows, like a closet or hallway. Lie on the floor under a table or other sturdy object if you cannot make it to a safe room. Curl up and cover your head with a mattress or another item.
If you are outside, seek shelter in a sturdy building. If you cannot get to a safe building, find a low area like a ditch. Lay down and protect your head. Do not take shelter under a highway bridge or overpass.
If the power goes out for up to six hours:
Move perishable foods from the refrigerator into an ice-filled cooler. Put a thermometer in the cooler to make sure it stays below 40 degrees. Meats and other perishable foods above 40 degrees will spoil after two hours.
If the power stays out for up to two days:
Food in the freezer can be stored safely for two days if you keep the freezer door shut. Once the storm passes, cook any unspoiled food outside and consider sharing with your neighbors. Beyond two days, you will need nonperishable food. Learn more about food safety.
If the water supply is affected:
Monitor the news for boil water advisories, which tell you if there is a possibility of contamination. Under a boil water advisory, you can disinfect the water using these methods:
If there is a sewer outage:
Do not flush your toilet if a sewage outage is announced. Flushing could cause sewage to backup into your home. Use a portable toilet, like one used on a boat or camper, or set one up by using one of the following methods:
Do not use cat litter. It cannot be flushed after the sewer system is running. When you learn that the sewer is operating again, dump the contents of your emergency toilet into your household toilet and flush. Thoroughly sanitize your emergency toilet with bleach before storing or disposing. Bleach can be used as a disinfectant for cleaning by mixing nine parts of water to one part bleach.
If phone, cable and cell service is down:
I will continue to provide information as I can. Thank you and please remain safe
Hurricane Updates
October 8, 2024
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office plans to close the Dunedin Causeway at 7 p.m. on Tuesday Oct. 8, 2024, due to the County mandatory Zone A, B, and C evacuations. The Dunedin Causeway is entirely in an Evacuation Zone A.
The City of Dunedin will also be shutting down the sewer service to the Dunedin Causeway at the time of the Causeway closure until after Hurricane Milton passes, in order to protect our infrastructure.
Plan to evacuate all residences prior to closure of the Dunedin Causeway and seek safe shelter in a non-evacuation zone.
Regular Trash Collection
The citizens debris site at Jerry Lake Recreation Complex is closed due to limited space and our vendor's inability to empty the roll-offs. All debris must be containerized—no dumping on the ground. Please take your debris to the Pinellas County Solid Waste facility before 6 p.m via the 34th Street Gate.
Additionally, we will continue debris pickup in neighborhoods impacted by storm surge from Helene Wednesday, Oct 9, until weather conditions prevent it. Thank you for your cooperation.
Receive free alerts about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for Alert Pinellas, an emergency notification service for Pinellas County Residents.
Please visit our Hurricane Page on our website to learn what you need to do and get the latest timed updates!
Questions about Hurricane Milton? The County Information Center will be open 24/7 for storm questions at 727-464-4333.
Subscribe to DunediNEWS, our weekly e-newsletter, for direct updates every Thursday. Stay informed without relying on social media, and receive special storm/hurricane updates for added safety. It’s the best way to stay in the know.
MEETINGS & AGENDAS | CAREERS | EVENTS
737 Louden Ave Dunedin, FL 34698 Tel: 727-298-3001 communications@dunedinfl.net
10.07.24
Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is urging policyholders and other Florida residents to prepare as Hurricane Milton is forecast to make landfall Wednesday in the Tampa Bay region and impact the I-4 corridor in Central Florida.
Milton is expected to bring high winds, rain, and a significant storm surge to a waterlogged region still recovering from Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 hurricane that came ashore September 26 and caused significant flooding along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
“We’re asking storm-weary Citizens policyholders and all Floridians to again prepare themselves for a major hurricane,” said Tim Cerio, Citizens President/CEO and Executive Director. “Now is the time to prepare. Pay attention and heed the advice of local emergency officials, Citizens will be there to assist soon after the storm passes.”
To help our policyholders stay informed, Citizens’ website features a Storm Tracker feed, which delivers real-time National Hurricane Center updates directly to your desktop and mobile device. Citizens also offers storm preparation and response information through Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) at @citizens_fla.
Citizens has partnered with the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) to bring the latest news about catastrophic weather impacting your area. FPREN updates can be heard on local public radio stations and by downloading their free Florida Storms app.
While staying connected with local emergency preparations, policyholders should:
If you suffer property damage, remember to Contact Citizens First online through myPolicy or by calling 866.411.2742 to report a claim. Representatives are available 24/7. More information can be found on the Citizens website.
See the full press release
Check out Out Coast. It has a lot of information that will assit you with questions and answers to help you navigate through the effects of Hurricane Milton.
Good morning everyone!
As everyone should be aware of now, we have yet another storm, Milton, coming our way that will most likely be knockin’ on our doors probably Wednesday in some fashion since the storm area pretty much covers the western coast of Florida. We still have time to prepare and should begin the preparation process all over again.
Below is information regarding preparation for Milton as well as continued recovery efforts from Helene. I will try to continue to provide you with updates.
SANDBAGS
With impending storm Milton, sandbag operations will open beginning with John Chesnut Park and Walsingham Park 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 6, 2024.
SPECIAL NEEDS
To register for the Special Needs Evacuation Program, please call the County Information Center at (727) 464-4333. DO NOT wait until the last minute. Transportation will NOT be available once dangerous winds begin.
Eligibility
Residents of all ages who have special needs are eligible for the program. Some examples include but are not limited to:
Needing oxygen.
Requiring assistance with routine care and medications.
Requiring mobility assistance.
Dependence on electricity.
Requiring transportation assistance.
How to Register
Call the County Information Center at (727) 464-4333.
Debris
The county is working diligently to get debris picked up and started residential collection of Hurricane Helene debris in the unincorporated area of the county on Wednesday, Oct. 2. Debris collection will be implemented in zones. The County is currently working to have FEMA allow the County dumping site to be opened for debris.
IMPORTANT: Storm debris that is in bags and/or not separated will NOT be picked up. Storm debris must be loose and separated by type: vegetative material, construction and demolition debris (doors, drywall), mixed goods (mattresses, furniture) and household appliances. Refrigerators MUST be empty.
Disposal sites for individuals and commercial companies in unincorporated Pinellas. See listings.
Sand and Storm Debris Cleanup
Storm Debris Collection
Pinellas County started residential collection of Hurricane Helene debris in the unincorporated area of the county on Wednesday, Oct. 2. Debris collection will be implemented in zones.
Accepted Storm Debris Items
Vegetative Debris
Construction & Demolition
Household Appliances
Storm Debris Items NOT Accepted
Normal Household Trash
Electronics
Household Hazardous Waste
Residents living in a municipality should check with their city or town about the availability of debris pickup in their area. If you’re not sure if your property is located within unincorporated Pinellas or within a city/municipality, use the interactive My Neighborhood Services tool to find out. For those living on private roads or in gated communities, check with your homeowner’s association for debris collection or use the County’s residential debris management site.
The Pinellas County Solid Waste Disposal Complex cannot accept storm-related debris from residents or private haulers. The facility is not an approved site for storm debris disposal BUT Pinellas County is diligently working to have FEMA allow our site to be utilized for storm debris. Hopefully, this will be happening soon.
Please ensure the roads are accessible for the debris haulers. All authorized debris collection crews will display a placard on the vehicles with Pinellas County’s authorized contractor: DRC
Storm Debris Collection Schedule & Map
Helene Debris Collection
Communities
Map Zone
Tentative Timeframe
Pass #
Crystal Beach; Ozona; West Palm Harbor
INONO5
Oct. 2-9
1
Unincorporated Seminole
INSW09
West Lealman
INSE06
The following locations are available for debris disposal for residents living in unincorporated Pinellas County.
Commercial haulers are NOT able to use this site.
Location
Address
Hours
Central
13600 Icot Boulevard, Clearwater
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
FEMA Opened Satellite Registration Locations
FEMA opened satellite registration locations for assistance in the following locations:
Gulfport Public Library: 5501 28th Ave S., Gulfport
Enoch D Davis Center: 1111 18th Ave S. St. Petersburg
Palm Harbor Parks and Recreation: 1500 16th St., Palm Harbor
City of Madeira Beach Recreation Center: 200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach
City of South Pasadena: 7047 Sunset Drive S., South Pasadena
Oldsmar Public Library: 400 St. Petersburg Drive E., Oldsmar
Displaced After Helene?
Pinellas County residents displaced by Hurricane Helene have several options for seeking short- and long-term housing.
FEMA Displacement Assistance
FEMA Displacement Assistance helps survivors who can’t return to their home following a disaster by giving them up-front money to help with immediate housing needs. The amount of money is based on 14 days of hotel costs based on a rate chosen by the state impacted by the disaster. The assistance is a one-time payment. FEMA may provide up to two weeks of funds for temporary lodging at a hotel, motel, or the home of friends or family, for displaced applicants who apply during the registration period.
Displaced residents can apply for this and other help by calling 1-800-621-3362, visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, or going in-person to the Disaster Recovery Center, at Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. For more info, see FEMA Displacement Assistance Fact Sheet.
FEMA Serious Needs Assistance is also available to pay for emergency supplies like water, food, first aid, breast-feeding supplies, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items, or fuel for transportation. You could qualify for both forms of assistance by applying to FEMA by phone or online.
Pinellas Housing Options WebsitePinellas County has posted a list of resources to help displaced people find short- and long-term housing options, including online search tools, real estate company information, short-term rental companies, and apartment listings. Realtors and property managers are responsible for updating their available listings on their websites, but the listings and resources allow residents to more easily locate potential housing options. See Pinellas.gov/hurricane housing.
Local Emergency Shelters
The County continues to provide emergency shelters for people who need a temporary safe
place to stay while looking for a longer-term home. Call the County Information Center at (727) 464-4333 for more information on emergency sheltering, including locations that accept pets and have support for people with special medical needs. County staff is actively helping individuals and families who are at shelters find other housing options.
Tampa Bay Free BeachesPost Office Box 951Palm Harbor, FL 34682
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