Weather

Hurricane Helene aftermath: Updates for Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee counties; boil notices, permitting, housing help

WGCU | By WGCU Staff

Published September 30, 2024 at 11:21 PM EDT

Residents walk and ride bikes in Dean Park near downtown Fort Myers on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. Hurricane Helene passed by offshore and caused flooding along the Caloosahatchee River and on the barrier islands.

Image of Helene's remnants from GOES-16 satellite Saturday

The remnants of Hurricane Helene have moved on into the rest of the United States leaving the issues of cleanup and recovery in Southwestern Florida and other parts of the state.

State unemployment help: Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Debby are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org .

FloridaCommerce is accepting applications for DUA from residents and businesses in Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor, and Wakulla Counties.

Additionally, work search reporting, waiting week, and Employ Florida registration requirements for Reemployment Assistance claims have been temporarily waived for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Helene in FEMA disaster-declared counties. By waiving these requirements, eligible Floridians will be able to quickly apply and receive Reemployment Assistance and Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits.

DUA is available to those who are ineligible to receive federal or state Reemployment Assistance benefits and the individual meets one of the following requirements:

Is unemployed as a direct result of the major disaster;
Was scheduled to start employment but was unable to as a direct result of the major disaster;
Is unable to reach their job or self-employment location because the individual has to travel through an affected area and is prevented from doing so as a direct result of the major disaster;
Has become the primary breadwinner because the head of the household died as a direct result of the major disaster; or
Is unable to work because of an injury that was a direct result of the major disaster.

DUA is available for weeks of unemployment beginning September 29, 2024, through March 29, 2025 , as long as the individual’s unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster in the designated-disaster areas. The deadline to submit a claim for DUA benefits is no later than December 2, 2024.

To file a claim, go to www.FloridaJobs.org and select “File a Claim”, visit a local CareerSource Career Center, or call 1-800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For DUA claims information, call 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759) to speak with a representative.

Applications filed after the deadline will be considered untimely and DUA benefits may be denied unless the individual provides good cause. Applicants must submit their Social Security number, check stubs, and documentation to support the claim that they were working or self-employed when the disaster occurred, or evidence substantiating they were unable to begin employment or self-employment due to the disaster. In some cases, additional documentation may be required. To receive DUA benefits, all required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from the date the DUA application is filed

Sarasota County

There are four supply locations in Sarasota County for community members impacted by Hurricane Helene.

County Beach Parks Remain Closed Until Further Notice

All Sarasota County-owned and/or operated beach parks and all associated amenities and concessions are closed until conditions improve to allow for response and recovery operations.

We ask community members who are not supporting recovery efforts on the barrier islands to please avoid the area to reduce traffic and give space to those who are supporting recovery efforts.

Safety reminder: lifeguards are not present on Sarasota County-owned and/or operated beaches until conditions allow for safe access and use.

To view the Parks Status Report and see which parks, beaches and recreation centers are open or closed, visit loom.ly/wL9-MaA. For more information, visit SarasotaCountyParks.com.

Public Utilities staff working diligently to restore water to the barrier islands. Staff is connecting generators to lift stations to get them back up and running to restore potable water service.

As water has been restored to Siesta Key and Casey Key, these areas are currently under a precautionary boil water notice.

As you notice the water coming back on, the county advises you to boil all tap water intended for drinking, preparation of food, washing of food utensils or for first aid. To disinfect your water and destroy any harmful microorganisms, please bring your water to a rolling boil for one minute. Bottled water may be used as an alternative to boiling tap water. Please share this information with your neighbors.

You will be notified by an automated call when the boil water advisory has been cancelled. If you have any questions, visit scgov.net or call 311 or (941) 861-5000.

Crews continue to assess damages along the coast. For more information, please visit scgov.net/storm or call 311 or 941-861-5000.

If you do not have a home or business on the island, please avoid the area as county crews and law enforcement continue to make their assessments. Thank you for your patience as our community recovers.

Cleanup hotline

If you need help cleaning up damage from Hurricane Helene, call 844-965-1386 or visit crisiscleanup.org to be connected with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities. These groups may be able to assist with muck out, trees, tarps and debris. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. This hotline will remain open through Friday, Oct. 11.

Hearing rescheduled

The final hearing adopting a millage rate and budget on Sept. 26 for the Sarasota County Government is being rescheduled due to Hurricane Helene.

Mosquito management

In preparation for severe weather, it’s important to ensure your homes are ready for mosquito prevention.

Check for ripped screens or have screen repair kits ready to keep bugs out.

Have repellant and battery or generator-powered fans to keep mosquitoes away.

Remove any possible containers or debris that could hold water from your yard.

After severe weather, look for standing water. Plants, gutters, low-lying areas, and debris are just a few examples of places to check.

Remove the water that you can or apply BTI (found at most major hardware stores).

Avoid exposure to bites by being inside during peak mosquito hours.

Remove new debris.

Click here to read more pre and post-storm tips.

A rescheduled final budget hearing will be held on Sept. 30, 5:30 p.m., at Administration Center

Commission Chambers, 1660 Ringling Blvd. Sarasota, Fl 34236.

County resources

Temporary Shelter at Colonial Oaks Park

Call 311 or 941-861-5000

American Red Cross

1-800-RED-CROSS

Crisis Cleanup

1-844-965-1386

Disaster Legal Aid (Bay Area Legal Services)

1-833-514-2940

Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline

1-833-514-2940

Fraud Hotline

1-866-966-7226

HOPE Florida

1-833-GET-HOPE

Samaritan's Purse

1-833-747-1234

The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service

1-800-342-8011

State Assistance Information Line (SAIL)

800-342-3557

Town of Longboat Key

Website: https://www.longboatkey.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TownofLBK/

City of Sarasota

Website: https://www.sarasotafl.gov/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityofSarasota

City of North Port

Website: https://www.northportfl.gov/Home

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCityofNorthPort

City of Venice

Website: https://www.venicegov.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityofVeniceFlorida/

Emergency alerts
Sign up for emergency notifications by registering for Alert Sarasota County, Sarasota County’s mass notification system for rapid emergency updates.

This service sends alerts via phone, text and/or email, depending on user preference.

Opt-in for alert subscriptions offered by the county or your local municipality:

Alert Sarasota County – Sarasota County (unincorporated).
Alert Sarasota County – City of Sarasota.
Alert Sarasota County – City of North Port.
Alert Sarasota County – City of Venice.
Alert Sarasota County – Town of Longboat Key.

Charlotte County

Charlotte County has opened an air-conditioned comfort station with showers and laundry facilities at the Harold Avenue Regional Park Recreation Center, 23400 Harold Ave. in Port Charlotte. The comfort station is available for use from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. until further notice.

This facility provides residents with a safe and cool space where they can take showers and do laundry as part of their recovery efforts. Bring your own supplies if you have them – detergent, soap, shampoo, towels.

For those in need of transportation, Charlotte County Transit Services is offering rides to and from the comfort station. Residents can schedule a comfort station ride by calling the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000.

ONE-STOP-SITE: FloridaCommerce is partnering with Florida Small Business Development Center Network and CareerSource Florida to open a One-Stop Business Resource Site in Charlotte County.

Small business owners can get help with Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, and employee and business resources.

The Charlotte County One-Stop Business Resource Site will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 2 – Oct. 4 at CareerSource SWFL, 3745 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte.

Distribution center: Charlotte County will open one distribution center on Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with water, ice, tarps and MREs while supplies last. The distribution center will be located at Port Charlotte Town Center Mall, 1441 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte in Macy’s Parking lot.

Charlotte County Transit is offering free rides to and from the distribution centers. To schedule a ride, call 941-833-4000.

Damage assistance: Residents whose homes have been damaged and rendered uninhabitable from Hurricane Helene can temporarily live in recreational vehicles and mobile homes on their property until Sept. 23, 2027. Only occupants of the damaged home may reside in the temporary RVs or mobile homes.

To register a temporary RV, visit bit.ly/rvregistration to review qualifications and other regulations. To obtain a permit to set a temporary mobile home, visit the Community Development Department at 18400 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, to fill out necessary paperwork and provide plans.

For questions about RV registration, call 941-743-1201. Please note the department is closed until Monday, Sept. 30.

For storm information, call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Those with internet access can find information on resources at www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/storm.

Charlotte County encourages residents to begin recovery efforts as soon as possible. To streamline the rebuilding process and prevent delays, the Charlotte County Community Development Department is providing guidelines for work that may be completed without the need for a permit.

The following work does not require a permit:

Removal of debris from on or inside a structure.
Minor demolition to prevent injury or prevent further damage to buildings. This includes removal of drywall that has been affected by flood water.
Structural shoring and bracing.
Repair of minor water leaks that do not involve structural, mechanical, or electrical systems.
Previously permitted fences destroyed by the storm may be re-installed, like for like, in the exact same location, except for fences used as a pool enclosure. Pool enclosure fence replacements must be reviewed for compliance with pool safety requirements.

While these activities can begin immediately, residents should ensure that their recovery efforts comply with the Florida Building Code, any other applicable County codes, and safety standards.

If you are unsure whether your project requires a permit, or if additional information is needed, visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/permits or contact Community Development at 941-743-1201 or BuildingConstruction@CharlotteCountyFL.gov. Please note that the department is closed until Monday, Sept. 30.

Recovery efforts are underway in response to Hurricane Helene in Charlotte County. Clearing and removing storm debris is a major part of the recovery effort. Charlotte County Public Works asks for residents’ cooperation to properly separate storm debris by category and adhere to the collection guidelines.

It is the property owners’ responsibility to bring the debris to the curb and properly separate it. Your cooperation will make this debris removal operation proceed smoothly and ensure that the community recovers as quickly as possible.

Residents should sort storm debris into the following six categories and place the piles in the county-maintained roads and rights-of-way, ensuring they are off the road and not on private property:

Construction and Demolition Materials
- Non-recyclable building materials (e.g., drywall, asphalt shingles, plastic sinks/tubs, floor tiles, etc.)
- Non-recyclable building contents and personal items (e.g., carpeting, rugs, furniture, clothing, etc.)
Electronic Waste (E-Waste)
- Discarded electrical or electronic devices intended for refurbishment, reuse, resale, or recycling through material recovery.

Household Hazardous Waste
- Items such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides must be taken to one of our mini-transfer stations for safe and proper disposal. Both facilities are open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
  - West Charlotte: 7070 Environmental Way, Port Charlotte
  - Mid-County: 19765 Kenilworth Blvd., Port Charlotte

White Goods
- Large household appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, and dryers. Please ensure refrigerators are free of any food waste when placed curbside.
Vegetation
- Includes trees, limbs, brush, and leaves. Please note that crews will not enter private property to collect or remove debris.
Regular Household Garbage
- Normal household waste, recyclables, and bagged debris will not be collected with storm debris. Please do not attempt to place garbage or other household refuse with storm debris, as it will not be accepted, and will delay your debris collection. Please continue to follow your regular curbside collection schedule.

For more information on the Solid Waste Division, visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/solidwaste.

Charlotte County has an online Self-Reporting Storm Damage system to help us collect damage assessments. Visit www.tinyurl.com/reportingdamage, enter your address, select the type of damage and add a photo. If possible, include high water marks when reporting damage.

Please follow all safety guidelines for flooded areas when taking photos, stay on higher ground, avoid contact with flood waters, and do not drive on flooded roads.

Reporting damage in this system gets the information to county departments quickly and eliminates the need to call it in. The information will help the county compile an extensive list of the damage caused by Hurricane Helene.

Do understand that by self-reporting this information to the county, you are simply assisting the county with damage assessment information. You must still take whatever steps are necessary to report any damage to your insurance company or FEMA, etc.

Storm repairs: As Charlotte County begins the recovery process following Hurricane Helene, the Charlotte County Community Development Department reminds property owners that permits are required for storm damage repairs in accordance with Section 105.1 of the Florida Building Code. Storm-related repairs are NOT exempt from permitting requirements.

If your home was flooded and more than 100 square foot of drywall was removed, a residential remodel permit is required.

This requirement is in place to ensure that all repairs are conducted safely and meet the necessary building standards. Failure to obtain a permit may result in fines, additional repair costs, or issues when selling or insuring the property in the future.

For information on what does or does not require a permit, visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/permits.

For permitting-related questions, contact Community Development at 941-743-1201 or BuildingConstruction@CharlotteCountyFL.gov. Please note that the department is closed until Monday, Sept. 30.

Please note that the department is closed until Monday, Sept. 30.

Help is available for cleaning up damage from Hurricane Helene. Crisis Cleanup connects you with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who may be able to assist with cleanup after a storm such as mucking out, trees, tarp, debris. Call 844-965-1386 to ask for help.

This hotline will remain open through Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need.

This hotline cannot assist with social services such as food, clothing, shelter, or insurance. Volunteers work free of charge and provide the tools and equipment necessary to complete the work.

For storm information, call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000. Those with internet access can find information on resources at www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/storm.

Businesses affected by Hurricane Helene can submit a business damage assessment survey on FloridaDisaster.biz. After filling out the survey, federal, state or local agencies may reach out to you through the contact information provided if you indicate your interest.

Additional information about disaster loans and resources is also available in the survey. FloridaDisaster.biz is a partnership between Florida Commerce and the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM).

Open and closed: The following Charlotte County Community Services facilities will reopen on Tuesday, Oct. 1 with normal operating hours:

Pools

Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park pool – 6961 San Casa Drive, Englewood
Centennial Park pool – 1120 Centennial Blvd., Port Charlotte
South County Regional Park pool – 670 Cooper St., Punta Gorda

Recreation Centers

Centennial Park Recreation Center – 1120 Centennial Blvd., Port Charlotte
Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park Recreation Center – 6961 San Casa Drive, Englewood
Tringali Park Recreation Center – 3460 North Access Road, Englewood. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday (rentals only)

Opened: The South Gulf Cove lock is fully operational and staffed.

The following facilities remain closed until further notice:

Harold Avenue Regional Park Recreation Center
Port Charlotte Beach Park and pool
South County Regional Park Recreation Center
For the safety of our patrons, all parks remain closed.

Pier closed: The Anger Fishing Pier, located at 1385 Beach Road in Englewood, is closed due to damage from being struck by a boat.

Punta Gorda

Recovery efforts are underway in response to Hurricane Helene in City of Punta Gorda. Clearing and removing storm debris is a major part of the recovery effort. The City of Punta Gorda Public Works asks for residents’ cooperation to make this debris removal operation proceed smoothly and ensure that the community recovers as quickly as possible.

At this time Commercial and multi-family properties are not eligible for debris removal.

It is the property owners’ responsibility to bring the debris to the curb. Residents should properly sort the storm debris into the following six categories and place the piles in the City maintained right-of-way, ensuring they are off the road and not on private property: Do not place debris in the following locations: under overhead utilities, near fire hydrants, near mailboxes or on driveways.

Construction and Demolition Materials
- Non-recyclable building materials (e.g., drywall, asphalt shingles, plastic sinks/tubs, floor tiles, etc.)
- Non-recyclable building contents and personal items (e.g., carpeting, rugs, furniture, clothing, etc.)
- Do NOT use black plastic bags, use clear plastic bags or pile the loose debris.
Electronic Waste (E-Waste)

Discarded electrical or electronic devices intended for refurbishment, reuse, resale, or recycling through material recovery.Household Hazardous Waste
- Items such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides must be taken to one of Charlotte County’s mini-transfer stations for safe and proper disposal. Both facilities are open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
  - West Charlotte: 7070 Environmental Way, Port Charlotte
  - Mid-County: 19765 Kenilworth Blvd., Port Charlotte

White Goods
- Large household appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, and dryers. Please ensure refrigerators are free of any food waste and the doors are removed when placed curbside.
Vegetation
- Includes trees, limbs, brush, and leaves. Please note that crews will not enter private property to collect or remove debris.
- Place debris in one large pile and do NOT spread out across the right-of-way.
- Do NOT use plastic bags. Material placed in plastic bags cannot be collected.
Regular Household Garbage
- Normal household waste, recyclables, and bagged debris will not be collected with storm debris. Please do not attempt to place garbage or other household refuse with storm debris, as it will not be accepted, and will delay your debris collection. Please continue to follow your regular curbside collection schedule.

If you have any questions, please visit our website Sanitation | City of Punta Gorda, FL (punta-gorda.fl.us) or call the Public Works Department at (941) 575-5050 during the hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mon. through Fri.

Sewers

Due to the heavy rain and storm surge, our sewer system is currently overwhelmed. To prevent backups and further strain on the system, the city is asking all residents to conserve water and limit activities that contribute to sewer usage, except in cases of absolute necessity.

The restrooms at Gilchrist Park located at 1000 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, is temporarily closed due to Hurricane Helene Damages until further notice. Once the restrooms are properly cleaned and restocked, they will be reopened. The closure is required to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors. Press Release Closure of Gilchrist Park Restrooms.

Sanitation will resume regular residential trash collection on Saturday, September 28. Typical household trash shall be placed in your normal trash containers for collection by the City. As a reminder, the City does NOT collect any construction debris.

Regular recycling services will resume on Tuesday, October 1. Commercial services will resume on Monday, September 30.

Regular yard waste services will resume on Saturday, September 28. Due to the excessive amount of debris, single-family residents must follow the guidelines. Each Residential property is limited to a combined total of three (3) for the following items:

The Justice Center Walkway is temporarily closed due to Hurricane Helene Damages until further notice. The closure is required to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors. Press release Justice Center Walk Way.

Lithium batteries exposed to floodwater should not be kept inside your home, garage, or shed. Flooded batteries may deteriorate rapidly and enter an uncontrollable self-heating state, releasing gases that could result in an explosion and fast-moving fire.

Charlotte County Fire & EMS has responded to numerous fires caused by flooded lithium batteries and chargers.

Equipment that may use lithium batteries includes electric vehicles, bikes, scooters, golf carts, lawnmowers, and tools. Homeowners with electric vehicle chargers should have their EV chargers checked by a licensed electrician before use.

Sand drop-off: A sand drop-off site is now open at the north end of the parking area in Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park, 2100 N. Beach Road in Englewood. The sand drop-off site will be open from dawn to dusk.

The site is for the flood-deposited sand left by Hurricane Helene that needs to be removed from homes and lots in Charlotte County. Homeowners and contractors can drop off the sand for free at the drop-off site.

Removing sand from your home and bringing it to the sand drop-off site saves it from going to the landfill. It will be screened and cleaned to make sure foreign objects such as garbage and nails are removed, and it will be used for storm recovery projects.

Please do not put the sand on the beach. This is not allowable by the state and a fine could be issued if caught. Let your contractors know they can clean up your house and drop off the sand (only sand, no dirt, no muck) there free. You may also empty sandbags at the site, but do not leave empty or full bags and containers at the site.

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The Edison Bridge was shut down on Thursday due to flooding and remained closed on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. Hurricane Helene passed by offshore and caused flooding along the Caloosahatchee River and on the barrier islands.