After the Hurricanes: Resources to Assist You

After the Hurricanes: Resources to Assist You

As we begin to deal with the damage and destruction caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we find our communities’ strength and resilience inspiring. Homes may be damaged, but our spirit remains unbroken.

Homeowners whose properties were fortunate to remain unscathed are counting blessings, but neighbors face the hardships of damaged homes, displacement, and the uncertainty of what comes next. Our heart goes out to everyone affected by the storms.

As your neighbors and realtors, we are dedicated to supporting your needs, whether it is help navigating available resources, finding temporary housing, or connecting with dependable contractors— we are a phone call away.

The list of resources below may help you navigate the days ahead.

  1. Sarasota County Government. Call 311 for county alerts and the most up-to-date information on recovery efforts, or visit net/storm

  2. FPL Outage Relief Sites. FPL is providing "Outage Relief Site" locations. These locations have charging stations, WIFI, and FPL Outage info. Currently, there are two sites in Sarasota County. Click here for more information.

  3. Reporting Damaged Property. If your home has suffered catastrophic damage, there are provisions in Florida law that pertain to your property tax assessment and how it is reassessed when a hurricane, fire, or other calamity destroys your home. Contact the Sarasota County Appraiser's office as soon as possible to report structural damage to your home and improvements (not fence damage or downed trees)  For your convenience, they have created a storm damage form/survey

  4. Temporary Housing: If you need temporary housing, I can assist you in finding rentals or short-term housing options while repairs are underway. The Salaverri Windsor Group has access to vacation rentals and furnished properties that may suit your needs during this time. Call me at 941-260-6429 or email [email protected]

  5. Sarasota City YMCA. The Y provides essential services and a welcoming space for those affected by the storm. Offerings include showers, phone charging stations, and WIFI access. 1075 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota, 34237
  6. Crisis Cleanup. If you need help cleaning up damage from Hurricane Milton, call the Crisis Cleanup. The service will connect you with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups, and faith communities who may be able to assist with muck-outs, trees, tarps, and more. Hotline (844) 965-1386

  7. Property Tax Relief: Florida homeowners may be eligible for property tax relief when displaced from their residence for 30 days or more due to storm damage. This applies to all residences, not just homestead properties. Contact the Sarasota County Property Appraiser's office for eligibility and application procedures. https://www.sc-pa.com

  8. Insurance Claims Assistance: If you need to file a claim with your homeowner's insurance, now is the time. Be sure to document all damage thoroughly and keep records of temporary living expenses. The Florida Department of Financial Services also provides resources to help navigate the claims process, including dispute mediation services. https://myfloridacfo.com/Division/Consumers/

  9. FEMA Disaster Assistance: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers financial assistance for temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses. You are not alone in this. Choose one of the three options to apply for FEMA individual assistance for Hurricane Milton. Note that if you already registered for FEMA individual assistance for Hurricanes Debby and Helene, you must complete another form for Hurricane Milton. Go to DisasterAssistance.gov or Call (800) 621-3362

  10. To help others, donate to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County's Season of Sharing. Your contribution will support residents facing a monetary crisis and collaborate with case workers to assist with one-time expenses related to housing, utilities, transportation, childcare, and more. https://www.cfsarasota.org/knowledge-impact/community-care/season-of-sharing

In addition, we have access to vendors who can help with landscaping, clean-up, remodeling, or other services, and we are always glad to make a call to see if I can get someone to you as quickly as possible. Please reach out if you need assistance or even if you need someone to listen. Together, we will unite and rebuild the community we cherish.

Warm regards,

Georgia and Steven

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