Post Hurricane Helene — Helpful Info

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Disaster Aid

Florida homeowners and renters in counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. Currently eligible counties: Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor, and Wakulla.

Ways to Apply for Disaster Aid:

FEMA Disaster Assistance
Online: www.DisasterAssistance.gov
Call: 1-800-621-3362
When you apply, have the following information on hand:

  • The address of your damaged home or apartment
  • Names of people living in your household
  • A description of your disaster damages
  • Insurance information
  • Your Social Security Number
  • A telephone number where you can be reached or left a message
  • An address where you can get mail
  • If you want your disaster assistance funds sent directly to your bank, provide FEMA your bank information

SBA Disaster Assistance Loans
Online: www.SBA.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
Call: 1-800-659-2955

USDA – Agriculture Assistance
Online: www.Farmers.gov/protection-recovery
Call: 1-352-379-4500

Red Cross
Online: www.RedCross.org
Call: 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767)

Greater Pine Island Alliance
Online: www.GPIAlliance.org/get-help
Call: 239.558.4901
In-person: 10484 Stringfellow Road, Suite 2, St. James City, FL 33956

Trash/Debris Pickup

Lee County Solid Waste plans to continue to pick up debris from Hurricane Helene through the week and into the weekend. In addition, LCSW has resumed normal residential garbage, recycling, and yard collections in all assessable areas.

Lee County will be picking up as much storm debris, as quick as possible, before possible inclement weather over the weekend. Lee County Solid Waste will continue normal operations throughout the weekend barring weather conditions. Crews will not pick up during lightning events.

As a reminder, residents are being asked to place their debris at the curbside in separate piles. Debris should not block roadways and should be placed away from all obstacles such as mailboxes, powerlines, and fire hydrants. Debris should not be placed in plastic bags and should be separated into five piles:

  • Electronics: Television, computer, stereo, phone, DVD player, etc.
  • Large Appliances: Refrigerator, washer/dryer, air conditioner, stove, water heater, dishwasher, etc.
  • Vegetative Debris: Tree branches, logs, leaves, plants, etc.
  • Construction Debris: Building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, plumbing, etc.
  • Household garbage and recycling should be placed away from hurricane debris and only placed at the curbside on your normal collection date, regardless of location. Regular collections continue as scheduled.

Lee County has contracted multiple double barrel trucks to help collect hurricane debris.

Household Hazardous Waste: Household hazardous waste — such as oil, battery, pesticide, paint, cleaning supplies, compressed gas, etc. — should NOT be set at the curb. Instead, bring it to the Household Chemical and Electronic Recycling Facility, 6441 Topaz Court, Fort Myers 33966. Check www.leegov.com/solidwaste for hours of operation.

Illegal Dumping: In the light of the storm, the county reminds residents that illegal dumping is punishable by law. Prior to the storm, illegal dumping had been an ongoing issue in some areas of Lee County. Fueled by empty lots, rapid growth and ongoing construction, the problem has led to unsightly messes. After hurricanes, proper disposal is critical. Do not dump hurricane debris in empty lots or wooded areas. Anyone who sees illegal dumping occurring is asked to call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 239-477-1000.

Questions: For questions on how to properly dispose of debris, contact Lee County Solid Waste customer service at 239-533-8000 or visit at www.leegov.com/solidwaste

Permitting and Repairs

Lee County Government is reminding residents in unincorporated areas — including Pine Island — to pull permits for work on their homes to fix storm damage caused by Hurricane Helene. This is particularly important for residents in unincorporated coastal areas, along rivers and in areas that typically flood during weather events.

Permits for hurricane damage are being prioritized for review.

Any Lee County residents or businesses within the Special Flood Hazard Area in unincorporated areas with any damage to their homes or businesses, including water intrusion, must obtain a permit for all repairs. Email FIRMinfo@leegov.com for assistance with permit requirements and resources, and be sure to include the following information:

Pine Island Remote Permitting Office: The Department of Community Development will be opening a temporary, remote permit office on Pine Island soon – like the county did after Hurricane Ian – for service for Matlacha-Pine Island residents to obtain permits for repairs to existing buildings damaged by Hurricane Helene. The remote location means staff will be readily accessible to help islanders navigate the permit process, especially those residents without internet service.

The location, days and hours will be announced soon.

Get More News from Lee County

Lee County created a special page for Hurricane Helene updates. For information on permitting and other county services, please visit:

Lee County Commission: Oct. 1, 2024 Update

During the Oct. 1 meeting of the Lee County Commission, county staff provided updates on efforts following Hurricane Helene. After an introduction from Lee County Manager Dave Harner, the following Administrative Team members provided updates:

  • Assistant County Manager Christine Brady – updated efforts for Public Safety, Solid Waste, Parks & Recreation and Community Engagement.
  • Assistant County Manager Marc Mora – Community Development, Utilities and Natural Resources.
  • Assistant County Manager Robert Codie – Facilities & Construction Management, Transit (LeeTran) and Human & Veteran Services.
  • County Manager Harner – Department of Transportation.

Throughout the update, various staff members addressed commissioners’ questions.

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