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Tropical Storm Milton Likely to Impact Southwest Florida
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| Looks like Southwest Florida is in the path of another storm. Tropical Storm Milton recently formed in the southwest Gulf of Mexico and is expected to make landfall on Florida’s West Coast.
Our region could be impacted by tropical storm force winds as early as Tuesday with Milton possibly strengthening to a major category 2 or 3 hurricane by the time it reaches Florida’s shores early Wednesday. |
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| Now is the time to make your hurricane preparations to ensure that you are safe for this storm!
If we are impacted again, we will do our best to post information updates directly to our Facebook page, depending on internet access. And below, we’ve listed some other helpful information resources so you can stay ahead of the storm.
We’ve also included the compilation of post-Helene resources, which will likely be handy should we take a hit from Tropical Storm Milton, too.
For help after the storm:
Please be safe out there, friends! |
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| Federal and Other Disaster Aid, Including for Those Uninsured |
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| 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
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
USDA – Agriculture Assistance
Red Cross
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| Disaster Unemployment Assistance |
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| FloridaCommerce has announced that 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 Helene are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org .
FloridaCommerce is accepting applications for DUA from residents and businesses frpm: 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 Sept. 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 a.m. to 5 p.m. For DUA claims information, call 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759) to speak with a representative.
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Reminder: Electric Vehicles
The Matlacha Pine Island Fire Control District has received multiple reports of electric bike and lithium battery-related fires.  If your EV has been flooded, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers the following guidance:
- Don’t drive or charge the vehicle: If the EV’s lithium battery may have been damaged, do not drive or charge it.
- Don’t store indoors: Don’t store the EV indoors or near structures.
- Have it checked: Have the vehicle towed and inspected by a mechanic or dealer certified for EVs or hybrids.
- Keep distance: Keep damaged EVs at least 50 feet apart.
- Disconnect the battery: If the EV can’t be towed, call emergency responders to safely disconnect the battery.
- Look for signs: Smoke or strange noises from the battery could indicate damage, but a battery can be damaged without showing signs immediately.
- Check for salt: Even after floodwaters recede, salt that can conduct electricity may be left behind.
EVs are designed to be safe in water, but being submerged for a long time can increase the risk of a battery short circuit and fire.
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Pine Island Traffic Cams
Lee County installed two additional traffic cams to cover the area where the Little Pine Island Bridge is being reconstructed.
- Click here and page down to “Matlacha Cameras” to view the new cams, along with those previously installed on the drawbridge
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