Though Hurricanes Helene and Milton have passed, their aftermath continues to affect Tampa Bay. The community is experiencing disaster fatigue, as news of these storms still dominates our lives. To help, we’ve gathered all the essential updates in one place, giving you the latest without the constant reminders.
Standing Floodwaters Continue
Nearly two weeks after Hurricane Milton, parts of Tampa Bay remain underwater. Hillsborough County, particularly areas like Seffner and Valrico, is still battling significant flooding, with standing water feet deep in some places. According to Josh Bellotti, Hillsborough County Public Works Director, the flooding is caused by a “water traffic jam”, as efforts to pump water out of the affected areas are ongoing.
To the north, Pasco and Hernando counties are facing similar challenges, with the Withlacoochee River rising to record levels, further complicating the recovery process.
Scrapyard Fires Spark Concerns
Despite the ongoing debris removal efforts after Hurricane Helene, waste piled up in scrap yards has led to serious incidents. Last week, fires broke out in St. Pete and Tampa, fueled by post-storm debris. Though the exact causes of the fires are still under investigation, these events highlight the lingering hazards the region is facing.
Local officials are working tirelessly to clear the debris, and collection efforts will continue for months. Residents can speed up the process by taking their storm debris to waste sites themselves. St. Petersburg has also launched a live map to track debris collection trucks, allowing locals to estimate when their neighborhood will be next.
Temporary Changes to Tampa Water Bills
The City of Tampa has announced temporary adjustments to water billing due to Milton-related damage. Water meters in some areas cannot be read, so affected residents will be billed based on their average daily usage over the past year. As soon as the meters are accessible again, billing will be amended.
In the meantime, late fees will be waived, and anyone with questions can reach out to the City of Tampa Utilities Call Center at 813-274-8811, open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FEMA Assistance Center Opens in North Tampa
A new FEMA assistance center has opened in Copeland Park in North Tampa to help residents impacted by the hurricanes. The center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and will assist individuals with submitting their FEMA applications online. If you plan to visit, make sure to bring important details such as the address of the damaged property, descriptions of the damage, social security numbers, and insurance and bank account information.
More Local Businesses Impacted: Another Restaurant Closes
The storms have also taken a toll on Tampa Bay’s small businesses. One of the latest to close its doors is Vela, a popular restaurant in the Westshore Marina District. The Italian eatery, which had been serving locals for just over a year before Hurricane Milton, cited the combination of hurricane damage and other challenges as the reason for their closure. In a social media post, the owners expressed their sadness, saying they could no longer continue operations.
How You Can Help
Despite the setbacks, there are plenty of ways to give back and support those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. From fundraisers and donation drives to volunteering events, there are many opportunities to lend a helping hand. Cleanup events are also still ongoing, and every bit of help makes a difference in restoring our beloved Tampa Bay area.
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