Local Resources for After the Storm

Assistance

• FEMA assistance: Get info and apply online, via a FEMA mobile app or at 800-621-3362. | Learn more | Assistance FAQ: what’s true, what’s rumor
• FEMA Center: FEMA opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Bartow at the W.H. Stuart Center, 1702 South Holland Parkway. People affected by Hurricane Milton can get one-on-one assistance with applications from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; no word on how long the center will be open.
• State assistance: https://hopeflorida.com/get-help/hurricanemilton.html
• SNAP food replacement benefits: Current SNAP recipients must apply by Oct. 19 | https://www.myflfamilies.com/milton
• Crisis Cleanup: Volunteers from service agencies assist for free; services not guaranteed. 844-965-1386 or online.
• Sandbags: With flooding persisting, the city of Lakeland is offering sandbags at 315 N. Eastside Drive. The self-serve site is operating on a first-come, first-served basis from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. while supplies last.
• Shelter: The state of Florida is operating a general-population shelter for people displaced by Hurricane Milton in Auburndale at 660 C Fred Jones Blvd.
• Lakeland Electric restored power to most customers as of Wednesday, Oct. 16, and is still reconnecting those who needed to repair their electric equipment first. If you have had your equipment repaired and need to reconnect, call LE at 863-834-9535.
• Red Cross: 863-294-5941 (Polk County) | 800-RED-CROSS (733-2767) | www. redcross.org
• For Milton-related questions, call the Polk County Citizens Information Line: 863-298-7500
• United Way of Central Florida referral service: Call 211 to learn about services including crisis counseling, disaster assistance, health care and insurance assistance, and child care.

How you can help

• Volunteer: Call Volunteer Polk’s hotline at 863-519-7411 or register online.
• Donate to the United Community Relief Fund to support Polk, Highlands and Hardee residents affected by Hurricane Milton. It’s a joint effort of GiveWell Community Foundation and United Way of Central Florida.

Where to haul debris

Polk County North Central Transfer Station at 3131 K-Ville Ave. in Auburndale is accepting hurricane-related debris at no cost during its regular hours: Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday: 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Highland City Ballpark at 5901 Strickland Ave. is accepting vegetative debris only; it is open Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m

Help with insurance claims

Insurance company representatives are meeting with property owners who need help filing claims related to Hurricane Milton at an “insurance village” at the RP Funding Center. It will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until further notice. Learn more.

Roof protection

Operation Blue Roof is a free program that provides fiber-reinforced, industrial-strength sheeting to protect storm-damaged roofs until homeowners can make permanent repairs. Learn more and apply through Nov. 14 (extended from the previous Nov. 5 deadline) at blueroof.gov or 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258).