Resource Advising:
The Women’s Resource Center has long provided one-on-one resource advising with trained advisors who are knowledgeable about all available resources in our community. We understand the devastation caused by the hurricane, and we’re here to help you navigate through this challenging time. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (941) 256-9721.
Manatee County
- Distribution Sites in Manatee County – Pick up tarps, MREs, and water.
- Manatee County Updates (Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, and Longboat Key) Access updates and emergency road closures.
- Resident Informational Tool – Search your address to find your evacuation level, flood zone, nearest emergency shelter, hospital and more.
- Power Outage Maps – including FPL& PRECO
- Manatee County Operations & Closures – including MCAT, Libraries, Parks and Beaches.
- Debris Instructions, Pick up and Drop Off – Tipping fees at Lena Road Landfill are waived for Manatee County residents ONLY for storm-related materials such as tree limbs, roofing, furniture, and other debris after Hurricane Helene. Note: Debris cannot be mixed. Plant material and construction material must be separated.
Anna Maria Island Recovery Resources:
- List of Island Recovery Resources specific to that area, including volunteer opportunities, clean up, boil notices, updates and more.
- Anna Maria Island Hurricane Helene Relief: This Facebook group is dedicated to coordinating relief efforts for the Anna Maria Island community in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Its goal is to bring neighbors together, share resources, and rebuild the island. Click here to join.
Town of Longboat Key Distrubution Center
Longboat Key has opened a neighborhood distribution point at 525 Bay Isles Parkway (the parking lot of Publix). It will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Supplies available are water, ice, sports drinks, flood buckets and meals-ready-to eat.
Sarasota County
Hurricane Support and Services Map – A map of available resources in Sarasota County including Points of Distribution, vegetative debris drop-off sites and comfort stations is available here.
Points of Distribution
There are four supply locations in Sarasota County for community members impacted by Hurricane Milton.
The following locations will be open through Wednesday, Oct. 2, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. or while supplies last:
- 1000 Glebe Lane, Siesta Key
- 100 S Casey Key Road, Nokomis
- 326 Nokomis Ave S., Venice
- 8570 Manasota Key Road, Englewood
The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) has opened at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. DRCs provide information from Florida state agencies, FEMA, U.S. Small Business Administration and other resources. DRCs also assist with federal assistance applications and disaster loans.
A Multi-Agency Resource Center is open at the Port Charlotte Town Center located at 1441 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, and provides local and state resources to support recovery efforts. The MARC will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Charlotte County Transit Services is offering free rides to and from the MARC. To schedule a ride, call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000.
The Sarasota County 311 Center is fully staffed and taking calls. Please call 311 or 941-861-5000 for any questions you may have.
Sign up for emergency notifications by registering for Alert Sarasota County, Sarasota County’s mass notification system for rapid emergency updates. This service sends alerts via phone, text and/or email, depending on user preference.
Download the free Everbridge mobile app to see all public notifications issued through the Everbridge alert system.
Storm-debris preparation guidelines
- Place large storm-related debris separately from regular garbage at the curb for collection.
- Separate items by category (construction and demolition materials, furniture/mattresses, and appliances/white goods).
Distrubution Sites in South County
Supply Points of Distribution are set up at four locations to provide water, food, & tarps for those impacted by Hurricane Milton. Sites are open daily from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. or while supplies last.
- Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave., Venice.
- San Pedro Catholic Church, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port.
- Englewood Sports Complex, 1300 S. River Road, Englewood.
- Glebe Park, 1000 Glebe Lane, Sarasota.
Emergency Assistance
Samaritan’s Purse. Provides free disaster relief assistance, including flood cleanup, debris removal, and temporary roof tarping. Contact: 1-833-747-1234
Red Cross Hotline. Offers shelter, emergency aid, and recovery support for those in need. Contact: 1-800-Red Cross
Florida Baptists Disaster Relief Public Assistance. Free support for storm debris cleanup, roof tarping, and chainsaw work. Contact: 904-253-0502 or text “Helene” to 27123
Crisis Cleanup Hotline: Helps with storm damage cleanup. Contact: 844-965-1386
State Information Assistance Line: The Florida Division of Emergency Management State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) is active. Residents needing resources before and after Hurricane Milton can call (800) 342-3557. There are English, Spanish and Creole speakers available to answer questions. Click here for more information.
FEMA Recovery Centers: find a FEMA Recovery Center for those impacted by both Hurricanes Debby and Helene. This is a one-stop location, designed to help answer residents’ questions about disaster recovery and give referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance and status of application(s) being processed by FEMA or other agencies. Locate a recover center here.
FEMA: You can apply for a FEMA hotel voucher at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply by phone at (800) 621-3362, or by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you’re eligible for assistance, you can use your FEMA registration number to search for a hotel that accepts FEMA assistance at femaevachotels.com. You can call the hotel to confirm availability and provide your estimated arrival time. When you arrive at the hotel, you’ll need to provide your FEMA registration number, name and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You’ll also need a valid photo ID.
Red Cross: shelter is now open at First Baptist in Bradenton (1306 Manatee Ave W) to provide temporary housing for those displaced by Hurricane Helene
Food Services
Meals on Wheels of Manatee PLUS – Through the network of 105+ food pantries and partner agencies, they expect to assist families with essential items in the coming week(s).
If you or someone you know is in need, please see an updated list of pantries near you.
All Faiths Food Bank – if you or someone you know is in need of food, water or emergency supplies, please continue to check the website and social media platforms, or call at 941.379.6333 for the most up-to-date information on distributions. Find food here.
Housing & Shelter
$2,000 in Housing Relief – Available for Hurricane Victims through RASM REALTORS® Charitable Foundation. Eligible expenses include monthly mortgage payments for a primary residence that sustained damage, rental costs incurred due to displacement from a damaged primary residence, and hotel reimbursement for temporary lodging due to such displacement.
Red Cross: shelter is now open at First Baptist in Bradenton (1306 Manatee Ave W) to provide temporary housing for those displaced by Hurricane Helene 1-800-733-2767 Pets are welcome in their crates.
G.T. Bray Recreation Center Those without power are welcome to cool off and use shower facilities, on Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Monday through Thursday from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Friday, from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please note that soap and shampoo will not be supplied. 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton, (941) 742-5923
Temporary Shelter at Colonial Oaks Park in Sarasota Call 311 or 941-861-5000.
Airbnb Temporary Housing – Airbnb.org is providing free, temporary housing for people who have been displaced by Hurricane Milton. The organization has partnered with local nonprofits and 211 contact centers in Florida to connect people with a free place to stay.
Legal and Counseling Services
Disaster Legal Hotline
Survivors of any natural disaster seeking free civil legal assistance may apply from anywhere in the state. The number is live during business hours and switches to a message-based system outside of business hours—24/7 availability
Contact: 833-514-2940
2-1-1 Helpline
Provides information and referrals for health, human services, and disaster recovery.
Contact: Dial 2-1-1
Flood Claims: If your home or business sustained damage from the hurricane due to flooding: Contact your insurance agent immediately.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) – If you’re an NFIP policyholder, visit this site to begin your claim.
Fraud hotline: Report if you have been scammed or report fraud. 866-966-7226
Legal Aid of Manasota: Legal Aid of Manasota offers free civil legal aid to the most vulnerable members of the community, including FEMA appeals, disaster benefits such as food and unemployment), landlord/tenant disputes, foreclosure issues and more. Click here for more information.
FL Disaster Legal Aid Hotline: Survivors of any natural disaster seeking free civil legal assistance may apply from anywhere in the state. The number is live during business hours and switches to a message-based system outside of business hours – 24/7 availability. 833-514-2940
Career Resources
Disaster Unemployment Assistance – provides financial assistance to individuals who have lost their jobs or are unable to work due to a major disaster and are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits. This program helps cover lost wages and is available for a limited time after a disaster has been declared.
CareerSource Florida
Offering resources to help displaced employees through local career centers.
Contact: Visit CareerSource Florida for details.
CareerSource Florida and Community Action Agencies
Supporting workforce development and resource deployment to hardest-hit areas.
Contact: Check updates on FloridaDisaster.biz or visit your local career center.
Resources for Businesses
Florida SBDC
Offering recovery resources for businesses across multiple counties.
Website: sbdctampabay.com/resources/#disaster
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Low-interest loans for disaster recovery.
Website: Disaster Assistance | SBA
American Red Cross
Text “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999 for real-time service locations.
Website: RedCross.org
FEMA Guidance for Businesses
Businesses should gather documentation for financial assistance.
Website: FEMA
Florida Disaster Contractors Network
Connects homeowners with licensed contractors for emergency repairs.
Contact: Register at DCNOnline.org.
FloridaCommerce Private Sector Hotline
Provides business support in disaster recovery.
Contact: (850) 815-4925, or email ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
Encourages lodging establishments to relax pet policies and waive pet fees for evacuees.
Contact: See updates via DBPR communications.
FDACS Agricultural Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program
Offers low-interest loans to farmers and ranchers for post-disaster recovery.
Contact: Email DAIOPSAssessment@FDACS.gov or call 863-993-5460.
Resources for Individuals
Streets of Paradise Warehouse Open for Hurricane Relief – We are opening our warehouse at the Airport Mall (8251 15th St East, Sarasota, FL) for anyone affected by the recent hurricanes who needs household items, including furniture like sofas, chairs, tables, and bedding.
- Thursday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 2 PM
VISIT FLORIDA Emergency Accommodation Modules
Real-time hotel availability for evacuees. Contact: Access through Expedia, Priceline, or Booking.com.
FEMA: You can apply for a FEMA hotel voucher at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply by phone at (800) 621-3362, or by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you’re eligible for assistance, you can use your FEMA registration number to search for a hotel that accepts FEMA assistance at femaevachotels.com. You can call the hotel to confirm availability and provide your estimated arrival time. When you arrive at the hotel, you’ll need to provide your FEMA registration number, name and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You’ll also need a valid photo ID.
Free WiFi Hotspots
Comcast has opened 52,000 Xfinity hotspots, and Spectrum is offering free WiFi in affected regions.
Contact: Visit Comcast Xfinity or Spectrum WiFi locations.
U-Haul Co. of Western Florida: Offering one month of free self-storage or U-Box portable container usage to those needed space to secure belongings during cleanup. Call 941-359-2413.
Home Recovery Resources
Operation Blue Roof – is a free service for homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties, providing fiber-reinforced, industrial-strength sheeting to protect storm-damaged roofs until homeowners can make permanent repairs. Residents impacted by Hurricane Milton can sign up for this no-cost service by visiting blueroof.gov or calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258).
Public Drop-Off Sites for Vegetative Storm Debris:
The following public drop-off sites will open for residents living in both unincorporated Sarasota County, as well as the municipalities, who would like to self-transport vegetative storm debris. Residents can drop off at no cost Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Rothenbach Park, 8650 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota
- Jackson Road Transfer Station, 250 S. Jackson Road, Venice.
Health Services
Florida Department of Health (DOH)
Special Needs Shelters are available in impacted areas. Visit local county emergency management pages for shelter locations.
Boil Water Notices
Stay updated through local health authorities.
VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center (Florida Department of Veterans Affairs)
Offers 24/7 virtual care and emergency telehealth support for veterans.
Contact: 1-877-741-3400
Florida Blue/New Directions Behavioral Health Bilingual Emotional Support: The stress and anxiety of a hurricane can sometimes be overwhelming. Florida Blue teamed with New Directions Behavioral Health to offer a toll-free 24/7 bilingual emotional support helpline at (833) 848-1764 for anyone in Florida experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, trauma, and grief and in need of immediate emotional support. Callers may also receive referrals to other sources of mental health support and community resources to help them with emergency services
Call 988: An immediate resource If you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to.
Medical Equipment and Supplies Replacements: CMS will temporarily waive certain requirements to enable people with Medicare who have lost or sustained damage to their durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies as a result of the hurricane to receive replacements of such items and services. This will help to ensure beneficiaries can continue to access the needed medical equipment and supplies they rely on each day. Medicare beneficiaries can contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for assistance.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 crisis counseling and support to survivors experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. Call 800-985-5990, visit samhsa.gov/ or text TalkWithUs for English or Hablanos for Spanish to 66746.
Mental Health Warmline is available at 800-945-1355 4-10 p.m.
Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, text-based mental health support and crisis intervention. Visit crisistextline.org/ or text HOME to 741741.
American Red Cross Virtual Family Assistance Center: Call 833-492-0094.
Florida Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline: Call 800-962-2873.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support to individuals experiencing mental-health related distress. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
Recovery and Cleanup
Florida National Guard (FLNG)
Assisting with logistics, law enforcement, flood mitigation, and more. Mobilized nearly 3,900 personnel with search and rescue teams active across impacted regions.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
Supporting search and rescue operations and conducting welfare checks in coastal communities.
Non-emergency service: Manatee/Sarasota County 311: Non-emergency service requests may be submitted through the website or mobile app at any time. Customer Service Representatives are available by dialing 311 (or 941-861-5000 for Sarasota County and 941-748-4501 for Manatee County) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, except for holidays. Service Requests will be processed during regular business hours. If this is an emergency, please dial 911.
Municipality Resources and Updates for Hurricane Helene
Town of Longboat Key
Website: longboatkey.org
Facebook: Town of Longboat Key
City of Venice
Website: venicegov.com
Facebook: City of Venice, Florida
City of Sarasota
Website: sarasotafl.gov
Facebook: City of Sarasota
City of North Port
Website: northportfl.gov
Facebook: The City of North Port
Manatee County
Website: mymanatee.org
Facebook: Manatee County Government
Boil Water Advisory and re-entry for Anna Maria Island.
Debris collection coordination underway.
Storm and Generator Safety Tips
- For now, the most impactful action you can take is to avoid entering affected areas and follow local government instructions. It’s essential to give officials and responders the space they need to assess and assist the communities safely.
- Stay out of floodwaters to avoid electrical hazards and contaminants.
- Use generators outdoors, away from doors and windows, and protect them from rain.
Beware of Scammers
After hurricanes and other disasters, scammers often enter the community to take advantage of those impacted by the storm.
Watch out for unsolicited offers or contractors claiming to perform repairs at a discount with leftover supplies from another job:
- Research a company and its reputation—look for references online or ask a friend
- Check to see if a company is appropriately licensed and insured and if there are any consumer complaints filed against a licensed contractor at MyFloridaLicense.com
- Never pay the total repair expense upfront, hesitate before providing large deposits, and do not sign a certificate of completion or make the final payment until you are satisfied with the work performed.
For ongoing updates and official information, visit the county websites or follow their social media accounts.
Where to Donate and How You Can Help Hurricane Helene Survivors
The most urgent needs are cleaning supplies and food for both residents and essential workers. Here’s how you can help.
Items needed: Non-perishable unused, unopened food items and bottled water, bleach, mold remover, shovels, wheelbarrows, trash bags, plastic storage bins, toilet paper, paper towels, gloves, etc. Please do not bring other items as space is limited.
Current Donation Drop-off Locations:
Meals on Wheels Plus (Manatee Food Bank) 811 23rd Avenue East, Bradenton (just off US 301) AND 10920 State Road 70, Lakewood Ranch
Donation Hours: 8:30 am and 4:00 pm
Contact: www.MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org
Makers Market (or after hours, Anna Maria Oyster Bar Cortez) 6550 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, FL 3421
O’Bricks (Downtown Bradenton) – 427 12th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Donation Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday and Saturday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Contact: 941-896-8860 for specific inquiries.
Well Cycle Studio (Northwest Bradenton) – 7109 15th Ave NW, Bradenton, FL 34209
Donation Hours: Beginning Monday 9/30
Monday to Thursday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Contact: 941-737-2923 for specific inquiries.
Mean Deans Local Kitchen – 6059 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207
Donation Hours: Beginning Monday 9/30
Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Contact: 941-251-5435 for specific inquiries.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer With Manatee County: Manatee County is organizing a community-wide volunteer effort and seeking 300 volunteers to help residents. Water, snacks and lunch, along with transportation to survey locations will be provided.
Bradenton Area Convention Center October 1, 2 and 3, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Click here to register.
Volunteer with Sarasota County: Click here to volunteer in Sarasota County; email DisasterRecovery@scgov.net with questions, or call 311, or (941) 861-5000.
Suncoast Blood Bank: Blood and platelet donors are needed. If you’re eligible, click here to find donation opportunities near you or call (866) 972-5663.
Monetary Support
Manatee Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund provides grants and support to local organizations directly aiding hurricane victims. Call (941)747-7765 with questions.
Suncoast Disaster Recover Fund – The Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s fund focuses on mental and behavioral health, legal services, case management, children, youth services, and efforts identified by Long Term Recovery Groups within each county.
Season of Sharing – for relief with immediate needs, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County supports housing, transportation, utility, and childcare needs.
The Patterson Foundation – will support our community with a 3 million dollar donation, the funding includes separate contributions to the Community Foundation’s Season of Sharing and Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund initiatives to strengthen people and communities in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.
Donate to Anna Maria Oyster Bar’s “Shuckin’ Good Cause” employee relief fund, directly benefiting their displaced team members.
Financial contributions to recognized disaster relief organizations are the fastest, most flexible, and most effective method of donating. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts, and, if possible, purchase through businesses local to the disaster, which supports economic recovery.
A fund with Southern Smoke Foundation was set up to directly fund the needs of those under-or-unemployed in the food and beverage industry, which fuels our destination economy.
MCF has also received a generous gift from The Knight Foundation of $100,000, and nearly $100,000 from our local donors and are working on partnerships with businesses including Amazon. Eight meaningful grants have been issued to nonprofit partners serving immediate needs, including the Rubonia Community Center, The Center of Anna Maria Island, Bring on the Ministry, United Community Center, and Meals on Wheels among others, yet the needs are far greater with the impacts of another storm in such short period.
And we are thankful to the Realtors Association of Manatee County, which is also directly supporting those unhoused as a result of the heavy hurricane activity we have seen in a short few week.
Don’t self-deploy to disaster areas: Trusted organizations operating in the affected area know where volunteers are needed. Depending on the disaster and its current phase, volunteers can be extremely helpful in ensuring survivors can return to their new normal. By working with an established non-profit organization, the appropriate safety, training, and skills can be considered.
Recovery lasts a lot longer than media attention. Volunteers will be needed for many months, often many years, after the disaster. Your help is often needed long after a disaster.
Suncoast Relief Night Fundraiser and Donation Drive: Help raise money for those in need and enjoy light bites, drink specials, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and more at CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key on Thursday, Oct. 3 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. There will also be a donation drive to collect essentials. Saks Fifth Avenue, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.