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Welcome to a Special Edition of the Lealman Voice!

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, our community has faced significant challenges, and we know many of you are seeking support and resources to aid in your recovery.  We encourage you to have patience as services are restored to our hardest hit areas and neighbors.

These special editions are dedicated to providing essential information and updates to help Lealman residents navigate the storm's aftermath. From cleanup efforts and debris removal to available resources for affected businesses and families, we aim to connect you with the assistance you need during this critical time. Together, we will rebuild and strengthen our community!

Free Hurricane Relief Kits

We are excited to announce a Hurricane Relief Kit Drive-Thru event on Wednesday, October 2nd, at the Lealman Exchange Community Center. In partnership with ToolBank, Farm Share, and Sunshine Health, we will distribute 500 hurricane relief kits to help residents affected by Hurricane Helene.

Each kit includes essential items like Cleanup Buckets, MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), Water, and Tarps to support families as they begin their recovery process. The distribution will start at noon at the Lealman Exchange Community Center (5175 45th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33714) and will continue until supplies run out.

In addition to this event, Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay provides ongoing disaster recovery services for those impacted by hurricanes and other disasters. Their efforts include:

- Home Repairs: Assisting homeowners with repairs to stabilize and rebuild homes damaged by storms.
- Debris Removal: Helping clear storm debris to make properties safer and more accessible.
- Mold Remediation: Addressing health hazards like mold that develop after flooding or storm damage.
- Home Safety Improvements: Offering resources to make homes more resilient for future disasters, including reinforcing structures and installing safety features.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, please take advantage of this opportunity for both immediate relief and long-term support through Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay's services.

Debris Pick Up Updates

Pinellas County is implementing a zoned collection plan for unincorporated areas that received critical storm damage from Hurricane Helene. The collection schedule and specific debris types eligible for pickup will be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to document damages and work with their insurance adjusters for potential reimbursement.

We ask for your patience during this challenging time, as many communities across Pinellas County have suffered catastrophic damages. The debris collection will focus on storm-related debris, not regular trash, in all unincorporated areas.

Important Guidelines for Storm Debris Removal:
- Separate debris by type- Tree limbs and yard waste must be separated from household items and construction materials.
- Curbside placement: Create distinct piles at the curb, ensuring they don’t block roads or storm drains. This will help streamline the collection process once it begins.
- Zoned collection: The County is working with a debris hauler and will share the pickup schedule shortly.

Residents in cities or municipalities should contact their local government or visit their websites for debris pickup updates.

For updates and more information, please visit the County website or Facebook page. If you have questions, the County Information Center is available at (727) 464-4333.

Stay informed at:  
 disaster.pinellas.gov  
 facebook.com/PinellasGov

Essential Steps for Lealman Residents Recovering from Hurricane Helene Damage

If your home or property was damaged by Hurricane Helene, here are the key steps you should take:

1. Turn off the electrical breaker if your home had more than 16 inches of floodwater to prevent electrical hazards.

2. Document the damage: Take photos or videos showing how high the water was and list all damaged belongings, including serial numbers for appliances. This will be crucial for insurance claims.

3. Report the damage using the Resident Damage Reporting Tool at [disaster.pinellas.gov](http://disaster.pinellas.gov) or the Ready Pinellas app. This helps the community secure federal relief.

4. Contact your landlord if you rent your home or business space to inform them of the damage.

5. Remove wet items immediately: Mold can grow within 24-48 hours. If you have flood insurance, mold damage may not be covered, so it’s important to dry things out and take photos before disposal.

6. Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Visit [floodsmart.gov/flood](http://floodsmart.gov/flood) or [sbpusa.org/start-here](http://sbpusa.org/start-here) for flood cleanup resources.

7. Contact your insurance agency and file a claim as soon as possible. If you have National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) coverage, visit http://floodsmart.gov/start or call 877-336-2627.

8. Work with county or city representatives to ensure your property is safe. Always ask for ID before letting anyone enter your home.

9. Beware of fraudulent contractors. Verify licenses at http://contractorsearch.pcclb.com or call (727) 582-3100 (option 2).

10. Apply for federal assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or visiting http://DisasterAssistance.gov. For cleanup help, contact the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at (844) 965-1386.

11. Find additional storm recovery resources on the Ready Pinellas app, at http://disaster.pinellas.go), or call the County Information Center at (727) 464-4333.

12. If you are displaced and need shelter, visit the Ross Norton Recreation Complex at 1426 S. M.L.K. Jr. Ave., Clearwater.

Following these steps will help you recover safely and efficiently after Hurricane Helene.

Hot Meals

If you or someone you know is in need of a hot meal, Metro has 18 meal sites in Pinellas County, the hardest hit area in Tampa Bay, as well as locations in Hillsborough and Pasco counties for a total of 41 meal sites.

https://www.metromin.org/our-work/food

Emergency business loans are available

The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program will provide short-term, zero-interest capital funding to those affected by Hurricane Helene. The up to $50,000 loans help fill gaps between a disaster and longer-term recovery funding. For more information, visit the website here.

Lealman Needs Navigator 

Our on-site Lealman Exchange management team includes an in-house Lealman Navigator. The Lealman Navigator is a non-licensed, non-clinical staff member who gathers information and connects clients directly to community agencies and resources participating in the Lealman Exchange and throughout the Lealman Exchange Collective Impact network.   

The Lealman Navigator is here to help you get the support you need to access the wrap-around services available through the Collective Impact Model at the Lealman Exchange. The Navigator is committed to removing a client’s barriers to assistance by identifying critical resources, helping them navigate through the services and systems, and promoting client’s long-term and sustainable success in finding, receiving and benefiting from available services.

SPFC needs HEALTH CENTER volunteers!

St. Pete Free Clinic looking for those 18 and older who want to make an impact on their community through the Prescription Health Program and at our Health Center Front Desk.

Go to thespfc.org/volunteer to apply, and make sure to select the Prescription Health Program or Health Center as an area of interest.

SNAP Benefit Update

Current SNAP recipients who lost food due to Hurricane Helene can apply for food replacement.

https://myflfamilies.com/helene

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