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Charlotte County Update On Milton Recovery October 14, 2024

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Charlotte County Update On Milton Recovery October 14, 2024

Hurricane Milton

Charlotte County has lifted the curfew that was enacted earlier this week, with the exception of the barrier islands. The curfew of 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily remains in effect for Manasota Key, Little Gasparilla Island, Don Pedro, Knight Island, Thornton Key, Sandpiper Key and Palm Island until further notice. Violations of the curfew are considered misdemeanors. The ban on sales of alcoholic beverages has been lifted for all areas.

 

  • Charlotte County offices, Facilities, and Amenities reopen Monday, Oct. 14
  • The Charlotte County Tax Collector’s Office at 410 Taylor Street in Punta Gorda is closed on Monday, Oct. 14 and will reopen on Tuesday, Oct. 15. All other Charlotte County Tax Collector locations will be open during their regular hours on Monday, Oct. 14.
  • Public Fuel Depot has been established at Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Rd. in Port Charlotte from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or while supploes last
  • The north end of Manasota Key re-opened from Beach Road at S.R. 776 to the roundabout and North Beach Road to the Charlotte-Sarasota county line. Use caution.
  • Access to Gasparilla Island is open.
  • Points of distribution with water, tarps and MREs open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    • Port Charlotte Town Center, 1441 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte in Macy’s parking lot
    • Tringali Park Community Center, 3460 N Access Road, Englewood
    • Parking lot of the former Muscle Car City Museum, 10175 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda
  • Call Center 941-833-4000: Open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Open shelter – Babcock Ranch School Field House, 43281 Cypress Parkway, Punta Gorda (Bring your supplies)
  • Info Hub locations with printed Resource Sheets:
    • South County Regional Park Recreation Center 670 Cooper St.
    • Port Charlotte Public Library 2280 Aaron St.
    • Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park Recreation Center 6961 San Casa Drive., Englewood
  • Charlotte County Utilities Department urges customers to limit water usage

Resource Sheet

Closures

  • Some Community Services facilities, parks, and amenities remain closed
  • Tom Adams Bridge Closed to Marine Traffic
  • Access to the bridgeless barrier islands and South Manasota Key remain closed.
  • ShorePoint Punta Gorda remains closed until further notice
  • South Gulf Cove Lock Inoperable

Community Services Facilities Status

Road Closures

South Beach Road, from the roundabout south, remains closed.

Residents should obey all road closure signs and barricades.

Many traffic signals may be out of power,  treat the intersection as a four-way stop and come to a complete stop. Yield right of way:
  • The first vehicle to stop has the right of way.
  • If two vehicles stop at the same time, the one on the right has the right of way.
  • If one vehicle is turning left and the other is going straight, the vehicle going straight has the right of way.
  • Proceed cautiously and be prepared for others who may not follow these rules.

FEMA

FEMA Individual & Business Assistance for Hurricane Helene & Milton – apply in several ways:

FEMA Clean and Sanitize Assistance has been approved, limited to $300 per eligible household, awarded as a one-time payment following a FEMA home inspection and determination of eligibility. Residents whose homes are habitable but require cleanup actions such as muck out, mold remediation, and limb clearing are eligible to apply for CSA, which is intended to address potential health and safety concerns and ensure minimal damage to homes is addressed to prevent additional losses. This program is not available automatically and must be requested and approved separately while applying for FEMA assistance.

For FEMA disaster assistance, please have the following available:

  • Your address and zip code
  • Condition of your damaged home
  • Insurance information, if available
  • Social Security number
  • Phone number where you can be contacted
  • Address where you can get mail or email address to receive electronic notifications.

Storm Debris & Solid Waste

Debris Separation Guide Debris Separation Guide-Spanish
Storm Debris Removal Dashboard

Permits and Inspections

  • Permits are Required in Charlotte County for Storm Damage Repairs
  • Work that can be Completed Without a Permit – To streamline the rebuilding process and prevent delays, follow these guidelines on work that does not require a permit:
    • Removal of debris from on or inside a structure.
    • Minor demolition to prevent injury or prevent further damage to buildings. This includes removal of drywall that has been affected by flood water.
    • Structural shoring and bracing.
    • Repair of minor water leaks that do not involve structural, mechanical, or electrical systems.
    • Previously permitted fences destroyed by the storm may be re-installed, like for like, in the exact same location, except for fences used as a pool enclosure. Pool enclosure fence replacements must be reviewed for compliance with pool safety requirements.
    • If you are unsure whether your project requires a permit, or if additional information is needed, visit Permits or contact Community Development at 941.743.1201 or [email protected].
  • Unlicensed Contracting During an Emergency is a Felony
  • Damage Assessment Placards: Community Development will be conducting damage assessments and placing placards to advise on property damage assessment results. These placards notify owners when a permit is needed for repairs or reconstruction, even if a contractor says otherwise. Placards may be in different colors, but they all convey the same message: a permit may or may not be required. If you’re unsure, please contact Community Development at 941-743-1201 or [email protected].

Damage Assistance

Safety tips

Muck and Gut Guide

Temporary Recreational Vehicles and Mobile Homes Allowed

Residents whose homes have been damaged and rendered uninhabitable from Hurricane Helene can temporarily live in RVs and mobile homes on their property until Sept. 23, 2027. Only occupants of the damaged home may do so.

RV/Camper Location Registration

To obtain a permit to set a temporary mobile home, visit the Community Development Department at 18400 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, to fill out necessary paperwork and provide plans. Questions about RV registration: 941.743.1201.

Donations & Volunteering

Charlotte County Volunteer Reception Center is open for individuals who would like to offer their skills to help with the disaster recovery. Call 941-370-2734 to register and recieve an assignment.

VolunteerFlorida: Residents, groups and organizations, contractors or professionals willing to volunteer can register online at VolunteerFlorida.org/volunteerconnect. Contractors or Professionals may also email [email protected]. Volunteer at the Family Services Center, 21500 Gibralter Drive, Port Charlotte open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday or call 941.370.2734.

Donations of clothing, household items such as cleaning supplies, and household goods (no furniture) can be made at Murdock Baptist Church, 18375 Cochran Blvd., Port Charlotte, on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. During the same timeframe, people in need of household items due to losses from Hurricane Helene can come take items.

Financial donations can be made online at COADFL.org/donate.

Relief & Recovery Resources

Get Help

  • For life-threatening emergencies, call or text 9-1-1.
  • Sheriff non-emergencies can call 941.833.4161.
  • Call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Call Center for response and recovery information, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 941.743.1320 or 941.833.4000.
  • Call Charlotte County Solid Waste for garbage and recycling information at 941.764.4360.
  • Call Charlotte County Utilities for water and sewer information at 941.764.4300.

Recovery Resources

Oxygen-Dependent Residents: Call Vendor for Refills

Reunification Assistance: Locate loved ones after the hurricane.

Pharmacies: RxOpen is currently activated for Florida residents.

Private Well Testing: Kits available at Department of Health, 1100 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte, while supplies last

FloridaCommerce: Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program available for local businesses affected by Hurricane Helene until Nov. 24, 2024 or until funds exhausted. Visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL or call 833-832-4494 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Disaster Assistance Program for Low-Income Households
The State Housing Initiatives Partnership Disaster Assistance program provides assistance to low-income households following a disaster.

State Price Gouging Hotline: 1-866-966-7226. Florida’s price gouging law applies to items and services essential to getting ready for or recovering from a storm within the areas of a declared state of emergency. Visit MyFloridaLegal.com

Housing Repairs and Recovery Assistance Portal: The Disaster Case Management Program works with Long Term Recovery Groups to collaborate with national, state and local government and disaster relief organizations to provide resources to disaster survivors: volunteerflorida.org/dcmp-providers.

Legal Services: Florida Rural Legal Services provides free legal services to vulnerable and low-income clients within 13 counties in Florida and farmworkers throughout Florida. They may be able to help if you are experiencing legal challenges from Hurricane Ian. They are a not-for-profit organization and services include assistance with insurance claims, proof of ownership, property disputes, disaster benefits, and legal papers lost in the storm. Call 1-888-582-3410 or visit frls.org.

Insurance Help: The Florida Division of Consumer Services assists insurance consumers in the aftermath of a disaster. Visit myfloridacfo.com/division/consumers/storm/resources or call the insurance consumer helpline: 1-877-693-5236, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Strengthen your Home: The My Safe Florida Home program helps with strengthening your home which also helps to reduce the cost of home insurance premiums. Visit mysafeflhome.com or call 1-866-513-6734.

Help for Food and Beverage Workers: The Southern Smoke Foundation offers financial assistance for food and beverage workers – available nationwide and Gulf Coast funded relief for workers in Charlotte, Sarasota, and DeSoto Counties. Individuals may receive up to $1,000, and families may be eligible for up to $1,200. Apply online: southernsmoke.org/emergency-relief

Florida Dept. of Health Resources