Pinellas Residents Impacted By Hurricane Ian Eligible For FEMA Help

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Power outages, downed trees and fences, roof damage and road flooding constitute the majority of damages in Pinellas County from Hurricane Ian, reported Pinellas County emergency management officials.

Although the hurricane made landfall in Lee County, Pinellas County experienced up to 87-mph winds in some areas and 2 to 4 feet of storm surge in some areas.

As of Monday morning, nearly all power has been restored to Pinellas County. Duke Energy said it has 358 customers still without power, and Tampa Electric Co. has two customers without power.

See related story: Hurricane Ian: 88 Dead, Debate Over Evacuations, 589K With No Power

County and city libraries, parks and government offices have reopened.

Regular waste collections have resumed in the county and most cities.

Pinellas County residents impacted by Hurricane Ian are eligible for individual disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Residents can access federal disaster assistance through the FEMA mobile app available in the Apple App Store or on Google Play.The app allows residents to upload and share photos of damage, access local resources and toggle between English and Spanish. Assistance can also be requested by filling out an online questionnaire and aid application at here or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

Those with access to the internet are encouraged to apply online.

Small Business Administration disaster loans are now available to businesses and residents in Florida impacted by the Hurricane Ian federal disaster declaration.

Applicants may apply here under declaration # 17644.

For help with an SBA disaster assistance application, contact the Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

As Hurricane Ian recovery continues, Pinellas County officials urge residents to review these tips regarding unlicensed contractors. Verify a contractor's license by clicking here.