Help Available For Pasco County Residents With Hurricane Ian Damage

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

Although the hurricane made landfall in Lee County, Pasco County experienced up to 87-mph winds in some areas.

As of Monday morning, nearly all power has been restored to Pasco County. Utility companies serving Pasco County including Tampa Electric Co., SECO Energy, Duke Energy and the Withlacoochee River Electric Co-Op said there are just 26 customers without power.

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

Residents can bring storm debris to the Pasco County Solid Waste facility at no cost until Oct. 8. Up to five bags can be put out with household trash during regular service, but the county is not providing house-to-house collection for loose debris. Click here for more information.

Pasco County is offering an online reporting tool to help residents report hurricane damage. Residents should upload a photo of their non-emergency damages directly to the county's assessment teams here.

Pasco 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 DisasterAssistance.gov 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, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to review these tips regarding unlicensed contractors. Verify a contractor's license by clicking here. If you believe you may be a victim of an unlicensed contractor, call the Pasco sheriff’s Crime Tips Line at 1-800-706-2488.