Hurricane Milton: 2/3 of Tampa Bay left in the DARK that night
Hurricane Milton: Update as of October 12, 2024
Good morning, Tampa Bay and all those affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. It’s a busy morning as we start to recover from Hurricane Milton’s aftermath. Just days after the Hurricane Helene disaster. While the storm has passed, many of us across Hillsborough and Pinellas counties are still feeling its effects, with power outages, flooding, and disruptions to water, gas, and other essential services.
Power and Utilities Restoration
Hillsborough County:
Downtown Tampa: Crews are working around the clock, and TECO has restored power to about 70% of the city.
They expect most neighborhoods, including Seminole Heights, Ybor City, and South Tampa, to have electricity by late tonight or tomorrow morning.
Brandon: Reports show significant progress here, with most areas getting electricity back within the next 48 hours.
Plant City: Power restoration might take longer—TECO estimates about three to four days due to downed power lines in more rural areas.
Pinellas County:
St. Petersburg: Power has been restored to the downtown area and the north side, while neighborhoods like Gulfport and Tierra Verde are expected to be reconnected by Thursday.
Clearwater: Duke Energy crews have made headway, with most of Downtown Clearwater back online. Surrounding areas should expect restoration by Thursday.
For anyone still without power, please be patient. Crews are working tirelessly, but if you haven’t reported your outage yet, call TECO at (813) 223-0800 for Hillsborough or Duke Energy at (800) 228-8485 for Pinellas.
Water and Gas Services
Water: Many South Tampa, Brandon, and Carrollwood neighborhoods are experiencing low pressure or intermittent outages. Tampa Water is hoping to restore services fully by Thursday evening.
Gas: If you use natural gas and have issues, TECO Peoples Gas provides 24/7 support.
Call (877) 832-6747 if you need assistance or to report an emergency.
Avoiding Fraud and Price Gouging
Unfortunately, some unscrupulous individuals are trying to take advantage of this disaster. If you’ve been overcharged for essential goods or services, report price gouging to the Florida Attorney General’s Office at (866) 966-7226 or online at myfloridalegal.com.
If you suspect contractor fraud or a scam, contact Hillsborough County Consumer Protection at (813) 635-8316. Always verify that any contractor you hire is licensed and bonded through the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation.
FEMA Assistance
FEMA is already on the ground here in Tampa Bay, offering help to those whose homes or businesses were damaged. Here’s how you can file a claim:
What You Need to File:
A description of the damage to your property.
Proof of ownership or rental agreements.
Photos of the damage.
Your social security number and insurance information.
**How to File**:
Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Call FEMA’s helpline at (800) 621-3362.
Visit one of the local disaster recovery centers (locations are updated daily on FEMA’s website).
Please don’t delay applying—the sooner you submit your claim, the faster FEMA can help.
How You Can Help
If you’re looking for ways to help our neighbors, here are some options:
Volunteer: Local organizations like Metropolitan Ministries and Feeding Tampa Bay need volunteers to help distribute food, water, and supplies. You can sign up directly on their websites.
Donate: Consider donating to The Red Cross or The United Way Suncoast Hurricane Relief Fund, which are providing financial support to families affected by Milton.
Additionally, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties have opened donation centers where you can drop off bottled water, canned goods, and hygiene products.
A Beacon of Hope
On the night the storm hit, a group of neighbors in Seminole Heights found themselves stranded as floodwaters rose. Among them was a young man named Javier, a first-year firefighter, who braved the water to carry a stranded elderly woman to safety.
As Javier put it, "When you see your community in need, you do what you can to help. That’s what being a part of Tampa Bay means to me."
His words remind me that hurricanes test our resilience and bring out the best in our community. We’ve weathered the storm, and we will rebuild stronger than ever.
Stay safe, Tampa Bay. Keep looking out for each other besties.