We know many of you have questions, want to offer help, or may need assistance yourselves. Here’s an update on where we stand with some things as we navigate through this together.
To donation to go to Gulf Barrier Island Hospitality Workers click here
CLICK HERE to donate to The Center of Anna Maria Island
You can also mail check to The Center at PO Box 253 Anna Maria, Fl 34216
For more information on donating please reach out to Jillian Ptak, Director of Development, at development@centerami.org
If you are looking to help or still need assistance call The Center at (941)778-1908 or email hello@centerami.org. We are still looking for volunteers!
Volunteers Needed – Help Our Community!
We’re looking for volunteers to assist with packing and light clean-up after the recent storm. Tasks may include:
- Packing personal items and organizing belongings.
- Clearing leaves, branches, and yard debris.
Please note:
- Volunteers will not remove drywall, cut trees, or handle heavy demolition.
- If a home has mold or unsafe conditions, volunteers cannot enter.
If you can help you can just come to The Center located at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria. Your support makes a difference!
How to Report and Clean Up Flood Damage
Call 311 for any storm recovery related questions or to connect with resources
Call 211 they provide information and referrals for health, human services, and disaster recovery.
Call or Text 1-800-985-5990 the Disaster Distress Helpline for free 24/7 counseling or support
Click here for Information on state-wide Business Recovery Resources
Click here for rebuilding or repairing your home or business after the storm
Call 1-833-514-2940 for Disaster Legal Hotline: Offers free legal assistance for issues arising from the hurricane.
Click here U-Haul is Offering 30 Days Free Storage
For more resources visit: https://www.mywrc.org/hurricanerecovery/ or https://www.manateechamber.com/stormrecovery/
Are you a hospitality or tourism worker in the Manatee County Gulf Islands Community who faced financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton? You may qualify to apply for the Rock ‘N’ Support Grant. Click here to apply
The Realtors Association has a fund to source support housing for those who have been displaced at $2,000 grants max.: https://www.myrasm.com/DisasterRelief.
Food and beverage workers who are un or underemployed due to disasters can apply for assistance between $1,000- $1,200:https://southernsmoke.org/emergency-relief/ . Southern Smoke Foundation supports workers who must have worked in the industry for 6 months at 30 hours a week.
Restaurants and Lodging Establishments: The FRLA Disaster Relief Fund is an initiative of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation that strives to provide economic relief to Florida’s hospitality industry and workforce following an emergency event. https://frla.org/relief/
Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support Manatee county needs. To apply for support for food, shelter, bill paying and beyond, visit the 2-1-1 site at United Way here: Application for Season of Sharing via Nonprofit Partners. The max is usually $2,000 and during this emergency they are going up to $3,500.
Call 1-800-621-3362 or click here for FEMA
Starting Your Recovery After a Flood
FEMA – How to start a Flood Claim
- The address of your damaged home or apartment
- Names of people living in your household
- A description of your disaster damages
- Insurance information
- Your Social Security Number
- A telephone number where you can be reached or left a message
- An address where you can get mail
- If you want your disaster assistance funds sent directly to your bank, provide FEMA your bank information
Click here for help with applying for FEMA disaster assistance
Your help is needed in assessing community needs. Please consider participating in these surveys to help identify gaps in recovery resources:
Manatee County Unmet Needs Survey
This survey collects information on impacted individuals’ locations, housing damage, financial needs, and safety concerns.
Florida Disaster Business Damage Assessment Survey
This survey helps businesses report the extent of storm damage and operational disruptions, assisting local and state authorities in recovery efforts.
