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1/2/25

Disaster Unemployment Assistance is Available

FloridaCommerce announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. DUA is available to those who are ineligible to receive federal or state Reemployment Assistance benefits and the individual meets one of the following requirements:

DUA is available for weeks of unemployment beginning Sept. 29, 2024, through March 29, 2025, as long as the individual’s unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster in the designated-disaster areas. The deadline to submit a claim for DUA benefits is no later than Dec. 2, 2024.

To file a claim, go to www.FloridaJobs.org and select “File a Claim” or call 1-800-385-3920 (Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). For DUA claims information, call 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759) to speak with a representative.

Register to Participate in the FEMA Emergency Lodging Assistance Program

FEMA has activated lodging assistance for our area and hotels that are registered may participate. Pinellas County is asking hotels to register to participate in the FEMA Emergency Lodging Assistance Program. This program is administered by CLC Lodging on behalf of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA will provide direct payment to hotels who house pre-qualified individuals from disaster areas.

For additional information on the FEMA CLC Program: Visit https://ela.corplodging.com/faq.php, email femahousing@clclodging.com or call (866) 545-9865.

Barrier Island Access Re-Opens today at 4 p.m.

Reminder, barrier island restricted access will be lifted today, Oct. 1 at 4 p.m. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) will remain committed to keeping the residents and their property safe. PCSO will have saturated overnight patrols with at least sixty deputies on the gulf beaches from dusk to dawn seven days a week. Deputies will be in undercover vehicles as well as marked cruisers with lights on all night.

Resource Centers

The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber has opened three resource center locations, in partnership with the Tampa Bay Rays, Duke Energy and Pinellas County Economic Development. These resource centers have power, information about post storm resources, and are distributing certain supplies like food and water.

Locations:

• St. Pete Beach - 6990 Gulf Blvd. - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Madeira Beach City Hall - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Sheraton Sand Key - 10 a.m. -3 p.m.