• If your home was damaged, you can apply for FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. That’s how the federal government gets direct financial aid to disaster victims.
• When applying for financial assistance, certain documentation is required, including proof of citizenship, residency, and evidence of damage (think: photos).
• Submit online or at a Disaster Recovery Center. TBAY’s only center is in Riverview’s Hillsborough Community College at the Regent (6437 Watson Rd.).
• Pro tip: You don’t have to be a homeowner to apply. Eligible renters could get reimbursements for damaged property, paid temporary living arrangements, and grants for bills + utilities.

More community resources

• Pinellas County has opened donation sites. Officials are looking for things like diapers for babies and adults, baby formula, work gloves, hand tools, flashlights, batteries, and cleaning supplies.
• Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful has a sign up form for volunteers and those looking for volunteers. KTBB is prioritizing the elderly and vulnerable.
• The Hurricane Helene Cleanup Hotline is open and ready for your calls. Dial 844-965-1386 to connect with local volunteers.
• Doors are open at 3 Daughters Brewing for donations, and for those seeking comfort, supplies, relief, or support from the community.
• Nonprofit conservation group Indian Rocks Beach Trash Tribe has an Amazon wishlist with items listed that will benefit the ongoing relief efforts along the Pinellas barrier islands.
• South Tampa’s Laurel and Jack is operating as a donation and pickup site for housewares, clothing, and small furniture. Sorting and delivery volunteers are also wanted.

• Experience Keel Farms: Winery Tour | Wednesday, Oct. 2-Friday, Oct. 4 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $25 | See where your favorite wines, beers, and ciders are made — you’ll even get to taste a few.
• Free Yoga | Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Midtown Tampa | Free | Join the community, flow in the great outdoors, and bring water + non-perishable food items for Helene victims.
• Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers | Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 7 p.m. | Amalie Arena, Tampa | $15+ | Catch a preseason game in downtown Tampa before the new NHL season arrives.

• Art on the House | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 4-8 p.m. | Tampa Museum of Art | Free | Pay-as-you-wish to enter the museum and explore the exhibitions.
• “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 8 p.m. | Mahaffey Theater | $39+ | Join an original cast member for a screening of the 1975 flick with audience participation and memorabilia displays.

• $160 billion. That’s how much the losses from Hurricane Helene could total. That would make it the No. 5 costliest storm in US history. Since 2017, Florida has seen three of the top five most expensive US storms ever — including Harvey and Ian. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

• Some of that damage was incurred by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Officials say most of the facility’s life support machines were destroyed by floodwaters. Two rehabilitating manatees set for release into the wild were taken to ZooTampa for their safety. (St. Pete Catalyst)

• “There’s no reason for anyone to be out here unless you live here or have a business that you’re trying to get up and running,” said Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri as the area’s barrier islands reopened to the public yesterday. Law enforcement are conducting patrols to prevent looting. (WFLA)

• The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced plans for their opening home game on Saturday, Oct. 12. Before the clash with the Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa native and platinum hip-hop artist Doechii will perform for free in Thunder Alley. There will also be food truck eats and 50% off drinks.

• Sundown tonight marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Communities who observe this holiday typically enjoy apples and honey in hopes of having a sweet new year. The celebration runs until sundown on Friday, Oct. 4. Shana Tova! (That’s Hebrew for “have a good year.”)

• Frontier is launching five new flight routes from Tampa International Airport later this year. Starting in December, the airline will fly to three major cities: Chicago, Boston, and Washington, DC. A couple of New England spots are also on their way: Burlington, VT, and Portland, ME. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

• The Tampa Bay area could use a little love right now. That’s why we shared this visual love letter to TBAY. Before we know it, we’ll be back to our beautiful, brilliant best.

• Relive the Bucs’ dominant victory against the Philadelphia Eagles. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
  

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