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The Catalyst Candidate Forum, initially scheduled for Monday evening, has been canceled by publisher Joe Hamilton due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Instead, the Catalyst plans to conduct one-on-one virtual interviews with local candidates to share their platforms with the community. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Multiple nonprofits in St. Petersburg are organizing a hurricane relief drive on Friday, October 4, providing essential supplies such as hot meals, nonperishable foods, and hygiene items. This free event aims to assist those affected by recent hurricanes in the area.
The City of St. Petersburg has launched mobile permitting sites to streamline the permit application process for homeowners dealing with hurricane-related repairs. The initiative includes waived fees for urgent repairs and aims to facilitate easier access to permitting services. These sites will operate Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The St. Petersburg Police Department has clarified the definition of looting, emphasizing that residents can safely dry flooded items in their backyards without facing theft charges. According to the police, looting only applies when property is taken from enclosed areas such as homes or sheds.
Residents of St. Petersburg's Municipal Marina have been without power for over a week following Hurricane Helene, leading to feelings of abandonment among the roughly 200 people living there. The lack of electricity has exacerbated the already challenging living conditions, as debris and unpleasant odors linger in the area. City officials face increasing pressure to restore services and address the needs of these residents.
Fiona Whelan Prine's Hello in There Foundation is actively assisting residents of Gulfport, Florida, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Having faced personal loss during the storm, Prine is dedicated to helping her community recover and rebuild.
Nonprofits in St. Petersburg are collaborating to provide essential resources for babies and seniors affected by recent storms. The event, hosted by Mount Zion AME Church, includes the distribution of storm relief items and hot meals, aiming to support vulnerable community members.
Airbnb.org is providing free temporary housing for those displaced by Hurricane Helene through partnerships with local organizations like the Florida United Methodist Conference and United Way. This initiative aims to connect affected individuals with safe accommodations in Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
The Florida Department of Financial Services is set to open an "insurance village" in Clearwater, featuring over 40 insurance companies providing initial claim checks for storm-related damages. The event will take place at the Clearwater Parks & Recreation Long Center from October 4 to October 6, 2024. Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis emphasizes the importance of this initiative for the community.
The St. Petersburg City Council recently convened to discuss the impacts of Hurricane Helene, highlighting the contributions of unsung heroes and ongoing community concerns. This meeting marked a significant moment as the city reported at least two hurricane-related deaths, including one attributed to a suicide during the storm.