St. Pete Standard

In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the City of St. Petersburg is organizing a series of informational sessions to provide residents with hurricane recovery resources. These sessions aim to educate the community on various aspects of recovery, including permitting processes and available financial assistance.

The first session will be held virtually on Friday, November 8, from 12 to 1 p.m. via Zoom. This meeting will focus on helping residents understand the permitting process and the "49% rule." Attendees are required to pre-register and submit questions in advance. After registration, participants will receive an email with details for joining the virtual session. Additional information about the 49% rule and registration can be found at stpete.org/rule49.

A second session is scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at The Coliseum located at 535 4th Ave. N. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with the program commencing at 6 p.m. Mayor Kenneth T. Welch along with city leadership and representatives from FEMA, Florida Division of Emergency Management, and Pinellas County will present information on financial assistance options, recovery resources, supports, permitting, and rebuilding efforts.

This event also provides an opportunity for St. Petersburg residents to offer feedback, identify areas needing improvement, and suggest strategies for future resilience against catastrophic events. Feedback gathered during this "Together, St. Pete" meeting may influence future discussions hosted by other community organizations to ensure a collaborative approach toward enhanced community preparedness.

Resource tables staffed by representatives from the City of St. Petersburg, FEMA, and other local organizations will be available starting at 5 p.m., followed by a Q&A session after the main program begins at 6 p.m. Pre-registration is requested through stpete.org/recovery.

Further details about ongoing recovery efforts in St. Petersburg following Hurricanes Helene and Milton are accessible at stpete.org/recovery.