Florida cities faced a brutal one-two punch after Hurricanes Milton and Helene hit the state within about two weeks of each other. Cities quickly moved to set up ways to help their residents and businesses mend. Here is a sampling of how some Florida cities responded:

City of Clearwater. The City set up a webpage to assist residents. Clearwater compiled a list of resources, including recovery programs and disaster assistance loans, to help residents and businesses. The City waived building plan review and permit fees for residents and business owners trying to make repairs.

City of Dunedin. City Hall was open daily as a cooling and charging station. Showers were available for public use at a City pool bathhouse. Dunedin opened its Community Center as a donation distribution site with Pinellas County. The Center distributed food, drinks, paper goods, toiletries, pet food, diapers, blankets and towels. A temporary 24/7 laundry facility was set up outside the Community Center at no cost. Residents donated laundry detergent. Also, the County and the Florida Division of Emergency Management established a Multi-agency Resource Center with storm recovery services at City Hall. It was staffed with personnel from federal, state and regional partners to provide assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); food, water and housing; resources for people with disabilities and a replacement driver’s license. The City also set up an application to collect information from community organizations willing to help out damaged homes and properties.

Town of Fort Myers Beach. The Town waived residential trade permit fees for drywall damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton damage. Permit fees were waived for 30 days.

City of Jacksonville. The City emailed answers to FAQs such as “What types of debris will be picked up by Solid Waste?” and highlighted new information each time the email was sent. It also included a list of important phone numbers and official social media accounts.

Town of Lady Lake. Town staff worked 12 hours a day, six days a week, to collect storm debris. Lady Lake waived permits for tree removal through October 31. Permits for residential construction improvements related to Hurricane Milton were processed at the Town’s minimum fee through October 31.

City of North Port. The City opened a 24/7 comfort station in front of a City activity center with laundry services, showers and restrooms. The Department of Public Works ran multiple teams of yard waste crews. So that residents could view where City crews had been working, North Port provided a yard waste collection map. The City also provided information about org, which connects residents who need help with muck out, trees, tarps and debris with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities. A Disaster Recovery Center opened at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. Small-business owners were informed about the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan. North Port also provided tips on avoiding post-disaster scams.

City of Ocoee. The Ocoee City Commission voted to waive building permit fees for hurricane storm damage repairs for the next 90 days. The City listed repairs that require a permit and those that don’t.

Village of Palmetto Bay. Palmetto Bay collected donations of supplies at Village Hall to help those impacted by Hurricane Milton. Residents were encouraged to donate gloves, protective gear, trash bags, cleaning supplies, paper towels, generators, fuel, tarps, plastic sheeting and buckets.

City of Sarasota. A Disaster Recovery Center was set up at the Municipal Auditorium to provide face-to-face assistance from FEMA and Small Business Administration representatives. The City activated its three emergency storm debris pickup contractors to expedite the cleanup process. City and Sarasota County residents could drop off vegetative debris free of charge at two locations. A comfort station was set up with showers and laundry services. One park with a playground was quickly reopened. Mayor Liz Alpert thanked City staff who “dedicated long hours and weekends to storm recovery, many of whom prioritized the well-being of our community before assessing damages at their own homes after the storm.”

City of St. Petersburg. The City launched its new interactive Debris Collection Map that provided residents with real-time updates on cleanup progress. St. Petersburg collected more than 100,000 cubic yards of debris. The City offered three comfort and charging stations at three recreation centers. The centers offered bottled water, battery packs, cleanup kits, storage bins and tarps. The City waived the application and inspection fees for permits to perform demolition and repair of properties damaged by the hurricane. The City emphasized that permits were still required. Also, St. Petersburg set up remote permitting sites across the City. St. Petersburg partnered with the Pinellas Community Foundation to launch the We Are St. Pete Fund. The Fund assists disaster relief fundraising for residents, small businesses and City employees recovering from Hurricane Helene. The City also temporarily waived utility late fees and notice fees, as well as a temporary suspension of water meter lock-offs due to non-payment. Lien filings and business tax late fees were also suspended temporarily.

City of Treasure Island. The City Commission voted to fund debris removal from commercial properties and condominiums. The City collaborated with Pinellas County, the Governor’s office, other state entities, and FEMA to quadruple its debris collection assets. Treasure Island set up a pop-up permitting site underneath City Hall. They opened a donation center at City Hall with personal hygiene products and cleaning supplies. The City set up cooling/comfort stations in each neighborhood. Residents could use these areas to shower and charge devices. Two locations had laundry capabilities. The City also alerted residents about how to avoid fraud during recovery.

City of Venice. The City held a meeting for residents about recovery at the City’s Community Center. The meeting included information about what occurred locally before, during and after the storm; debris pickup; the permitting process for repairs; and recovery resources. Staff from the City Manager’s Office, Building, Engineering/Stormwater, Police and Fire Rescue attended. Attendees were provided handouts, and there was an opportunity for Q&A. The City waived the application fee for certain permits issued for storm-related damage and inspection fees for permits through Jan. 31, 2025.