While the Tropical Storm Debby disaster recovery centers have closed in some areas, the center in hard-hit Pasco County will remain open for the time being.
The county's center at 4444 Grand Avenue (on the corner of Grand and Trouble Creek Road) in New Port Richey is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays.
Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies are on hand to explain disaster assistance programs and help residents apply for aid. State and Federal community relations teams are also working door-to-door to help residents designated for federal individual assistance.
In addition, the county's Resident Information Center is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The following questions are frequently asked through the RIC's information line at (727) 847-8959:
- Is there public transportation to the DRC?
Yes. Pasco County Public Transportation Route 18 on Grand Boulevard has a bus stop, and it's located approximately 250 feet from the center.
- If I'm running into legal difficulties due to the storm, whom do I call?
If you can't afford an attorney, call the Florida Disaster Legal Services hotline at (866) 550-2929, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Assistance is available in Spanish.
- What if I need unemployment assistance due to the storm who do I call?
Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available in participating counties. Claimants should visit www.floridajobs.org/dua or by calling (800) 204-2418, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Citizens are encouraged to follow the updated services online at www.pascocountyfl.net. On the site, residents can register their damages and receive more information on storm debris collection. In addition, follow updates on Pasco County TV, Bright House Networks Channel 622.