Donation & volunteer opportunities around Tampa Bay
Whether you want to volunteer time, donate funds, or give goods, there's a way everyone can make a difference in the lives of neighbor Floridians in need.
Tampa police deploying more officers to North Port for Hurricane Ian relief
A second wave of nearly 50 TPD officers relieved the 40 officers along with 15 Tampa firefighters from Tampa Fire Rescue who have been hard at work since last Saturday in North Port. They’ve been working to clear debris for residents and helping the North Port Police Department with all of their calls.
Hurricane Ian floods leave mess, insurance questions behind for Floridians
Hurricane Ian caused extensive flooding in areas outside of areas considered high-risk zones, and flooding is not covered by a homeowner's insurance policy. Flood insurance must be purchased separately — and only 18% of Floridians have it. In many now-flooded neighborhoods, residents who didn't purchase the optional insurance are wondering how they will be able to afford much-needed repairs to their homes.
Tampa church sends donations, volunteers to southwest Florida for Hurricane Ian relief
The church has sent several teams down to the Fort Myers area in the past week, helping to serve hot food to survivors, and distributing donations to partners on the ground through local churches and disaster relief organizations.
Venice-based Agape Flights flies Hurricane Ian relief supplies to Southwest Florida
For more than four decades, Venice-based Agape Flights has brought aid and supplies to missionaries in remote areas of Haiti. But after Hurricane Ian hit, they turned their focus to Florida, using their aircraft to fly supplies where they're needed most.
USF researchers study evacuation behaviors before and after Hurricane Ian
Hundreds of thousands of people evacuated the Tampa Bay area as mandatory evacuation orders were issued ahead of Hurricane Ian.
Sarasota man brings in supplies by boat to Pine Island after Hurricane Ian
A man in Sarasota has made it his mission to bring supplies to those in need of help after Hurricane Ian. He's brought more than $30,000 worth of supplies so far – all by boat.
Coast Guard team based in Clearwater rescues Venice man clinging to boat during Hurricane Ian
The Coast Guard has remained busy since Hurricane Ian, rescuing hundreds of people in all sorts of dire situations. But, they'll never forget the man they saved in Pine Island Sound.
Electric vehicles are exploding from water damage after Hurricane Ian, Florida official warns
A top Florida state official warned Thursday that firefighters have battled a number of fires caused by electric vehicle (EV) batteries waterlogged from Hurricane Ian.
Hurricane Ian debris cleanup in Polk County could take at least three months
Polk County crews are working from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week to clean up the debris left behind by Hurricane Ian, and it still could three to four months to get the job done.
Astronaut on ISS spots Florida’s muddy wounds left from Hurricane Ian
Not only did Hurricane Ian push in several feet of water during a catastrophic storm surge last week, but the storm dumped well over a foot of rain across a wide swath of Central and North Florida.
Pinellas school district sending skilled workers, supplies to Lee County to help repair damaged schools
A caravan of Pinellas County school employees drove to Lee County before sunrise Thursday to help the school district rebuild its schools that were damaged by Hurricane Ian. They included 18 skilled workers specializing in electrical work, plumbing, air conditioning, roofing and carpentry — bringing much-needed supplies and even 1,500 meals for people in need.
Suncoast Humane Society's animal shelter inoperable, unsafe due to extensive damage from Hurricane Ian: CEO
The Suncoast Humane Society in Englewood reported significant damage to its building from Hurricane Ian, and is now asking for donations to help rebuild. All animals were safely evacuated before the Category 4 storm made landfall, but the shelter's CEO says the facility is no longer safe for pets, staff or volunteers.
More than 200 birds rescued after riding out Hurricane Ian at Pine Island sanctuary
It's a rescue mission that's been dubbed "Operation Noah's Ark" after volunteers helped transport more than 200 birds from a sanctuary on Pine Island.
Florida Disaster Fund receives $35 million toward Hurricane Ian relief in five days
Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis is spearheading the effort to raise money for those affected by Hurricane Ian. The governor's office said the Florida Disaster Fund received $35 million in donations on its fifth day of activation.
Which donations will make the biggest impact for Hurricane Ian victims
Hurricane relief is coming to Florida from all over the country. From donations to volunteer work to simple words of support, people are doing what they can to help Hurricane Ian's victims get back on their feet.
Biden to storm-ravaged Florida: 'We're not going to leave'
President Joe Biden has surveyed the devastation of hurricane-ravaged Florida, promising to marshal the power of the federal government to help rebuild.
Tampa Bay area volunteers continue to extend support to SWFL after Hurricane Ian
In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, the Tampa Bay area is rallying to uplift our neighbors hardest hit by the storm.
Call center set up at North Port City Hall brings needed information, hope to those impacted by Hurricane Ian
A training room at North Port City Hall has been transformed into a call center where call takers have provided more than just information, but hope to others impacted by Hurricane Ian.
Florida mom uses plastic bin to protect infant son as Hurricane Ian floods neighborhood
A mother's account of the cataclysmic storm will haunt the Fort Myers, Florida, family forever.