HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Hillsborough County remains under a state of local emergency as recovery efforts continue following the impact of Hurricane Helene. County Administrator Bonnie Wise has extended the emergency declaration through November 4th.
The initial order was put in place on September 23rd as Hurricane Helene approached Florida. This extension allows county officials to maintain essential operations and access resources to support the community’s recovery.
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The state of emergency grants the County Administrator and emergency management officials the authority to:
- Expedite debris removal: This ensures the safe and efficient clearing of debris from public areas.
- Coordinate resources: The declaration facilitates access to necessary supplies and equipment for response and recovery.
- Implement protective measures: Officials can take actions to protect public health and safety, such as implementing curfews if needed.
- Access federal funding: The declaration is crucial for securing federal reimbursement for eligible expenses related to the storm.
This extended emergency declaration comes in addition to a separate state of emergency declared for Hurricane Milton, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Hillsborough County residents.
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Staying Informed and Connected
Residents are strongly encouraged to stay informed and connected throughout the recovery process:
- HCFL Alert: Register for Hillsborough County’s official public notification system to receive emergency alerts via email, phone, and text. Visit HCFL.gov/HCFLAlert to sign up.
- Stay Safe Website: Stay updated on the latest emergency information by visiting HCFL.gov/StaySafe.
- Storm Information Helpline: For residents without digital access, the County’s storm information helpline is available at (833) HC STORM or (833) 427-8676.
Governor Ron DeSantis also declared a state of emergency for Florida in response to Hurricane Helene, providing additional support for affected communities.
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