Hurricane/Tropical Storm Information

Your City @ Work With the City Manager

It has been almost a month since Hurricane Helene brought severe storm surge to 
Dunedin, followed closely by Hurricane Milton. Our community has faced unprecedented challenges, but through it all, we’ve seen incredible resilience and acts of kindness.

City Manager Jennifer Bramley provides an important update on our ongoing recovery efforts, including debris removal, City infrastructure preparation and resilience, and resources available to those impacted. We’re working hard to ensure everyone stays informed and supported during this time. 

Watch this month's Your City @ Work for more details, and remember, we're #DunedinStrong

Storm Debris Collection Update

Storm debris collection on local City roads continues making substantial progress since contractors resumed collections after Hurricane Milton on October 15. State and County roads within the City of Dunedin are being handled by the State and County.

• There are nine trucks actively collecting Debris from flooding of residential homes in Baywood Shores, Harborview, & Dunedin Isles, Michigan & Palm-East of Bayshore, North Douglas/San Mateo with the first pass nearing completion.
• Next on the schedule for the flooded areas, are the homes off the Causeway, south portions of the City, including Lakewood Estates, and homes off of Curlew affected by Curlew Creek flooding.
• The debris contractor currently has nine crews (for debris from flooding and HHW) working 12-hour days.
• To date as of 10/21: nearly 20,000 cubic yards collected which is equivalent to six Olympic size swimming pools.
• Hazardous Waste has been collected at 99 homes by specialized contractor crews.
• Storm tree debris collection began 10/21 on Douglas Ave from Skinner Blvd to Union St., to Milwaukee Ave and from Skinner Blvd south to James St. (map to follow)
• Contractor estimates completion within 90 days. We appreciate your patience. 

Private and Commercial entities:

FEMA will not enter onto private roads and will only collect from the public right of way. Residents in private communities should inquire with their HOA or management company for details of existing disaster plans in the by-laws.

As a private/commercial community you will need to coordinate disposal on your end by a private hauler or having a container dropped off to fill and have removed.

Reimbursement for disposal will either come from the community’s insurance claim and/or FEMA claim, this is true for individual owner’s claims as well.

There are many haulers and container rental entities in the area, especially now, which are easily found through a google search. Homes in unincorporated areas, where roads are maintained by Pinellas County, must coordinate storm debris collection with Pinellas County. Contact the County at (727) 464-7500.

Pinellas County Hazardous Waste Collection Oct 26

Pinellas County Solid Waste’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program helps keep our environment clean by diverting harmful materials from the regular waste stream for safe recycling and disposal! The next Household Chemical Collection Event is on October 26, 2024, at HHW North, 29582 U.S. 19 N. Bring your items for free disposal and do your part in protecting our community and environment.

For a full list of accepted items, visit: https://pinellas.gov/household-hazardous-waste-hhw-collection/

Navigating the Rebuilding Process

It's difficult to lose so much of what makes your house a home. We understand that the idea of repairing and rebuilding can be overwhelming, but we're here to help you build back stronger. To ensure you're getting the correct information you need, we encourage you to explore the permitting page, which offers valuable resources tailored for individuals, businesses, and contractors. This page can guide you through the permitting process, helping you access essential information and support as you embark on your rebuilding journey.https://www.dunedingov.com/City-Services/Business-Development/Building-Codes-Permits-Construction/Permits-Inspections

Special City Commission Meeting, Oct 24 at 6 p.m. to approve an ordinance and resolution to temporarily waive building permit and review fees for storm-damaged homes. If approved, permit fee waivers will be in effect from October 25, 2024, through April 30, 2025, and will apply to: removal, repair, and replacement of damaged building components; fence repair and tree removal. You can view the agenda here.

Questions about FEMA 50/50 Rule?

Information is on the City website. And Community Development staff can also answer questions. Contact at: permits@dunedinfl.net
(727) 298-3210

Floodplain Management Regulations - City of Dunedin, FL (dunedingov.com)

RVs - Residents may place and live in an RV under certain conditions while their home is uninhabitable for up to 36 months or until the Conditional Occupancy is issued, whichever occurs first.

City Updates 

City Hall Cooling/Charging Station

City Hall is open daily 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. as a cooling/charging station. Bring your chargers! Keep checking our social media channels, Hurricane/Tropical Storm Information page and make sure you are subscribed to the DunediNEWS for all the latest updates. . 

Highlander Pool Showers Available for Public Use

• The Highlander Pool Showers,1937 Ed Eckert Drive, are now open daily from 
  9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for anyone in need following Hurricane Milton.

City Events (for up to date listing go to City Calendar)

Closures/Cancelations

• The Dunedin Marina continues to be closed until further notice as it has extensive 
  damage from both Helene and Milton.
• The following City Parks are closed: Weaver Park Pier, Hammock Park and Scottsdale Park.  *Parks staff has not had an opportunity to assess all parks yet - so use caution.
• Edgewater Park and Weaver Park playgrounds are closed
• Canceled events:  Halloween Happenings, Dogtobergest, Stone Crab Fest, Dia De Los Muertos, Dunedin Concert Band.
• Check City Calendar for the latest on Meetings and Events.

County Updates 

USACE Blue Roofs Program

Pinellas County residents with roof damage from Hurricane Milton can get a temporary blue tarp to prevent further damage by signing up for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA’s Operation Blue Roof program through Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Impacted residents can sign up online at BlueRoof.gov or by calling at 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258). You will need a driver’s license or other proof of residency. More information available here. 

FEMA now offering Transitional Sheltering Assistance

Eligible Homeowners and renters who sustained damages or losses from Hurricane Milton or Hurricane Helene may now receive Transitional Sheltering Assistance when applying for FEMA Individual Assistance.

Transitional Sheltering Assistance provides a place to stay for displaced residents living in shelters, vehicles or at their job for up to 90 days. Eligible applicants will be notified after applying for individual assistance. More information available here.  

Volunteering  

• Individuals interested in volunteering can sign up via Volunteer Connect, a statewide online portal to match volunteers with organizations that are looking for help here: volunteerflorida.org/volunteerconnect.

Donations/Distributions

Donations and Distributions at Community Center

The Dunedin Community Center continues to be a donation drop off center and distribution center to those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Open during regular business hours.

Items Accepted:

• Non-perishable foods
• Sports drinks
• Water 
• Bay food, formula and diapers 
• Toiletries
• Adult diapers
• Toilet paper and paper towels
• Disposable plates and utensils
• Cleaning supplies
• Pet food and supplies
• Blankets and towels 

Items are not accepted at this time: Clothing and Furniture

Dunedin Cares

The City of Dunedin is sharing resources for those looking to help our community. 
Dunedin Cares is accepting in-person donations of essential items, including food, meat, produce, non-perishable items, and  hygiene products. They are also accepting monetary donations online to continue supporting individuals in need.
https://dunedincares.org/donate/ 

Dunedin Cares Donation Drop-Off Hours:
Mon: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Tues, Thurs & Sat: 9:30-12 p.m.

Visit their website to make an online donation or stop by to contribute in person.

Hurricane Disaster Recovery Resources

• FEMA assistance is now available to Pinellas County residents who experienced damages/losses due to Hurricane Milton. Disaster assistance may include 
  financial help for temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-
  caused expenses. Eligible residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app, or by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
  
  
• Don’t Be Scammed by Contractors. To search for licensed contractors and verify contractor licenses go to: https://www.myfloridalicense.com/
  
  
• Have questions about Building Permits? Contact Dunedin Building Department at: 727-298-3210; permits@dunedinfl.net
  
  
• RVs - Residents may place and live in an RV under certain conditions while their home is uninhabitable for up to 36 months or until the Conditional Occupancy is issued, whichever occurs first.
  
  
• The Disaster Distress Helpline is open and provides 24/7 toll-free, multilingual disaster crisis counseling for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. 
  Call or text 1-800-985-5990.

• Residents who need help cleaning up damage can request assistance through the Crisis Cleanup at (844) 965-1386 or by visiting crisiscleanup.org. Local voluntary relief organizations will respond to these requests.

• Residents needing disaster assistance, including cleanup kits, can contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).  
  
  
• HOPE Florida is assisting residents with unmet needs. The HOPE Line can be 
  reached at 1-833-GET-HOPE (1-833-438-4673) or at hopeflorida.com.
  
  
• Feeding Tampa Bay is offering food pantries and food distribution events in Pinellas County for residents impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The latest information can be found at disaster.pinellas.gov

It’s OK to NOT to be OK – Post Hurricane Mental Health Support 

• For all Florida residents, Cigna Healthcare is providing access to its 24x7 telephone 
  help line staffed with qualified clinicians available to speak with people about how to 
  cope with anxiety, stress or other issues. People who do not have health benefits or employee assistance program benefits with Cigna Healthcare can call 1.866.912.1687
  toll-free. 

Disaster Assistance for Businesses

• Florida Commerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Milton. Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting https://floridadisaster.biz/Respond/BusinessDamageAssessmentsSurvey and selecting “Hurricane Milton” from the dropdown menu
  
  
• The SBA loan fund is depleted, but we’re encouraging businesses to apply anyway. They will then be put on the list for when funding is replenished. Learn more about the loans here.

Additional Recourses: 

Duke Energy - Contact Duke Energy to report or view current power outages in the area. 
City of Dunedin Website - Check out our website for important updates and information.
Road Closures - For traffic and closure updates across our area. 

What to do and Who to Contact Post-Storm Flyer available in both English and Spanish 
in the linked file
CIC remains open at 727-464-4333. Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can
contact the County Information Center via online chat at www.bit.ly/PinellasChat
If you suspect price gouging, report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM.
Updates will be posted on disaster.pinellas.gov, sent out via Alert Pinellas and Ready Pinellas, and on Facebook @PinellasGov and X @PinellasGov.

Pinellas County Hurricane Guide: pinellas.gov/make-a-plan/hurricane-guide-english/
Severe Weather Preparedness: pinellas.gov/preparing-your-home-for-severe-weather/
Flood Information Resources: pinellas.gov/flood-information/

Receive countywide emergency notifications.

Create a plan for your family on how to respond to a potential disaster. 

Learn what to include in your emergency kit. 

Pinellas County's comprehensive guide for hurricane preparation. 

Find out if you're in an evacuation zone with this county map. 

Learn the disaster preparedness items that are eligible.

Subscribe to Dunedin's emergency updates. 

The City of Dunedin’s Wastewater Department suggests to do the following before/after/during a storm:

• Make sure your cleanout caps are snug and secure so sewer cannot escape.
• Stay out of the water in the streets! Although it is not wastewater, that water is full of bacteria!
• Conserve water when possible. Even if your power is on and you’re able to use every facility in your house- please think twice as the Wastewater Treatment Plant is already treating extra water from the storm!
• If you see any open manholes, manholes with shifted lids, or manholes without lids- notify the Wastewater Department as soon as possible.
• In Dunedin, Wastewater and Stormwater are separate collection systems, discharging to different places. Find each department’s contact information below:
  • Wastewater:
    • Office (7:30am – 4:30pm): 727-298-3256
    • After Hours: 727-639-3570
  • Stormwater:
    • Office: 727-298-3232

For more information visit: dunedingov.com/stormwater

View here(JPG, 278KB)

Learn what sandbags can and can't do, and how to use them to the best of their ability. Video provided by 10 Tampa Bay. 

Ensure the safety of your furry friends. 

Find which shelters are open and what accommodations they have. 

Track and monitor storms and weather systems. 

How to respond during and immediately after a storm. 

Resident and business disaster assistance information. 

It's difficult to lose so much of what makes your house a home. We understand that the idea of repairing and rebuilding can be overwhelming, but we're here to help you build back stronger. To ensure you're getting the correct information you need, we encourage you to explore the permitting page, which offers valuable resources tailored for individuals, businesses, and contractors. This page can guide you through the permitting process, helping you access essential information and support as you embark on your rebuilding journey.

Temporary Policy for RVs, Trailers, Boats & STR

City of Dunedin has issued new policies for temporary structures, including RVs, trailers, boats, and short term vacation rentals following damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Full details on what is permitted: Code Compliance - City of Dunedin, FL (dunedingov.com)

Temporary Structures (RVs, Trailers, etc.):

• Permitted on parcels where permanent homes were damaged due to Hurricanes Helene or Milton, while home is uninhabitable for up to 36 months or until the Conditional Occupancy is issued, whichever comes first.
• Must comply with City Ordinances when possible or be located entirely on private property without blocking sidewalks or roads.
  
  

Utility, Debris, and Contractor Trailers:

• Utility trailers permitted per city provisions.
• Debris trailers permitted by ordinance.
• Contractor trailers allowed at sites with active building permits.
  
  

Boats:

• Temporarily stored boats from damaged marinas must comply with ordinances, be located on private property, and avoid blocking sidewalks.
• Exceptions expire on February 1, 2025.
  
  

Temporary Housing:

• The $200 Short Term Vacation Rental (STVR) registration fee is suspended for damaged units.
• Long-term rentals cannot be used for short-term stays due to sufficient STVR inventory.
  

Preparation and recovery assistance to businesses. 

For sandbags that have come into contact with floodwaters:

• Sandbags that have been in contact with floodwaters may be contaminated by sewage, animal waste, oil, lawn chemicals or other hazardous chemicals. Wear gloves and a dust mask when handling potentially contaminated materials. Do not place used sand in or near bodies of water, playgrounds, sandboxes or other areas of direct human contact.
• Bring used sandbags, separated from other waste to the Pinellas County Solid Waste Disposal Complex, 3095 114th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Disposal fees apply.
  • Note: Disposal fees for sandbags will be waived after hurricane season, from Dec. 1, 2024, through the end of 2024. 
    
    Please do not put sand or full sandbags in your regular trash or yard waste. The sand does not burn and will not convert to energy in the County’s Waste-to-Energy Facility. Do not mix sandbags with yard debris for disposal. The sand is abrasive and damages equipment used to grind yard debris into mulch.

For more information about the prefilled sandbags, call Pinellas County Public Works at (727) 464-8900.

For sandbags that did NOT come into contact with floodwaters:

• Keep and store clean sandbags to reuse them for future storms. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, with most major storms occurring between mid-August and late October. It’s best to store sandbags in a cool, dry area indoors or under cover.

• To dispose of clean sandbags, spread the sand on lawns or landscape beds. Place the empty bags in your garbage bin (not your recycling bin).

• Do not dump sandbags onto the beach. Sand used to help stop flooding may be different from beach sand and can cause issues for turtle nesting, among other problems.

City of Dunedin Arborist strongly advises against homeowners climbing on ladders and/or operating chainsaws without the proper level of experience and protective gear.

• Leave the dangerous/hazardous work to the professionals. There are many experienced companies in the area as well as others that have traveled here to assist. Let the professionals do their job.

• Expect higher prices. It’s not necessarily “price gouging”. Often times these companies are working seven days per week. Paying workers overtime and even double time. 

• Expect longer than usual responses, especially in non-emergency situations. The demand far out exceeds supply with tree service companies. Try to have patience.

• If it’s not an emergency, don’t pay emergency prices. Shop around and get estimates. You may be able to avoid hurricane related emergency pricing.

• As a general rule, when it comes to tree failure and related damage, it is the responsibility of the property owner where the tree or limb ended up. It doesn’t matter where the tree originated. Example: If a neighbor’s tree and or limbs fall on your house or your property, it’s your responsibility. It may not seem right, it may not seem “fair”, but that’s what it is. Conversely, if your tree falls on a neighbor, it’s not your responsibility either.

Prepare and help in recovery efforts in Dunedin and Pinellas County.

Check the power outage map.