The Wave

Get Help Applying for People First Hurricane Recovery Assistance

If you need help applying for the People First Hurricane Recovery Programs but can't make it out to the two main help centers, program staff are visiting city buildings, community centers and libraries for one-day events each week. Case workers are on hand at these pop-up sites to review documents, answer questions and help you submit your application for one of our five recovery programs.

Note: if you already submitted an application, staff at these locations will not be able to give you a status update. A case manager will contact you when there is an update. 

Visit our website for a full calendar of pop-up locations and dates. More dates will be added in the coming weeks.  

You can also visit the regular People First Help Centers Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the North County location at 2600 McCormick Drive, Suite 100, Clearwater, or South County offices at 5000 Park Street N, Suite 4, St. Petersburg. 

Other ways to get information or apply:

• Visit recover.pinellas.gov
• Call 727-606-3307 (Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 
• If you live in the city of St. Petersburg, visit the Sunrise St. Petersburg website for information on the city’s recovery programs.

Federal Government Shutdown Resources

Many in our community are feeling the impact of the federal government shutdown. If you or someone you know needs help, we’ve pulled together information about local resources, such as food assistance, benefits guidance and community support, in one easy place. Visit Pinellas.gov/federal-government-shutdown-resources to explore options for you and your family, and please share this link so others can get help, too.

Beach Nourishment Progress Continues

Beach nourishment construction continues on Pinellas County beaches with sand placement currently happening on Sunset Beach and Indian Rocks Beach. Watch Pinellas County Coastal coastal scientist Zach Westfall break down your common beach nourishment questions, from plantings, sand type and timeline.

For project alerts, text PCBEACHES to 888777. For more about the project, and the latest construction schedule and beach access updates visit pinellas.gov/pcbeaches.

Holiday Lights opens Nov. 28

Pinellas County’s Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo is celebrating 25 years of Holiday Lights. Experience the magic of a million twinkling lights from 5:30-9:30 p.m. every evening from Nov. 28 through Jan. 3.

Bring the whole family and enjoy music, drinks and delights. There is something for everyone to do under the lights. Named one of the nation’s top 10 botanical light displays by USA Today, don’t miss the 25th Anniversary celebration of Holiday Lights in the Gardens.

Adopt-a-tree Program Makes Lealman Greener

Pinellas County gave out 260 trees for more than 140 homes, working with Lealman residents to expand the tree canopy, diversify the urban forest, and help the area withstand storms and variable environmental conditions.

By involving residents in the community, we are adding more shade to sidewalks and streets, reducing water runoff and enhancing neighborhood aesthetics.