Hurricane Milton takes toll on museum
DADE CITY – The historic buildings at Pioneer Florida Museum & Village remain intact; however, staff reported damages to the Mabel Jordan Barn and Blacksmith Shop.
There was also damage to a shed, back gate and concession stand as well as 10 downed trees, some of which fell in parking areas and on power lines.
“Efforts have been made to clear the debris, and our maintenance man, Dale, other staff, and other amazing volunteers have been working diligently to clean up the affected areas,” the museum told supporters in an Oct. 15 email. “We still need more volunteer help and donations.”
Executive Director Stephanie Black encouraged supporters to volunteer for an Oct. 19 work day in which they would clean up the historic property.
Grace periods extended for insurance
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis provided updates for Florida policyholders following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The update includes the amendment of an existing order and issuance of an additional emergency order by the Office of Insurance Regulation to protect policyholders impacted by the storms.
OIR amended EO 400385-24 to protect policyholders impacted by Hurricane Helene and issued EO 400386-24 to protect policyholders impacted by Hurricane Milton.
The orders apply to all insurers in the state and policyholders in several counties, including Hillsborough and Pasco.
The orders:
- Extend grace periods for any policy, provision, notice, correspondence, or law that imposes a time limit upon an insured to perform any act until Dec. 10.
- Prohibit the cancellation or nonrenewal of a policy in an impacted area, except at the written request of the policyholder, until Dec. 10.
- Prohibit the cancellation or nonrenewal of a personal residential or commercial residential property insurance policy covering a property repaired as a result of damage from Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton for a period of 90 days after it has been repaired.
- Direct insurers, surplus lines and other regulated entities to implement processes and procedures to facilitate the efficient payment of claims.
Mobile centers offer help with business recovery
LUTZ – Pasco EDC helped promote mobile assistance centers led by partners Florida SBDC at USF as well as Fifth Third Bank to guide people through recovery programs.
The Florida SBDC at USF offered to help people navigate SAB Economic Injury Disaster Loan, SBA Physical Disaster Loan, Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program and Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
These mobile assistance centers will still be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 23, 28 and 30 at AmSkills, 4606 Darlington Road, Holiday.
Fifth Third Bank had scheduled Financial Empowerment Mobile stops Oct. 17 and 18 at SMARTstart in Wesley Chapel to discuss various financial topics.
Business Recovery Center opens in Hillsborough County
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – The U.S. Small Business Administration opened a Business Recovery Center in Hillsborough County to provide one-on-one assistance with submitting disaster loan applications for Florida businesses impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene.
SBA customer service representatives will be available to answer questions about the disaster loan program and assist business owners in completing their applications.
The Hillsborough County Business Recovery Center is located at the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, 2101 E. Palm Ave., Tampa. It operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Free parking is available across Palm Avenue.
Disaster recovery specialists with the Florida Small Business Development Center at Hillsborough County will also be on-site to provide confidential, no-cost consulting to help affected businesses prepare disaster loan applications and assist with other post-disaster challenges.
The Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County can be reached at HCFL.gov/FSBDC or by calling 813-204-9267 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pasco County reopens pop-up building permit sites
PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Building Construction Services is reopening two pop-up building permit sites. Stop by to get help navigating the process to repair or rebuild your home.
To lessen the burden on those affected by the recent hurricanes, Pasco County is waiving all county fees for home repair and building permit applications related to the storms. While the county is waiving permitting fees, you still need to get a permit for any repairs that require one.
Pop-ups are located at
- Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office at Gulf Harbors, 4720 US-19, New Port Richey.
- Sea Ranch Civic Association, 13711 Veronica Drive, Hudson.
These locations are staffed Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Pasco County Building Construction Services staff can help explain the steps you need to take to begin home repairs and answer any questions you have about your specific situation.
Call Pasco Building Construction Services at 727-847-8126 and press 5 for details.
Chamber delays awards program
LAND O LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber has postponed its annual Celebrating Excellence Awards from Nov. 14 to Jan. 16, 2025.
The chamber cites recent storms for the postponement.
The program recognizes people and companies that impact the business community.
North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings
LAND O LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will offer plenty of opportunity for networking over the next few days:
- Chamber President/CEO Hope Kennedy leads orientation for new members from 9 to 10 a.m. Oct. 23 at USF Federal Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa.
- The chamber celebrates Blue Park Dental joining with a ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 24 at 5470 Post Oak Blvd., Wesley Chapel.
- Members toast the end of another month during Final Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 25 at Florica Avenue Brewing co., 2029 Arrowgrass Drive, Wesley Chapel.
- The chamber celebrates Fuzzy’s Taco Shop with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 29 at 19729 State Road 54, Lutz.
Visit northtampabaychamber.com for more information about these events and other chamber information.
Greater Pasco Chamber happenings
NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce has announced the following networking events to close out the month:
- Members have the chance to meet and mingle during After-Hours Networking Mixer from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. Oct. 23 at Ostara Floral & Events, 6751 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes.
- Members trade company literature during New Port Richey/Port Richey Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 24 at VESH, 5811 Richey Drive, Port Richey. Register in advance for this free event.
- The Young Professionals Group convenes networking during Coffee Connections from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 25 at The Daily Vibe Coffee Co., 5738 Main St., New Port Richey. Register in advance for this free event.
Visit greaterpasco.com for registration information for these events and chamber information.
