For those impacted by Hurricane Milton, it's crucial to register for state and federal disaster assistance. Additionally, residents in need of debris cleanup can contact Crisis Cleanup for volunteer assistance with fallen trees, drywall, flooring, appliance removal, tarping roofs, and mold mitigation.
Register for State Assistance at Activate Hope:
www.hopeflorida.com
Register for Federal Disaster Assistance:
www.disasterassistance.gov
or call 1-800-621-3362.
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has announced the opening of Operation Blue Roof. Eligible Polk County residents can apply for this no-cost service through November 5, 2024, by visiting blueroof.gov, calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258), or visiting a Right of Entry (ROE) collection.
The Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services is hosting an insurance village at the RP Funding Center open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The village will allow policyholders to meet with their insurance carriers in person and work together to file insurance claims. Policyholders should bring as much documentation as they can, including:
-
A driver’s license or other form of identification (Passport/State issued ID)
-
Insurance cards and insurance policy information/documentation
-
Pictures or documentation of the property
-
Repair estimates
-
Any additional insurance-related information that is readily accessible
NOTE: Due to space limitations, the insurance village will exclusively focus on insurance-related issues. Staff from other agencies will not be present to assist with other post-storm benefits. For more information, visit www.FloridaDisaster.org.
Looking Forward
The road to recovery may be long, but resources and assistance are available to help affected residents navigate these challenging times. By coming together as a community and supporting one another, Lakeland and the broader Polk County area can emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of natural disasters.