Responding to Hurricane Milton
We hope that you and your families find yourselves safe in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. United Way of Central Florida is up and mobilizing to serve the needs of Polk, Hardee and Highlands County. Staff members have been actively participating in the Polk Emergency Operations Center (EOC) calls and working closely with Hardee and Highlands EOCs. Our team has been connecting organizations with resources to pass out water, MRE kits, tarps, toiletry kits and essentials to those in need.
To aid community organizations facing an unprecedented demand on resources with Hurricane Milton, United Way of Central Florida and GiveWell Community Foundation have reopened the United Community Relief Fund.
The fund supports local nonprofit organizations serving those most vulnerable to the economic and health-related impacts triggered by a natural disaster. GiveWell Community Foundation and United Way of Central Florida will collaborate once again to raise critical dollars from individual donors, corporate partners and the community at large and work together to identify potential grant recipients and allocate funding.
If you are able and feel led, please consider sending a donation directly to help the recovery efforts from Hurricane Milton and it’s effects on the community we live and work in.
To donate to the United Community Relief Fund, visit unitedcommunityrelief.org.
Stay Safe,
Christina Criser Jackson
UWCF President & CEO
Find Help
For all emergencies, please dial 911.
For non-emergencies, 211 provides information about emergency information, natural disaster relief, available shelters, financial assistance and more. Dial 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 for resources available to you. This information and referral line is available 24/7 and in multiple languages.
For general county resources, FEMA assistance and national recovery services, click our link for our ‘Hurricane Resources’ page below.
Polk County Food/Water Distributions:
Polk County and The Salvation Army are distributing Meals Ready to Eat and water at the following sites this week:
- Walker Road Park, 1285 Walker Road, Lakeland 33810, Tuesday – Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Lake Bonnie, 2104 Longfellow Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33801, Tuesday – Friday, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
- First Presbyterian Haines City, 104 Scenic Hwy, Haines City, FL 33844, Thursday, 10 a.m.
- Junior League of Greater Lakeland, 90 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland, FL 33801, Thursday, 1 p.m.
- WonderHere School, 5120 Colbert Rd., Lakeland, FL, Thursday, 2 p.m.
Check their websites for updates: Polk County Distributions, Salvation Army Distributions.
All three Highlands County public libraries have:
- Water stations outside for filling water jugs
- Working WiFi from the parking lots
All three libraries will open October 15 at 10:30 a.m. and close at 6:30 p.m. For the rest of the week, libraries open at 9:30 a.m. and close at 5:30 p.m.
Operation Blue Roof Program:
Hardee and Highlands County residents can apply for free temporary roof tarping now through Tuesday, Nov 5. Visit blueroof.gov or call 1-888-766-3258.
Hardee County:
Hardee County Emergency Management phone lines are currently open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 863-773-6373.
Water and food distribution will be happening at Cutting Edge Ministries (3059 Elm St, Zolfo Springs, FL 33890) on Friday, October 18 at 9 a.m.
Crisis Cleanup:
Do you have an urgent need that requires some help? Projects like small tree removal, tarping, muck-out and hauling debris to the curb can be added for volunteer assignment.
Add your request here or call 1-844-965-1386.
Polk County Residential Debris Hotline:
This is the only number that will be able to provide answers for hurricane-related debris questions. The hotline will be active from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. is 833-843-1920.
Finding Calm After the Storm Webinar:
In the aftermath of two significant hurricanes, many people are experiencing very strong emotional reactions as they process the damage to homes and entire communities. If you are experiencing hurricane-related distress, you are not alone. This is a perfectly normal reaction to abnormal situations.
Led by a BayCare Behavioral Health psychologist specializing in trauma, this presentation will review traumatic stress and offer practical coping skills to help find your joy in the aftermath of tragedy.
Thursday, October 17, 2:00 — 2:45 pm. Register now
Give Help
The United Community Relief Fund, established by GiveWell Community Foundation and United Way of Central Florida, supports those most affected by a community crisis.
Hurricane Relief Fundraiser:
Local artist Emily Plank, is selling prints, ornaments and t-shirts of her Florida Strong painting and donating 100% of the proceeds to United Way of Central Florida for Hurricane Relief efforts.
Available until October 20, 2024. View her collection here.
Volunteer Clean-Up at Bonnet Springs Park:
Volunteers can assist with cleanup from Monday, 10/14 to Sunday, 10/21 between the hours of 8am and 3pm. Please email Kaitlin Wilson the volunteer manager at kwilson@bonnetspringspark.com if you are interested in volunteering.