As we, our partners and our neighbors prepare and respond to severe weather, we have collected resources that may help you and your loved ones access services in Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties, which you can find below or by calling 211.
211 provides information about emergency information, natural disaster relief, available shelters, financial assistance and more.
To get connected, dial 211 on your phone or text your zip code to 898-211. For life-threatening or property emergencies, please call 911.
County-by-County Resources
Highlands County
Hardee County
Additional Resources
FEMA ASSISTANCE
If your home or job was impacted by a natural disaster, you may be eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance. Click here or call 1-800-621-3362 to see if you are eligible and to apply for financial assistance.
Gas and Travel
- Evacuation Planning
- Operational Gas Stations
- Routes
- Report price gouging: (866) 966-7226
Disaster Assistance
American Red Cross: 800-733-2767
Assistance: The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
Crisis Cleanup: 800-451-1954
Operation Blue Roof: 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258). Applicants who use 711 or video relay service can call 800-621-3362. Those who are deaf, hearing impaired or have a speech disability and use TTY can call 800-462-7585.
Housing and Legal
Available Housing: for Florida residents who have been displaced by a storm.
Office of Insurance:
Office of Insurance Regulations
Division of Financial Services
1-877-693-5236
myfloridacfo.com
Free Legal Assistance: www.floridabar.org or (866) 550-2929
FIND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT THROUGH THE NATIONAL DISASTER DISTRESS HELPLINE
If you or a loved one is having a difficult time coping with recent disasters emotionally or mentally, the Disaster Distress Hotline is available 24/7 and in many languages. Individuals can call the helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. If you speak Spanish, you can access the helpline at the same number or by texting Hablanos to 66746. This helpline is staffed by trained crisis counselors.
Disaster Recovery Centers
- Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
- Fort Myers DMS Building, 2295 Victoria Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Shannon Staub Public Library, 4675 Career Lane, North Port, FL 34289
- Home Depot, 12621 S McCall Rd, Port Charlotte, FL 33981
- Veterans Community Park, 1895 Veterans Park Drive, Naples, 34109
- Barnett Park, 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
- Hart Memorial Central Library, 211 E. Dakin Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34741
- Wauchula Civic Center, 515 Civic Center Dr., Wauchula, FL 33873
Hours for all centers are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Our Mission
To inspire our community to give, advocate and volunteer by identifying needs and mobilizing vetted resources to create positive, local change.
Our Vision
To unite our community and empower everyone to achieve their full potential.
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Lakeland, FL 33812
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