Hurricane Recovery

Story by STEVE TRAIMAN

n the wake of the estimated $70 to $80 billion swath of destruction that Hurricane Ian left in Southwest Florida in late September, the Tampa Bay area in general – and St. Pete in particular, has taken the lead in getting vital information to residents and businesses who want to provide assistance.

According to ABC Action News, the Federal Emergency Management Administration already has provided more than $500 million directly to Hurricane Ian survivors, and the federal Department of Transportation has delivered more than $50 million for rapid reconstruction to Sanibel Island and other hard-hit areas. Florida’s agriculture was badly impacted, with more than $1.56 billion in losses, and will need help.

St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch told Paradise News, “It has been uplifting to see our local community come together to support our neighbors to the south. Thanks to the Rays Hurricane Recovery for partnering with the city to collect supplies that went to help those most effected. So many residents showed up and donated what they could – surpassing expectations and proving that every little bit helps.

“The Emergency Management Team along with many other city departments and staff worked hard and did an amazing job with hurricane prep and recovery. The city’s Emergency Management Team will publish an After Action report and bring it to City Council soon. Continuous improvement for resilience is vitally important to our city. OSR learned about some new motivated organizations to collaborate with in advance of the next emergency – OSR is here along with the Greenhouse, Emergency Management and more to plan for local resilience.”

Both Florida, Tampa Bay and St. Pete city websites have numerous resources listed for those impacted by Ian. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) have activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Ian: www.floridadisaster.biz/BusinessDamageAssessments Mayor Ken Welch with Rays mascot DJ Kitty and members of the Rays Hurricane Recovery team. (Photo: Tampa Bay Rays)

The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) has activated Business Assistance Disaster Loans for Pinellas County to help people rebuild and recover in the impacted areas. Cash donations will be used to organize volunteer relief efforts. Prospective volunteers must pass a background check and have received a COVID-19 vaccine: www.sba.gov/funding-programs/ disaster-assistance

HURRICANE RECOVERY Want to help our Southwest Florida neighbors recover? Check out these trusted organizations and websites to make a donation or volunteer. See pages 36-37 for more ways you can help others in need.

Florida Disaster Fund: www.floridadisaster.org/ news-medianews/20220928-florida-disaster-fund or text DISASTER to 20222. Ian Response Fund: A consortium of 38 organizations, including Florida Immigration Coalition, Faith in Florida. www.secure.actblue.com/donate/ianresponsefl American Red Cross: www.redcross.org/donate/ hurricane-ian-donations.html or by phone at 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669).

Healthy Start Southwest Florida: Baby products needed (diapers, wipes, baby bottles with disposable liners, pack-and-plays, pre-mixed baby formula). www.healthystartbaby.org Team Rubicon: This organization assembles volunteers who can contribute time, skills. www.teamrubiconusa.org

Serenity starts with fragrant baking and five-ingredient dishes, easy to make and repurpose for next day lunch. This holiday season, expand your culinary horizon with inspirational cookbooks, such as Rudy Lombard and Nathaniel Burton’s Creole Feast, Carol Field’s The Italian Baker, Aleksandra Crapanzano’s Gâteau, Illyanna Maisonet’s Diasporican: A Puerto Rican Cookbook and Jacques Pepin’s The Art of the Chicken. Buy one, give one!

Wrap up a cookbook gift from local authors such as Janet Keeler (Cookielicious) and Joyce LaFray’s local recipe troves (key lime, Cuban, Creole, Seminole Indian and Florida) or from area restaurants (Columbia) and events (Gasparilla), all available on Amazon. Foodies will love Bárbara Cruz, Andrew Huse, and Jeff Houck’s Cuban Sandwich, A History in Layers. Browse the cookbooks at Tombolo Books, Book + Bottle, Oxford Exchange or create a basket of spices, teas, and cookbooks from Mazzaro’s, Spice & Tea Exchange, Savory Spice and the local farmers markets. No wonder Wallet Hub named Tampa Bay #8 of the top 20 foodie cities this fall.

Looking for a hostess gift to bring to your Thanksgiving or holiday party? Think global, give local including spirits from St. Pete Distillery and Kozuba, craft beers and unique artisan stemware or coffee cups from Duncan McClellan, Shapiro’s Gallery and the St. Pete Store and Visitor’s Center www.thestpetestore.com across from The Sundial. Shapiro’s Lazy Susan and menorahs are exquisite, a perfect present. Wrap up chocolates from William Dean, Kilwin’s, Coco Addiction, House of Sweets or coffee from Kahwa, Paradeco Coffee Roasters, Black Crowe Coffee, Beans & Barlour, Hogg Batch and Gypsy Soul.

1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened 2/3 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup HERSHEY’S SPECIAL DARK Cocoa 1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling 48 HERSHEY’S KISSES Brand SPECIAL DARK Mildly Sweet Chocolates, unwrapped

Directions: Heat oven to 350°F. Beat butter, granulated sugar and vanilla in large bowl until creamy. Stir together flour and cocoa; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended. Mold scant tablespoon dough around each chocolate piece, covering completely. Shape into balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Cool about 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. Roll in powdered sugar. Roll in sugar again just before serving, if desired.

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping kids ride towards a happier, healthier childhood by providing free bikes and helmets to those most in need. Our goal is to collect & recondition hundreds of previously owned bikes this year – but we can’t do it without your help! Please consider volunteering your time, talent and treasure between Oct. 1 – Dec. 31 to help us get the bikes ready to be given away to kids in need.