FEMA opens disaster centers in Dixie, Sarasota, Taylor counties after Hurricane Debby

In response to the damage sustained by Hurricane Debby, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened up disaster recovery centers in Dixie, Sarasota and Taylor counties and have also begun accepting applications for disaster assistance.

Homeowners and renters in Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Manatee, Sarasota, Suwanee and Taylor counties can visit any of the three open centers to meet one-one-one with FEMA representatives, those from the state of Florida and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

What are the center locations?

• Dixie County: Dixie County Public Library, 16328 SE US-19 Cross City, FL 32628. Open 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday-Sunday.
• Sarasota County: Sarasota Christian Church, 2923 Ashton Road, Sarasota, FL 34321. Open 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Sunday.
• Taylor County: Loughridge Park, 1100 W. Hampton Springs Ave., Perry, FL 32347. Open 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday-Friday

Here's how to apply

• People can apply by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA App or calling 800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET every day. Help is available in most languages.
• Local residents can also apply by visiting FEMA's Disaster Recovery Center at the LeRoy Collins Leon County Library during its hours of operations: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
• If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. The deadline to apply with FEMA is Aug. 19, 2024.
• For the latest information about Florida’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4794.

Avoid fraud

• FEMA crews, inspectors and other officials will carry official photo identification badges. They will also never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or any other service as services are free.

Arianna Otero is the City Solutions Reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact her via email at AOtero@tallahassee.com or on Twitter/X: @ari_v_otero .

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FEMA opens disaster centers in Dixie, Sarasota, Taylor counties after Hurricane Debby