MANATEE COUNTY, FL (December 31, 2024) – The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) located at the Palmetto Branch Library (923 6th St. W., Palmetto) will be closing at 7 p.m. Jan. 25, 2025.
The site will continue to operate Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until then except for New Year’s Day (Jan. 1, 2025) and MLK Day (Jan. 20, 2025) providing the following services:
- Assistance with FEMA applications
- Guidance on Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans
- Information on local and state recovery programs
- Crisis counseling and housing assistance
After the center closes, survivors will still have access to disaster recovery resources and support through the following methods:
- Online: Visit FEMA’s website at fema.gov for detailed information and application services.
- Phone: Call FEMA’s helpline at 1-800-621-3362 for assistance.
- Mobile App: Download the FEMA mobile app for updates and additional resources.
Local officials encourage residents to visit the DRC before its closure to ensure they have all the necessary information and assistance to continue their recovery journey.
“We’re committed to helping our community recover fully from this disaster, and we encourage everyone who needs assistance to take advantage of these services while they’re available,” said Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske.
Residents of Manatee County may have been impacted by more than one storm this season. If you applied for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Helene and have additional damage from Hurricane Milton, you will need to apply separately for Milton and provide the dates of your most recent damage. Those who sustained loss from Hurricanes Helene or Milton have one week remaining to apply for federal assistance. The deadline is Jan. 7, 2025.