Florida homeowners and renters in 17 counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance.

FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. Homeowners and renters in Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor and Wakulla counties can apply.

Suppose you applied to FEMA after Hurricane Debby and have additional damage from Hurricane Helene. In that case, you must apply separately for Helene and provide the dates of your most recent damage.

Apply for either storm online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

You can also apply using the FEMA mobile app or by calling FEMA’s helpline toll-free at 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages.

To view an accessible video on how to apply visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

FEMA’s disaster assistance offers new benefits that provide flexible funding directly to survivors. In addition, a simplified process and expanded eligibility allow Floridians access to a wider range of assistance and funds for serious needs.

What You’ll Need When You Apply

• A current phone number where you can be contacted.
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
• Your Social Security numbers.
• A general list of damage and losses.

Learn more at fema.gov/disaster/4828

To apply for FEMA Assistance:
Go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov
Download the FEMA App
Call 1-800-621-FEMA

IMPORTANT: Make sure you only mention Hurricane Helene in your application. Any applications mentioning Hurricane Debby will not be accepted

Pasco County Government Human Services is offering an online tool to help anyone who needs food, water, clothing, or shelter following Hurricane Helene.

The quickest way to report human services needs and schedule an appointment with the county is to fill out this Hurricane Helene Human Needs survey.

You can access the Human Services Needs tool in a few convenient ways:

• Click on this direct link: mypas.co/HurricaneHumanNeeds
• Call Customer Service: 727.847.2411
• Visit our website: MyPasco.net

It is a month when we honor the contributions and cultures of Latino and Hispanic Americans.

While the terms may be (incorrectly) used interchangeably, "Hispanic" and "Latino" differ.

The word "Hispanic" refers to someone with an ancestry from a predominantly Spanish-speaking country. Whereas, someone Latino/Latina/ has origins in Latin America (Central America and South America) and the Caribbean.

September 15, the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, is significant because it marks the independence of Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua.

Although Brazil is a non-Spanish-speaking country ( Portuguese), it is included in Hispanic Heritage celebrations due to its cultural connection to Latin America.

September 15 was also chosen because it’s closely linked to Mexican Independence Day on September 16. This day honors the end of the country’s Spanish rule. Roman Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang his church bell and delivered a speech, also known as the Independence Cry or “Grito de Dolores” (“Cry of Dolores”) calling for the end of Spanish rule, redistribution of land, and racial equality.

Chile independence days September 18.

Belize’s Independence Day is on September 21. Costa Rica's, Independence Day is in September 14

is called: Mes de la Patria or “Homeland Month” or "Month of the Homeland."

Day of the Race (Día de la Raza), is commemorated on October 12, which also falls within the 30-day Hispanic Heritage Month period. This holiday honors the cultural blending of indigenous people in Latin America and Spanish heritage.

As of 2024, Spanish is the second most spoken non-English language in the United States. Over 40 million people in the U.S. speak Spanish.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time to educate yourself and others, reflect, and enjoy!

It is a time to embrace the vibrant cultures of these countries and their contributions to the U.S.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a great opportunity to read from Hispanic and Latino authors.

Pasco County Library has many titles available.

See the link below for digital and audiobooks available to borrow through the free app Libby.

All you need is your library card number 📚

Mark your calendars with the following important dates for this year's events related to school choice and the innovative options available in Pasco County!

• Pasco Pathways Expo - November 12, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Gulf High School

• Pasco Pathways Expo - November 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cypress Creek High School

• Pasco Pathways Application Window - January 8, 2025 to January 21, 2025

• Notification and Acceptance Window - March 3, 2025 to March 12, 2025

For more information visit: https://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/ed_choice

Would you want to learn more about the services provided at schools?

Or how to get more involved in your student's education?

Are you in need of understanding the school system better?

We would like to extend an invitation to the parents-guardians of ELL (English language learners) to join us to discuss services, program monitoring procedures, and involvement procedures available both at the District level as well as at the schools.

We look forward to working together for the benefit of our ELL students.

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Please do not complete it again if you already did. A separate message will be sent to those who expressed interest.