By Times Staff Writer
Published September 10, 2004
NEED WATER, FOOD, ICE? The county and Salvation Army have opened distribution centers at these locations:
* Stanley Park at 38724 Mudcat Grant Blvd. in Lacoochee.
* Samuel W. Pasco Recreation Complex at 39835 Chancey Road in Zephyrhills.
* Veterans Memorial Park at 14333 Hicks Road in Hudson.
Supplies are distributed first come, first served; hot meals are served from 3 to 5 p.m.
Showers are available at Stanley Park; Veterans Memorial Park; and Hercules Aquatic Center, 38110 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills.
The Salvation Army's Center of Hope continues to serve hot meals from 4 to 5 p.m. weekdays at 8040 Washington St. in Port Richey.
NEED SHELTER? Call the American Red Cross toll-free at 1-877-741-1444, ext. 212.
NEED OTHER ASSISTANCE? Call the United Way help line at (727) 845-4357 in west Pasco; or toll-free at 1-877-828-8929 in east and central Pasco.
DEDUCTIBLE HELP AVAILABLE: Pasco County is providing zero-interest loans of up to $2,500 to help lower-income residents pay the deductible for home repairs. Residents must earn less than 120 percent of the median income; the cutoff is $61,440 for a family of four, for example. Call the Community Development Division at (727) 834-3445 in west Pasco; (813) 996-7341, ext. 3445, in central Pasco; or (352) 521-4274, ext. 3445, in east Pasco.
REPORTING DAMAGE: Call the citizen service line at (727) 847-8110 or (352) 521-4279.
* Businesses should call the Pasco Economic Development Council at (813) 996-4075.
* The Federal Emergency Management Agency can be reached toll-free at 1-800-621-3362.
* Residents with questions about insurance can call the state Department of Financial Services toll-free at 1-800-227-8676.
CLEARING DEBRIS: Pasco County crews will collect storm-related yard debris - such as trees and brush - that is cut into 4-foot sections and stacked next to the road. Make sure the debris does not spill onto the road, and stack it away from utilities and ditches.
Crews are roving through neighborhoods to pick up debris; there is no need to call them to arrange pickup. Please be patient; it could take weeks for haulers to collect everything.
Residents also may dispose of yard debris for free at two county landfills, as long as the debris is cut into 4-foot sections. Lines at the landfills have been long, however, so the county encourages residents to leave debris for roadside pickup if possible. If it must be removed immediately, the landfill locations are:
* East Pasco Sanitary Landfill on Auton Road, east of Dade City.
* West Pasco Class III Landfill on Hays Road, next to the Resource Recovery Facility in Shady Hills.
Commercial haulers may take yard debris to the same landfills. Yard debris will not be accepted at the East Pasco Transfer Station.
Residents may place wet carpet, ruined furniture and other damaged items in a separate pile next to the road, then call (727) 847-8110 to arrange for a one-time pickup from county crews.
Household garbage will be taken by commercial haulers on the regular pickup days.
SAND, SANDBAGS: Can be obtained from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at these sites:
* Pasco County Public Works Building at 7536 State St. (at the West Pasco Government Center) in New Port Richey.
* Pasco County Fire/Rescue Station No. 13 at 27329 Dayflower Blvd. in Wesley Chapel.
* CUE THE KETTLE: Boil-water notices remain in effect for county utility customers in Pasadena Shores, Pine Breeze and Shady Oaks. Water should be boiled at least 10 minutes before drinking, brushing teeth, preparing food or dishwashing.
* IS THIS STILL GOOD? Milk, poultry, seafood, creamed foods and chopped meats such as hamburger spoil quickly without refrigeration. The rule of thumb: When in doubt, throw it out.
WANT TO HELP? The Salvation Army's Center of Hope needs nonperishable goods and toiletries. Donations are accepted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays at 8040 Washington St. in Port Richey. For information, call (727) 847-6321.
Donations also may be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by calling toll-free 1-800-435-7669 or visiting www.redcross.org
MORE INFORMATION: Call the Pasco County Resident Information Center at 727 847-8959 or (352) 521-5137; or visit www.pascocountyfl.net or www.pascoemergencymanagement.com Or tune into Pasco government local access TV, Channel 19 in west Pasco and Channel 2 in east Pasco.
