Hurricane Milton recovery in Polk County: How can residents get help?

LAKELAND, Fla. - Polk County’s Emergency Management Director Paul Womble held a news conference on Saturday laying out the recovery efforts underway after Hurricane Milton.

"The number one priority is safety," Womble said.

With flooding still prevalent and water continuing to rise in some areas of Polk County, Womble urged residents to proceed with caution for the days and weeks ahead.

"All of the rainfall, we had 12-16 inches of rain just north of the Lakeland area, and there was other rain to our north in Lake County, Orange County, Sumter County," Womble said. "All of that water drains south, and those levels are rising and likely will continue to rise for the next few days."

Womble said that if residents feel unsafe due to this flooding, they should leave their homes. Shelters are still open and operational for those without a place to stay. The only shelter still open in Polk County is 640 C. Fred Jones Blvd, Auburndale, FL 33823.

According to Womble, Polk County was included in President Joe Biden’s Emergency Declaration, which "opens the door for federal recovery programs."

Polk County residents can apply for the federal recovery programs, Womble said, "You must register with FEMA." You can register by calling 1-800-621-FEMA or visiting disasterassistance.gov. A disaster recovery location will be determined for people to register with FEMA in person.

Thirty-eight properties were destroyed by flooding in Polk County, with 421 additional properties incurring severe damage. 1,300 other properties have sustained "minimal damage."

Womble also announced that debris hauling will begin Monday, Sept. 14, and urged residents to stack debris separately on their curbs, or pickup could be delayed.

Self-haul sites will open on Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for vegetative debris only and will be located at 5901 Strickland Ave and 9500 Marigold Ave.

Womble also announced that Polk County is opening four distribution sites for essential goods like food and water and that Polk County’s Sheriff's Office is delivering food and water to residents in flooded areas.