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Pinellas residents and businesses eligible for federal cash

in The Bay and the 'Burg/Top Headlines by

Pinellas County residents and businesses that are trying to put their lives back together after Hurricane Irma can put in an application for federal assistance.

Pinellas is one of several counties included in President Donald Trump’s major disaster declaration earlier this week, which opens up FEMA assistance for individuals and Small Business Administration loans for businesses.

Both those seeking individual assistance and those seeking business loans should document and photograph all storm-related damage to include in their applications.

Individuals can apply by heading to the a website set up by FEMA or by using the FEMA smartphone app. Those who need to apply by phone can call 1-800-462-7585 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. seven days a week.

Applications require a Social Security Number, telephone number, mailing address and zip code of the property and any applicable private insurance information.

Businesses in need of assistance can apply for low-interest loans through the SBA’s website. For cashflow assistance while waiting for the SBA loan, call Pinellas County Economic Development or the Pinellas County Small Business Development Center for bridge loan information at 727-453-7200.

The filing deadline to applications covering property damage is Nov. 9.  Applications related to economic injury are due by June 11, 2018.

Drew Wilson covers legislative campaigns and fundraising for SaintPetersBlog and FloridaPolitics.com. While at the University of Florida, Wilson was an editor at The Independent Florida Alligator and after graduation, he moved to Los Angeles to cover business deals for The Hollywood Reporter. Before joining Extensive Enterprises, Wilson covered the state economy and Legislature for LobbyTools.

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