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Call us (877) 451-9251Water Damage Restoration in Clearwater, FL
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Clearwater Adult Education Center in Clearwater to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Clearwater, FL is so important to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Clearwater. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like City of Clearwater Centennial Monument in Clearwater, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Clearwater.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Clearwater, FL
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Grand Villa of Clearwater in Clearwater for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Clearwater, FL, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Clearwater?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Moccasin Lake Nature Park in Clearwater. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40+ years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Clearwater, FL, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Clearwater Historical Society Museum and Cultural Center in Clearwater, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Clearwater restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Clearwater, FL, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Clearwater, FL
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Clearwater, FL, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Blinkers Beachside Steakhouse and Lounge in Clearwater. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Clearwater rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Clearwater, FL
Hurricane Helene Shuts Down Florida Bridges and Islands as Record Surge Hits Clearwater Beach
James Rodriguezhttps://hoodline.com/2024/09/hurricane-helene-shuts-down-florida-bridges-and-islands-clearwater-beach-ravaged-by-record-surge/
Tampa/ Weather & EnvironmentOn Thursday evening, as Category 3 Hurricane Helene bore down on Florida's coast, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office took decisive action by shutting down access to a swath of barrier islands, as well as major thoroughfares including the Courtney Campbell Causeway, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and the Howard Frankland Bridge in ant...
On Thursday evening, as Category 3 Hurricane Helene bore down on Florida's coast, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office took decisive action by shutting down access to a swath of barrier islands, as well as major thoroughfares including the Courtney Campbell Causeway, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and the Howard Frankland Bridge in anticipatory preparation for the storm's landfall and potentially cataclysmic effects, as reported by WTSP.
Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center described Hurricane Helene as a "very dangerous major hurricane," with the storm expected to bring not just damaging winds but also a significant and destructive storm surge, residents and visitors to the barrier islands were blocked from returning due to unprecedented flooding the full inventory of closed locations spanned from Belleair Beach to Tierra Verde, a full list can be found on the WTSP website, Clearwater Beach, one of the affected areas, recorded a record 7.9 feet storm surge overnight leaving longtime residents expressing deep devastation; this was the worst flooding they had experienced in over 35 years, according to WFLA News.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene's wrath left Madeira Beach akin to a river instead of a coastal city, with Gulf of Mexico waters tearing through the heart of the community, locals who had remained found themselves quickly regretting their decision to stay behind as waters surged, "There were no cars on the road except for lifted trucks and Jeeps with thick, oversized tires," a scene described by Tampa Bay Times, further painting a picture of the storm's immediate and threatening impact on local infrastructure and community safety.
Returning to normalcy will be an uphill battle for the residents of the Pinellas barrier islands the floodwaters must recede, and the area deemed safe by the authorities before anyone will be allowed to return, the widespread flooding has prompted emergency services to take stock and plan meticulously to ensure that prevention and protection are paramount for future events, all updates on access and safety assessments will be communicated by the Sheriff's Office, and until then, uplifted trucks and maritime reminders will rule the roost on Gulf Boulevard, bearing silent witness to Helene's unforgiving visit as captured in WFLA's report.
Duke Energy Florida issues estimated times of restoration for Pinellas County’s barrier islands; mobilizes customer care units in severely impacted areas
Duke Energy | News Centerhttps://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-florida-issues-estimated-times-of-restoration-for-pinellas-countys-barrier-islands-mobilizes-customer-care-units-in-severely-impacted-areas
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Duke Energy Florida has issued estimated times of restoration for Pinellas County’s barrier islands following Hurricane Helene. All customers in these communities who are capable of receiving power will be restored by 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, with the majority restored by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4. (Click here for video footage of restoration efforts.)“We understand that having power is necessary...
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Duke Energy Florida has issued estimated times of restoration for Pinellas County’s barrier islands following Hurricane Helene. All customers in these communities who are capable of receiving power will be restored by 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, with the majority restored by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4. (Click here for video footage of restoration efforts.)
“We understand that having power is necessary for our customers to be able to rebuild and get back on their feet,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “Our crews continue to work tirelessly to meet our estimated times of restoration in order to help our customers and their families move forward with recovery.”
A dedicated webpage, dukeenergyupdates.com/BarrierIslands, has been established to provide the latest information on the Pinellas County’s barrier islands. The following are the estimated times of restoration for these communities:
North Barrier Island
Middle Barrier Island
South Barrier Island
Duke Energy Florida has also mobilized customer care units in severely impacted areas. Company representatives will be onsite to answer questions and provide account assistance. They will be available in the following locations today, Wednesday, Oct. 2 through Friday, Oct. 4:
Madeira Beach City Hall
Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber
Sheraton Sand Key Resort
Daystar Life Center of Citrus County
Customers who currently cannot receive power due to damage to the property’s meter base, breaker panel or customer-owned electrical wiring should contact their local municipalities for guidance. Inspections may be required after repairs are complete.
Customers in the mainland of Pinellas County, Pasco County and the other counties within Duke Energy Florida’s service territory can use the Outage Map and/or enroll in Outage Alerts to receive their individual estimated times of restoration.
Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.
More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.
Contact: Ana Gibbs 24-Hour: 800.559.3853
Bay area early voting and vote-by-mail dates to remember
Spectrum News Staffhttps://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2024/10/01/bay-area-early-voting-and-vote-by-mail-dates-
TAMPA, Fla. — Election Day is drawing closer.But Bay area residents will have time before then to voice their picks for president, as well as other local and national figures and important statewide amendments.Some voters can cast their ballots early to avoid long lines at the polls.Here's a county-by-county look at the early voting dates and times around the Bay area.Hillsborough CountyVote By Mail: County...
TAMPA, Fla. — Election Day is drawing closer.
But Bay area residents will have time before then to voice their picks for president, as well as other local and national figures and important statewide amendments.
Some voters can cast their ballots early to avoid long lines at the polls.
Here's a county-by-county look at the early voting dates and times around the Bay area.
Hillsborough County
Vote By Mail: County officials will begin mailing ballots to overseas and absent military Vote By Mail requesters on Sept. 20. Ballots will be mailed to domestic Vote By Mail requesters on Oct. 3. Voted ballots must be back to the elections office no later than 7 p.m. Election Day to be counted.
Early Voting: October 21 - November 3, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Election Day: November 5, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Pinellas County
Early Voting Dates/Times: October 21 - November 3, Daily, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Early Voting Locations:
Pasco County
Vote By Mail: To avoid lines and vote from the convenience of your home, you may request a Vote-by-Mail ballot. Call the elections' office at 800-851-8754, or use our online request form at least twelve (12) days prior to the election for your ballot. Requests must include the voter’s date of birth, address, last 4 digits of SSN or the voter's Florida Driver License number/Florida ID number. Be sure to call early enough so there is time for you to receive your ballot and return it by mail.
Early Voting Dates/Times: Monday, Oct. 21 – Saturday, Nov. 2
Polk County
Vote By Mail: Mail Ballots for the November 5th Presidential Election are available. To request a Mail Ballot, click here.
Early voting: October 21st - November 3rd Hours: 7am - 7pm, daily
2024 Early Voting Sites: (click here for a map of all locations)
Manatee County
Vote by mail: Vote by mail offers a convenient, time-saving, secure voting method. Just call the office at (941) 741-3823, or click here to request your vote by mail ballot.
Early voting: Early Voting at designated early voting sites beginning at least 10 days prior to an election that contains state or federal races. Click here to see dates, times and locations.
Dates: Monday, October 21, 2024 through Saturday, November 2, 2024
Hours: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm daily
Hernando County
Vote by mail: The last day to request a Vote-by-Mail ballot for the November 5, 2024 General Election is October 24, 2024 by 5:00pm.
Early voting: Monday, Oct. 21 through Nov. 2
Early Voting is not held at your polling place. Do not go to your polling place to vote early.
Go to one of the Early Vote Locations to vote early.
Click here to view Early Voting Locations
Citrus County
Vote by Mail: Vote by Mail ballots are an option offered for registered voters who wish to vote in the comfort of their home or those who may be away from Citrus County during an election.
Early voting: Oct. 21 – Nov. 2
Locations:
Florida Storm Surge Swamps Nuclear Plant, Pro Golfer’s Home, Many More
Insurance Journalhttps://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2024/09/30/794801.htm
Hurricane Helene’s storm surge along Florida’s western edges is being called the most devastating since 1921, responsible for destroying or heavily damaging hundreds of homes and businesses in the area.One of those homes belonged to pro golfer John Daly, whose Clearwater Beach house northwest of Tampa was considered a total loss, according to Sports Illustrated and other ...
Hurricane Helene’s storm surge along Florida’s western edges is being called the most devastating since 1921, responsible for destroying or heavily damaging hundreds of homes and businesses in the area.
One of those homes belonged to pro golfer John Daly, whose Clearwater Beach house northwest of Tampa was considered a total loss, according to Sports Illustrated and other news outlets.
Daly posted on social media Friday that the sea water had inundated his property.
“For everyone that has reached out, my family are all safe, but all our homes are not, as water is pouring out of every crevice,” Daly wrote. “Total loss and devastation after living here all my life! I still cannot imagine ALL we have lost, but we are SAFE and all can be replaced! Praise God!”
It was not reported if Daly carried flood insurance on the home.
The golfer, 58, is a two-time major winner on the PGA Tour. He is known for his big swing and big personality. Last week, he urged others to be safe during the storm.
Also hit by the floodwaters was a mothballed Duke Energy Corp. nuclear power plant near Crystal River, about 40 miles north of Clearwater and not far from the demolished town of Cedar Key.
Bloomberg news service reported that the plant, shuttered since 2013, took on a storm surge as deep as 12 feet, but radioactive material was not released, as reported in a filing with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“The whole site was flooded, including buildings, sumps, and lift stations. Industrial Wastewater Pond #5 was observed overflowing to the ground due to the surge,” according to the report, which was filed Friday, Bloomberg noted.
“We are still in the process of obtaining access and assessing the damage, but due to the nature of this event we anticipate difficulty with estimating the total discharge amount of wastewater, and impacts are unknown at this time,” the report said.
The used nuclear fuel at the site remains secure, Duke Energy said in a statement Sunday. “All radioactive material has been segmented and permanently packaged in shielded containers impervious to the effects of extreme weather,” the company said.
Top photo: The crippled Crystal River nuclear plant in Crystal River, Florida, in 2013. Duke Energy closed the plant after botched repairs and planned to use $835 million from an insurance settlement to refund consumers forced to pay for higher-cost replacement power. (AP Photo/The Tampa Bay Times, Maurice Rivenbark)
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Hurricane Helene is snarling travel in Florida, while some stores and theme parks are closing
Aimee Picchihttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/hurricane-helene-travel-florida-fort-lauderdale-tampa-airport-publix/
As Hurricane Helene moves over the eastern Gulf of Mexico early Thursday morning and nears landfall in Florida's Big Bend coast, travel across Florida is facing major disruptions, with several air...
As Hurricane Helene moves over the eastern Gulf of Mexico early Thursday morning and nears landfall in Florida's Big Bend coast, travel across Florida is facing major disruptions, with several airports closing ahead of the storm and airlines canceling hundreds of flights.
Some store locations are closing or modifying their hours ahead of Hurricane Helene, including grocery store chains such as Publix, as well as theme parks such as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Walt Disney World, with the latter closing some parts of its park on Thursday.
Helene is strengthening over the Gulf's warm waters, picking up to maximum sustained winds of 100 miles per hour. That made it a Category 2 hurricane as of Thursday morning, according to the hurricane center. At least two airports, including Tampa International Airport, halted operations early Thursday morning ahead of Helene's approach, and advised travelers to monitor weather reports and check with their airlines about potential disruptions.
The Tampa International Airport "anticipates reopening Friday following a damage assessment that will begin as soon as it is safe to do so," the airport said, noting it suspended all operations beginning at 2 a.m. ET on Thursday.
As of 10 a.m. ET on Thursday, more than 200 flights out of Tampa International had been canceled, according to flight tracker FlightAware. Other airports with multiple flight cancellations include:
The St. Pete-Clearwater airport said on its website that it was closed on Thursday, with plans to reopen on Friday morning. Sarasota/Bradenton airport said it was still open as of Thursday morning, but advised travelers to check with their airlines directly for flight status.
Southwest Florida International noted that Air Canada, American, Breeze, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country, United and WestJet had canceled their flights to the airport on Thursday.
Fort Lauderdale airport
The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport was open as of 10 a.m. on Thursday morning, with the airport saying in a social media post that it is monitoring Hurricane Helene as it moves closer to the state's Panhandle.
"While Broward County is not in the storm's direct path, we could see some bad weather here," the airport noted. The Fort Lauderdale airport "is open and operational, but if you're traveling today, check with your airline."
Is Publix open today?
Most of the more than 1,300 Publix locations remain open, although there are some locations that have modified their hours due to Hurricane Helene, the company said. About 65 locations have changed their hours as of Thursday morning, with most of those stores located near the Gulf Coast or in the Panhandle of Florida.
"We are monitoring the storm closely and hours may be adjusted, and the status of individual stores is subject to change based on the storm's path and projected impacts," a Publix spokeswoman told CBS News.
Customers can check this Publix website for their local store's status.
Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando
Some institutions such as museums and theme parks were also closed or changing their hours due to the approaching storm.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay said it was closed on Thursday due to the storm.
Walt Disney World, located in Orlando, said it is currently operating, but said some parts of the park will be canceled or unavailable on September 26. Those include Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water park and the miniature golf courses at Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney World said it was also canceling Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on Thursday, September 26, and providing a refund to ticket holders.
Universal Orlando said it was also closing some parts of its park, including Universal Volcano Bay, on September 26. It noted that Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Halloween Horror Nights and its hotels are operating normally.
Aimee Picchi is the associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, where she covers business and personal finance. She previously worked at Bloomberg News and has written for national news outlets including USA Today and Consumer Reports.
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