Resources available for Polk State personnel and students following Hurricane Milton
As students, faculty, and staff recover from Hurricane Milton, Polk State College has compiled a list of community resources to assist those impacted by the storm.
Polk State’s campuses and centers reopened on Monday, October 14. Faculty and staff are communicating with students about details specific to their classes and activities, and they are exercising flexibility because they understand that additional resources and assistance may be needed.
Polk State faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to monitor the College’s Facebook, X, and Instagram accounts as well as its website, polk.edu, for updates. Below is a full list of community resources:
United Way of Central Florida
United Way of Central Florida’s 2-1-1 provides emergency information, natural disaster relief, available shelters, financial assistance, and more. To get connected, text your zip code to 898-211, email muw211help@gmail.com, or dial 2-1-1 on your phone.
American Red Cross of Mid-Florida
American Red Cross in Winter Haven is available by calling 863.294.5941 or calling the American Red Cross toll-free at 800.733.2767.
Shelters
A state-run general population shelter in Auburndale is open for those displaced by Hurricane Milton. The shelter is located at 640 C Fred Jones Blvd.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to review information on the Polk County Emergency Management website. The Citizens Information Line can be reached at 863.401.2234 or toll-free at 866.661.0228.
Polk State’s My Brother’s Keeper
Students in need of food or school supplies can email mybrotherskeeper@polk.edu with “Hurricane Assistance” in the subject line to be connected with resources.
FEMA Disaster Assistance
As of Friday, Oct. 11, Polk County residents are now eligible for Disaster Assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Department (FEMA). Residents affected by Hurricane Milton can receive an immediate payment to accommodate for needs such as medicine, diapers, temporary housing, gas, food, and water.
Residents can apply online at disasterassistance.gov, or by calling 800.621.3362.
Distribution Sites
Thanks to Freedom Tour, One More Child, and United Way of Central Florida, there are multiple supply distribution points throughout the county. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is providing food and water to flooded areas via airboat and other high-water vehicles.
Distribution sites are for those left without resources following Hurricane Milton. They are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until power is restored and commercial supplies are available. Below are the locations and addresses:
• Walker Road Park, 1285 Walker Road, Lakeland (Access to this site via Swindell Road to the south)
• Gator Creek Preserve, 9725 U.S. 98 N., Lakeland
• Family Life Church, 139 Bulldog Way, Frostproof – Monday Oct. 14, will be the last day for distribution due to power restoration and retail stores reopening. The location will be open until supplies run out or until close at 6 p.m.
• Mulberry Civic Center, 901 NE Fifth Street, Mulberry – Tuesday Oct. 15 will be the last day for distribution due to power restoration and retail stores reopening. The location will be open until supplies run out or until close at 6 p.m.
Debris Cleanup
Polk County Emergency Management announced that it will begin picking up debris related to Hurricane Milton. Residents should separate storm debris from furniture and vegetative debris. Items should be placed in front yards without blocking roads or driveways.
The county will follow FEMA guidelines in picking up debris and will touch every part of Polk County. Appointments are not necessary. For questions or concerns, call the residential debris hotline at 833.843.1920.
Crisiscleanup.org is another debris resource; this organization will assist with debris removal, muck cleanup, and tarps. Individuals must register online. Services are not guaranteed as this is a volunteer-based organization.
Residents may self-haul yard waste/vegetative debris daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. to the following debris sites:
• Polk County Strickland Avenue, 5901 Strickland Ave., Lakeland
• Polk County Marigold, 9500 Marigold Ave., Poinciana
The Polk County North Central Transfer Station at 3131 K-Ville Ave. in Auburndale, will accept all hurricane-related debris at no cost during regular operation hours:
• Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Insurance Village
Insurance companies will be at the Florida Strawberry Festival, 303 BerryFest Place in Plant City, daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help those affected by Hurricane Milton with filing claims. Those who need assistance should bring a form of ID, insurance cards, photos or documentation of damage, and any repair estimates.
Polk State Pantry
The Polk State Pantry on the Lakeland Campus also provides food, hygiene items, and supplies. Students can contact a Teaching Learning Computing Center (TLCC) staff member in person, by calling 863.297.1044, or by emailing Kim DeRonda at kderonda@polk.edu. Times can be arranged to accommodate students, and services are confidential.
Disaster Distress Hotline
Emotional support is available through the Disaster Distress Hotline. Call 800.985.5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.
Citrus Connection
Public transportation is free with a Polk State student ID, but routes are currently suspended.
Citrus Connection will run Emergency Evacuation Bus Routes on Wednesday, Oct. 9 from Winter Haven and Lakeland to emergency shelters. The first departure will take place at 6:45 a.m. with the last leaving at 2:45 p.m.
Check the Citrus Connection website for updates on service.
Comcast Wi-Fi
Comcast has opened public Xfinity WiFi hotspots in its areas of service in Florida. For a map of public Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots, visit finder.wifi.xfinity.com.
When a hotspot is within range, select the “xfinitywifi” network on a device’s list of available networks and launch a browser. Sign-in options will appear for both Xfinity customers and non-customers. Non-Xfinity internet subscribers need to look for the “Get Connected” section and agree to the Terms and Conditions to be connected.
Spectrum Wi-Fi
As was the case during Hurricane Helene, more than 45,000 Spectrum wireless hotspots will remain open during Hurricane Milton. Visit here for a map of wireless hotspots.
To connect, users should search available wireless networks and choose “Spectrum Mobile.” Users will then make sure “Auto-Join” or “Auto reconnect” is toggled on in their network settings. This will connect them automatically without entering their password or credentials.
BayCare Student Assistance Program
Polk State students have access to BayCare’s Personal Advantage, an online resource for help with everything from preparing for exams to creating a personal budget to managing stress. Students can also call 1.800.878.5470 to receive immediate assistance over the phone from a licensed counselor. All services are free and confidential.