The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has left thousands of St. Petersburg residents and businesses reeling. With a storm surge exceeding six feet and more than 100 miles of roads flooded, many homes, businesses, and vital infrastructure were severely impacted. Hurricane Milton poses an even greater threat to the place we call home.

While immediate recovery efforts are underway, the journey to rebuild will take time and resources. More than 10,000 homes have been affected, many of which lack sufficient insurance coverage or means to recover quickly. Small businesses, the lifeblood of our community, are struggling to reopen. Furthermore, the dedicated City of St. Petersburg employees, who have been on the front lines of recovery efforts, have also experienced devastating personal losses from this disaster.

Thousands of families are facing the daunting task of restoring their homes, replacing lost belongings, and securing temporary shelter. Small businesses are fighting to stay afloat as they face extensive repairs. These vulnerable communities cannot afford to wait, and their recovery is essential for the well-being of St. Petersburg as a whole. However, recovery is only the first step. As we look beyond the initial crisis, we must also focus on building a more resilient community—one better prepared for future storms and environmental challenges. The We Are St. Pete Fund will provide the flexibility to address both immediate relief and longer-term strategies, from repairing homes and businesses to improving infrastructure and preparing for future disasters.