Pinellas County started giving out checks Monday from its $813 million People First Hurricane Recovery Program. Over 3,700 people have asked for help since the program started on Oct. 20. Christian Piccion lives in Seminole. He was the first person to get disaster money when County Commission Chair Brian Scott brought the check to his family.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development pays for the program. It helps residents who are still recovering from Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton. People who lived in the county during the storms and still need help can apply.
Piccion and his wife, who was pregnant at the time, had to leave their home twice during the 2024 hurricane season. Helene’s storm surge flooded his landlord’s house on St. Pete Beach. The family moved to a new rental in Seminole, but Milton hit three days later…