Community Disaster Assistance Office Closing, While Legal Help Line Opens

BRADENTON -- The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance has announced that the Manatee Recovery Center will be closing on Saturday July 28, at close of business 6 pm. Anyone that still needs assistance with repairing or replacing their disaster damaged property, should visit the center, which is located inside the Manatee Civic Center, as soon as possible. Meanwhile, a toll free legal aid line is now available for Floridians impacted by Tropical Storm Debby. 

According to a spokesman from Lewis, Longman & Walker's Palm Beach office, the service, which allows callers to request the assistance of lawyers, is a partnership between the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Survivors facing legal issues who are unable to afford a lawyer may call 1-866-550-2929 and email fema@flabar.org between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. eastern standard time Monday through Friday to request assistance. Messages can be left at any time.  Callers should identify that they are seeking tropical storm related legal assistance. Survivors who qualify for assistance will be matched with Florida lawyers who have volunteered to provide free legal help.