Hope Bus Makes Pitstop in St. Petersburg Offering Food and Water to Residents Impacted by Hurricane Milton

Many across Tampa Bay are still without food and water after Hurricane Milton.

To help bring those necessities to residents, Hope Florida has made a trip to St. Petersburg- stopping at three sites in the Tampa Bay area.

Droves of vehicles lined up at a parking lot off 18th Avenue South in St. Petersburg— twisting and turning their way around for a special distribution.

“We are here today to help replenish the food that they lost as a result of the hurricane,” said Karen Rae, executive director of Positive Impact Ministries.

It’s all coordinated by Hope Florida— an initiative founded by Florida first lady Casey DeSantis to help after these disaster situations. Made possible with some help from local organizations.

“They are very grateful; they are very patient,” said Beth Houghton, CEO of the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County. “It is a bit of a long wait, but they’re very grateful that the local partners, as well as the state of Florida, have come together to get them what they needed quickly.”

It has even brought out volunteers who, on a weekly distribution day, would be lining up themselves. Volunteers like Tej Clarke.

“My brother and I, today, we went to work and when we were going home, we saw the line and we know this part because they do this every Saturday,” said Tej Clarke, a St. Petersburg resident. “So, I told my brother let’s stop, I want to talk with somebody and see what’s going on so I can help.”

And despite the recent hurricane, community is still showing up.

“It’s been hard on all of us,” says Rae. “It’s very emotional, it’s very personal- it’s just a real blessing to be able to serve the community and out here meeting the dire need for food but, not only the dire need for food but, for other products as well.”

Community coming together for one another.

“It feels good to help!” said Clarke. “You know? It feels good to see smiles on people’s faces and the children in the car when you take a pastry to them- it feels so good!” 

With a car full of food and a smile goodbye, it makes it all worthwhile. And depending on how much food and supplies are left over, there may be another distribution tomorrow.

Read the article as originally published at https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2024/10/13/hope-bus-makes-pitstop-in-st–petersburg-offering-food-and-water-to-residents-impacted-by-hurricane-milton