Now that Tropical Storm Ian has passed, residents and businesses are beginning the process of recovery. Here are a few items worth noting.

Residential garbage and recycling collection in St. Johns County has resumed its normal schedule now that the storm has passed.

In addition, household and yard debris for those cleaning up after the storm may be taken to the Stratton Road Transfer Station, 250 N. Stratton Road, St. Augustine, and the Tillman Ridge Transfer Station, 3005 Allen Nease Road, Elkton. The stations are open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Those using this service are asked to separate trash from vegetation.

For information related to residential waste collection, contact the St. Johns County Solid Waste Division at 904-827-6980 or email solidwaste@sjcfl.us.

St. Johns County business owners who have damage or loss from the storm may want to complete the Business Damage Assessment Survey at the below link through FloridaDisaster.biz, which is a partnership between the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and Florida Division of Emergency Management. Survey responses help the state and counties assess the needs of affected businesses and expedite recovery efforts. To complete the survey, go to floridadisaster.biz/BusinessDamageAssessments

St. Johns County residents and businesses may be eligible to receive assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from Tropical Storm Ian. Disaster assistance may include financial help with temporary lodging and home repairs, as well as other disaster-related expenses.

Residents should notify their insurance agents of any damages sustained to their property. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance, though eligibility may be determined for expenses not covered under the policy.

Residents and businesses do not have to wait to find out if federal assistance will be available before beginning their clean-up. However, they should keep repair receipts and document damages whenever possible.

Disaster assistance applications can be submitted online at www.disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. or by using the FEMA mobile app (fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products).

The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Development Center will provide additional information and resources on the Small Business Administration loan application process. For updates, go to sjcchamber.com.

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