As Central Florida continues to recover from Hurricane Irma, on Friday, September 29 (11 am – 2 pm), the Central Florida Urban League will be serving as a central location for residents to obtain assistance.

The public is invited to the Central Florida Urban League office (2804 Belco Drive) in Pine Hills to meet with representatives from the offices of U.S. Senator Bill Nelson as well as State Representatives Kamia Brown (District 45) and Bruce Antone (District 46). Furthermore, officials from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Florida Department of Children and Families and the Small Business Administration will be on hand as well.

“We are coordinating this event to ensure that residents have access to all the resources and disaster assistance they need to expedite their recovery efforts,” said Glenton Gilzean Jr. President and C.E.O. of the Central Florida Urban League. “Disaster assistance can help with home repairs, replacement of household items, loss of employment, obtaining business loans and grants, SNAP benefits and securing temporary employment.” 

The CFUL Young Professionals have begun an ongoing effort to collect clothes and non-perishable goods for those in need. 

Please bring anything you can to our office: 2804 Belco Drive in Pine Hills.

Hurricane Irma is set to affect Central Florida over the next 24-48 hours. Once the storm has passed, only then will authorities be able to assess the damage to property, streets. Parts of Central Florida might be without electricity and water for days. Please take the proper precautions and ensure you are in a shelter, if given the order to evacuate. If you are remaining at home, charge your electronics to capacity and use them sparsely. Ration your water and food. 

The State of Florida Emergency Hotline has been activated 24/7. For up to date information regarding Hurricane Irma, call 1-800-342-3557.

In order to find a hurricane shelter close to you, you can text the word "shelter" and your zip code to the number 4-F-E-M-A or 4-3-3-6-2.

Text FLPREPARES to 888777 to receive updates from the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Before you go to a shelter, always check with your local emergency management agency to make sure it's not full. 

Note: Texting FEMA is not a substitute for calling 911.

If you would like to report price gouging, call 1-866-966-7226.

Additional emergency numbers include:

• Florida Emergency Information: 1-800-342-3557
• Emergency referral line: 211
• FEMA Registration: 800-621-3362 | 800-462-7585
• Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services: 800-435-7352
• Elder Affairs: 800-963-5337
• Florida Insurance Claim Hotline: 800-277-8676
• Unemployment Claims Emergency Hotline: 800-204-2418
• DUKE CUSTOMERS: To report outages you can text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply. You can also call the automated outage-reporting system at 800.228.8485
• TECO CUSTOMERS: To report outages you can text OUT to 35069. You can also call 1-877-588-1010.

It is with a heavy heart that the Central Florida Urban League announces the passing of Dr. Bob Billingslea on September 1, 2017. Dr. Billingslea was a dedicated supporter of the CFUL for 40 years and served multiple terms as a member of the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors, the staff and the volunteers of the Central Florida Urban League are deeply saddened by his passing and our deepest sympathies are with his family during this difficult time.

“From my first day on the job, Dr. Billingslea took me under his wing, providing invaluable counsel and support,” said Glenton Gilzean Jr., President and CEO of the Central Florida Urban League. “Dr. Billingslea was a leader in our community and a champion of minority rights for five decades, my heart goes out to his wife Deidre, his son and two grandchildren."

Annually, the legacy of Dr. Billingslea is recognized at the Central Florida Urban League's Cornerstone Awards & Gala. The Bob Billingslea Legacy Award is given to a member of the community who exemplifies the values he stood for and held dear.