The Better Business Bureau West Florida say they are receiving hundreds of calls every day from Florida residents who may have been scammed by unlicensed contractors in the wake of Hurricane Ian. Some say they pay for services and never see the alleged contractor again. The BBB advises you to check to see if they are licensed first at MyFloridaLicense.com. You can also check on the BBB’s website, or call at 239-334-4648.

The Florida Department of Transportation has managed to make temporary repairs to the Sanibel Causeway, which allowed first responders and bucket trucks to get on to the island to survey damage and begin repairs. The causeway will be open to the public October 21st.

We’re still very much in hurricane season and the latest storm is Tropical Storm Karl in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. The National Hurricane Service expects Karl to strengthen before landfall somewhere along the Mexico coast. A Tropical Storm Watch is up from Cabo Rojo to Roca Partida. The Dove Hurricane Guide has more here with our meteorologists from 10 Tampa Bay Weather.

As recovery after Hurricane Ian continues,105.5 The Dove is teaming up with the American Red Cross to help “Neighbors in Need”. Donations are now being accepted, and it’s as easy as opening the Dove app at 1055thedove or texting “IAN” to 90999 to make a $10 donation, or use the QR code. We’re working together to rebuild communities and help our neighbors who need us more than ever. Thank you for your donations.

The piles of limbs and branches and bags of debris are piling up, and if you’re not sure where to take it, we have a list from our 10 Tampa Bay Weather meteorologists, just in case you don’t have regular pick up at your house. It can vary from county to county, so take a look at the list here to make sure you know where to go, and how to handle the bigger pieces.

Schools that are in the northern part of Sarasota County reopened Monday after being shut down after Hurricane Ian caused extensive damage. Staff say they are ready to help students affected and do anticipate some transportation problems. It will be another week before the school in the southern half of the county reopen.. The Sarasota County School District has plans for a hurricane relief for school staff planned as well. To check for updates from the county please check here. Manatee County has reopened schools and is also holding a donation drive to help those affected by Hurricane Ian. Check the school district’s Facebook page for details.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has brought Operation Blue Roof to Sarasota County to help homeowners with roofs damaged by Hurricane Ian. The federal program is free, but you do have to meet certain criteria. To sign up, start with applying an online portal by clicking here, or call the toll-free number at 888-766-3258 from 8 am. to 8 pm.

The transitional housing program for those affected by Ian was activated over the weekend for counties that include Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota. The Florida Department of Emergency Management said if you have already applied have for disaster assistance, FEMA has hotel and motel rooms available.

The American Bar Association is also offering help to those impacted by Hurricane Ian with free legal help hotline for counties that include Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk and Sarasota counties, as well as Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Putnam, St. Johns, Seminole and Volusia counties. They may not be able to help in all cases, but to check if they can help you please click here.

The Tampa Bay Lightning dropped their season opener to the New York Rangers last night 3-1 at Madison Square Garden. The Bolts return to Amalie Arena for the home opener next Tuesday night, October 18th against the Philadelphia Flyers. For ticket info, check in here.

The Tampa Bay Bucs beat the Atlanta Falcons Sunday at Raymond James Stadium 21-15, with Tom Brady throwing for 351 yards. The next games are on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday at 1 pm, then the Carolina Panthers Sunday the 23rd at 1pm. The return to Ray Jay on the 27th against Baltimore for an 8 pm game.

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