ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Many people in Tampa Bay are still without food and water after Hurricane Milton.

To provide these essentials to residents, Hope Florida traveled to St. Petersburg and stopped at three locations in the Tampa Bay area.

Crowds of vehicles lined up in a parking lot on 18th Avenue South in St. Petersburg, turning for a special distribution.

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

Everything is coordinated by Hope Florida – an initiative founded by Florida’s First Lady Casey DeSantis to provide relief in the wake of these disaster situations. Made possible with the help of local organizations.

“They’re very grateful, they’re very patient,” said Beth Houghton, CEO of the Pinellas County Juvenile Welfare Board. “It’s a bit of a stretch, but they’re very grateful that the local partners as well as the State of Florida came together to get them what they needed quickly.”

It even brought out volunteers to line up on a weekly distribution day itself. Volunteers like Tej Clarke.

“My brother and I went to work today and when we went home we saw the snake and we know that part because they do it every Saturday,” said Tej Clarke, a St. Petersburg resident. “That’s what I told.” My brother, let’s stop. I want to talk to someone and see what’s going on so I can help.”

And despite the recent hurricane, the community is still there.

“It was hard for 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 be out here meeting the urgent need for food, but not just the urgent need for food, but also for other products .”

Community that comes together for each other.

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

With a car full of food and a smile goodbye, it’s worth the effort. And depending on how much food and supplies are left, there may be further distribution tomorrow.