Pinellas County Commissioners expressed frustration over the slow pace of hurricane recovery efforts during Tuesday afternoon’s meeting. Both city and unincorporated areas in Pinellas County are facing delays, including FEMA Stop Work Orders that prevent homeowners from making repairs.

County Administrator Barry Burton attempted to explain the complexities of FEMA’s Substantial Damage Assessment strategy, admitting that even he found parts of it confusing. Commissioner Janet Long voiced her concerns, empathizing with residents who have lost everything. “It’s very easy for me to put myself in the shoes of some of these folks who’ve lost everything,” she said. “Many of them have already found transitional housing, but they need a timeframe to work with to discuss how long they’ll be in transitional housing.”

Burton emphasized the importance of obtaining permits before starting any work, as it is a FEMA requirement for local jurisdictions to enforce their rules.

Response and Recovery Operations Manager Joe Borries reported that 180 people remained in church shelters, their homes destroyed by Hurricane Helene on Sept. 26 or Hurricane Milton two weeks later. Commissioner Rene Flowers inquired about the demographics of those in shelters, particularly seniors. Commissioner Chris Latvala questioned the validity of the previously announced 90-day window for debris removal. Commissioner Dave Eggers highlighted the long-term challenges posed by the Substantial Damage process, which he believes will overshadow the debris removal process.

Borries provided an update on the recovery efforts as of Oct. 29:

• Combined hurricane damage assessment: 720 destroyed homes and 18,967 with major damages
• 1,041 businesses impacted with both physical and economic damages, totaling $1.2 billion
• 238,145 FEMA applications received
• FEMA appropriations distributed: Helene $300 million; Milton $153 million
• 135,000 cubic yards of debris collected from unincorporated areas (cities are coordinating their own residents’ collection)
• Beach sand removal, cleaning, and redistribution underway, with Pass-a-Grille sand removal 99 percent complete
• Nearly 900 applications for “blue roof” coverings received by the Army Corps of Engineers
• Many hotels and motels still reporting “tourist season” level occupancy
• Seven regional parks still closed and under repair

Burton assured that debris cleanup would continue until completion, despite the finite resources and the need for FEMA-certified contractors. “It’s going to take time, but they will get there. And that’s no different than any storm that’s ever hit Florida,” he said.

(Image credit: Pinellas County Government)