Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the City of Seminole has successfully cleared most debris but acknowledges that significant reconstruction work remains.

The local building and permit office has experienced a surge in applications for repair permits. According to Assistant City Manager Vince Tenaglia, Seminole is now offering a $50 reduction on the base fee for building permits.

Property owners who have obtained permits since September 26 are eligible for this fee refund.

Kevin Hogg, a seasonal resident at Harbor Lights Mobile Home Park, has been without electricity since Hurricane Helene. He described the ongoing power restoration efforts to Bay News 9 Tampa: “They are gradually making their way towards us, where the damage is most severe.”

Hogg appreciates the reduction in permit fees as it helps offset unforeseen expenses. “We had 12-and-a-half inches of water in our home, destroying the transformers and pedestals,” he recounted about the impact of Helene.

Harbor Lights, among other mobile home parks, is currently upgrading its electrical infrastructure to meet code standards, facilitating Duke Energy’s efforts to restore power.

In cases where the damage was minimal, some residents have regained electricity without additional cost. However, if there’s damage to the service line leading to a home, the homeowner must cover repair costs, secure permits, and hire an electrician.

“A lot of people lost everything in their homes, and I feel for them. I hope they can rebuild as economically as possible,” Hogg commented, highlighting how even small financial aids can significantly assist in recovery.

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(Image credit: City of Seminole)