More than 100 days after Hurricane Helene displaced hundreds of Gulfport residents, many are still unable to return to their homes, with most yet to receive permits to begin rebuilding.

Frustration has mounted, with residents expressing their dissatisfaction to city leaders this week.

“Take action and do something to help people. Get these damn permits issued,” one resident urged during Tuesday night’s council meeting.

For many, the uncertainty has left them in limbo, moving from one rental to another and struggling with the financial burden.

“We are moving from rental to rental, spending a fortune, and we have no idea where we’ll live next,” said Karen Goldberg, a Gulfport resident.

As more “for sale” signs appear throughout the community, some residents fear they may not be able to hold on much longer. Homeowners who completed mitigation in September and applied for permits have seen no progress in three months. They feel disheartened watching other coastal communities already beginning to rebuild.

At the meeting, the mayor acknowledged the city’s limitations.

“The longer this process takes, the more neighbors will lose their homes,” one resident said.

By the numbers: On Wednesday, City Manager Jim O’Reilly told WTVT that over 600 permit applications had been submitted, with 427 issued and 235 still under review. He noted that only two city employees are available to review and issue permits.

What’s next: O’Reilly mentioned efforts to secure additional help for permit review and issuance. However, the city faces competition for qualified professionals with other coastal communities.

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

(Image credit: Fox 13 News Tampa Bay)