St. Pete Beach is calling for volunteers to help alleviate a backlog that’s preventing storm victims from rebuilding their homes.

Blue tarps and sandbags cover numerous rooftops in the Bahia Shores neighborhood, a stark reminder of Hurricane Helene’s impact last fall. The remnants of destruction are still visible as residents await their permits, three months after Hurricane Milton struck.

The city’s slow permit approval process has led to this community call for help. However, the volunteer initiative has sparked controversy among some residents, who see it as an additional burden.

“That is ridiculous,” stated Jody Powell, a long-time resident of St. Pete Beach. “They’re asking us to volunteer when they should have had enough staff to manage this. They should just approve the permits.”

Powell, whose home was flooded, understands the high demand for permits but is skeptical about the volunteer call. “They want those of us who are already struggling to volunteer without pay,” she added.

Since October, the city of St. Pete Beach has processed 2,025 permit applications related to storm damage, with 1,256 approvals so far. 

“St. Pete Beach is doing its best to process these applications efficiently,” a city statement reads. Additional staff have been brought in to help with inspections, plan reviews, and code enforcement.

The city must also adhere to FEMA’s 50% rule, which complicates matters. This rule mandates that if repair costs exceed 50% of a home’s market value in a flood zone, the structure might need to be rebuilt at a higher elevation rather than just repaired.

“This rule applies due to the extensive damage,” explained City Commissioner Lisa Robinson. Non-compliance could lead to suspension from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), affecting property sales and insurance rates.

Volunteers would assist residents with completing necessary documentation for permit issuance, including Building Permit Applications, FEMA Packets, and Notices of Commencement. Training will be provided, but volunteers must bring their own laptops.

An informational session for homeowners is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20 at St. Pete Beach City Hall to discuss the permitting process.

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(Image credit: City of St. Pete Beach)