An exceptional hurricane season inflicted over $2.4 billion in damages to approximately 1,100 businesses and 41,000 homes in the region, impacting the local economy and workforce significantly.

On Wednesday, the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce outlined several storm-recovery strategies for business owners and employees still recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. They organized a free webinar named “Building Resilient Leaders and Sustainable Solutions,” featuring eight panelists who discussed topics ranging from home appraisals and property valuations to job opportunities and mental health effects.

Amy Foster, the housing and neighborhood services administrator for St. Petersburg, announced that the We Are St. Pete Fund would soon offer financial aid to small businesses impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. “Businesses can get reimbursed for expenses they’ve already incurred,” Foster explained. “Many small businesses have already spent money to recover, often on credit, and now they need help to recover financially.”

Foster also mentioned that the city council plans to extend this grant program to include home-based businesses, offering up to $15,000 for equipment and storefront repairs. The program, which will also assist homeowners and renters, is set to launch by March 1 at the latest.

Additionally, St. Petersburg has been allocated $169 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for storm-hardening facilities, supporting businesses, and aiding residents. “Don’t get too excited,” Foster cautioned, noting the process could take about two years.

Joe Daly from Guaranteed Rate Affinity spoke about additional funding through renovation loans, which could cover up to $800,000 for storm repairs. He explained how these loans help when rebuilding costs exceed a property’s original purchase price.

Pinellas County Property Appraiser Mike Twitty discussed changes in policy for post-disaster property valuations, aiming to simplify and benefit those affected. The valuation now focuses solely on the maximum living area of properties, protecting tax assessments.

John Barkett of Property Valuation Specialists praised Twitty’s proactive approach and shared insights on estimating property damage through tools provided by the appraiser’s office. He emphasized the value of hiring private appraisers for accurate damage assessments.

Eric Garduno, from the Bay Area Apartment Association, highlighted a Hurricane Recovery Rental Housing Fair at the St. Petersburg Coliseum, where 50 apartment communities would offer housing solutions, alongside support from city and FEMA representatives.

Jason Druding from CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas talked about a $600,000 grant to foster job opportunities in disaster relief, including roles like case managers and laborers, with wages covered for up to six months.

Lastly, Dr. Joshua Barnett from Pinellas County Human Services addressed the mental health toll of recovery, introducing the Care About Me program, which streamlines access to mental health services by matching residents with appropriate providers and ensuring follow-up care.

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(Image credit: St. Pete Catalyst)