Bradenton Beach officials have reached a consensus on demolishing 16 structures severely damaged by the 2024 hurricanes.

During a Feb. 20 commission meeting, Police Chief John Cosby, who leads the city’s emergency management team, reported that he had notified property owners on Feb. 10 about the need for demolition.

According to FEMA guidelines, if a home sustains substantial damage—meaning repair costs equal or exceed 50% of its pre-disaster structural value—owners have three options to comply with regulations:

• Elevate the structure to the required height,
• Relocate it outside the floodplain, or
• Demolish it.

Cosby stated that seven owners had already agreed to remove their buildings. However, for those who do not comply, the city could take code enforcement action, escalating the matter to a special master or, if necessary, the courts. Additionally, the city could place a lien on the property to recover any associated costs.

Another option involves FEMA’s demolition assistance program, which requires a complex 16-page application, including documentation from the health department, utility companies, and insurance providers. If approved, FEMA would cover 75% of the demolition costs, the state would contribute 12.5%, and the city would be responsible for the remaining 12.5%.

“The average cost to remove one of these homes is between $25,000 and $30,000,” Cosby noted.

Concerned about the potential financial burden on taxpayers, commissioners favored handling demolitions through code enforcement.

“I think we should go the code route and follow the normal legal process,” Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce said. “I think more people would respond to that anyway.”

Mayor John Chappie emphasized the importance of allowing homeowners time to navigate their options. “They’re dealing with devastation. It’s hard,” he said.

Ultimately, the commission decided to proceed with demolitions through the code enforcement process.

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(Image credit: City of Bradenton Beach)

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