Nearly six months ago, 98-year-old Regina May watched in disbelief as waves crashed outside her South Pasadena home when Hurricane Helene struck the Tampa Bay area.

“All the water came here like a waterfall—it was rushing in so fast,” May recalled to WTVT.

Floodwaters surged into her first floor, destroying many of her belongings. Her kitchen, living room, and first-floor bathroom remain gutted. After staying with family in Georgia until February, she returned home and has been relying on a hot plate to prepare her meals.

“It was terrible. I stood there, looking out at the entrance, and it was like watching surfer waves,” May said.

Her neighbor, Claudia Pizzarelli, is also struggling to rebuild.

“We’re still trying to get help from FEMA. We got the initial assistance they provided to most people, but it’s frustrating when you compare numbers with neighbors—it’s not equal. Some receive large sums while others get nothing,” Pizzarelli told WTVT.

Last week, Pizzarelli appealed for additional FEMA funding, while May remains hopeful for assistance.

“It’s been six months, and so many people—especially the elderly—are still dealing with this. Some can’t return home, others are stuck waiting on permits, and many just can’t move forward,” Pizzarelli said.

For details on how to appeal a FEMA decision, visit: FEMA Appeals.

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(Image credit: WTVT)

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