Six months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck, many residents are still grappling with the aftermath of these storms, compounded by unresolved damage from earlier ones. Among them is Tanya Morales, who continues to wait for insurance funds to address worsening roof issues.

Morales frequently climbs onto her roof with a ladder to clear leaves and debris from the oak trees surrounding her property. “These oak trees drop a ton of leaves,” she explained to Bay News 9. The accumulation can lead to a leaky roof, allowing rainwater to seep into her home. “I have to do this about twice a week,” Morales says. “If I don’t, it makes the problem worse. I need to keep the roof clear to prevent water from pooling on already weak spots.”

Her roof has been damaged by multiple hurricanes, causing severe leaks during storms. Morales recalls, “Rain would pour into my kitchen and laundry room. It was terrifying—I didn’t know how to stop the ceiling from collapsing. We ended up poking holes in the ceiling with a screwdriver, and water gushed out into buckets and towels on the floor.”

In January 2024, Morales reported that Citizens Property Insurance, often considered Florida’s insurer of last resort, denied her claim to repair the roof and subsequently dropped her coverage. She has since switched to another insurer, but more than a year later, her claim remains unresolved. Morales is now working with a public adjuster and an attorney to secure the payout. “If Citizens was supposed to be the last option, and now this new insurer—it makes me nervous,” she told Bay News 9. “I’m worried about what happens if another storm hits. I’ve been waiting nearly two years, and we’re approaching another hurricane season.”

During Hurricanes Helene and Milton, a temporary roof fix prevented most water from entering her home, but Morales is uncertain how long it will hold. With large trees on her property posing additional risks, she fears further storm damage. For now, her routine sweeping and temporary sealant patches have mostly kept rainwater at bay. However, with the rainy season and another hurricane season on the horizon, Morales is concerned that her home may not withstand future damage without a proper repair.

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(Image credit: Spectrum News)

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