St. Pete-Clearwater Sun

Pinellas County has completed its first home repair project under the People First Hurricane Recovery Program, a federally funded initiative aimed at helping residents still rebuilding from the 2024 hurricane season.

The program is backed by $813 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, targeting residents affected by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton. Assistance available through the program includes home repairs and reconstruction, reimbursement for prior repairs, help covering storm-related expenses or lost income, and homebuyer assistance for those displaced.

The first completed project belongs to Tarpon Springs resident Martha Cannon, whose home sustained water damage and damaged drywall from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Over the course of a week, crews replaced doors, repaired drywall, and addressed extensive water damage throughout her home. Cannon, who said she had been denied by FEMA and struggled with her insurance company, encouraged other homeowners to apply.

More than 8,000 residents have applied since the portal opened in October, but Pinellas County Commission Chair Dave Eggers says the program has the capacity to help thousands more. “We’re not getting enough applications,” Eggers said. “We’ll keep working to get that messaging out so that folks understand that’s what the money is for.”

Residents can apply online at recover.pinellas.gov or in person Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at two locations: 2600 McCormick Drive, Suite 100, in Clearwater, or 5000 Park Street, Suite 4, in St. Petersburg. Case managers are also available by phone at 727-606-3307 during those hours.

St. Petersburg residents are not eligible for this county program, as the city received its own separate federal funding to administer a similar recovery effort. Pinellas County says future announcements will address support for small businesses, nonprofits, and local infrastructure.

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