Author: Owen E. Richason IV
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The City of St. Petersburg is facing a major setback in its storm preparedness efforts after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the termination of a key funding source. The city had anticipated receiving millions through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which has historically supported flood mitigation projects and home elevation…
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As hurricane season approaches, the Pinellas Beaches Chamber is organizing a special town hall this evening, Thursday, April 24th, to address the state of the county’s coastal communities. The event, dubbed the “State of the Beaches,” will feature mayors from several beach cities, including Treasure Island and Madeira Beach. Key topics on the agenda include…
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Just 3 days from now will mark 7 months since Hurricane Helene, and in only 2 weeks, 6 months since Hurricane Milton. Yet, hundreds, if not thousands, are still dealing with the fallout, attempting to recover from the double punch the historic storms delivered. Meanwhile, the Florida legislature is considering House Bill 1535, a set…
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As hurricane season looms, Florida’s House Bill 1535 is making waves with a bold proposal to ease the burden on property owners recovering from devastating storms. Backed by Rep. Fiona McFarland (R-Sarasota) and with a Senate counterpart (SB 180) sponsored by Sen. Nick DiCeglie (R-Indian Rocks Beach), the measure aims to streamline post-storm recovery and…
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To raise awareness about the deadly risks of leaving children in hot vehicles, Tampa Bay area experts staged a chilling demonstration Thursday using a child-sized mannequin to simulate the effects of heat stroke inside a car. “Your body can completely cease functioning,” said Dr. Danielle Mercurio, an emergency physician at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.…
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With alligator mating season underway, encounters are more common, but these reptiles often end up in the wrong place at the wrong time—thanks to human behavior. A study from the University of Florida and Center College in Kentucky reveals that alligators aren’t usually to blame for bites. In 96% of cases, human risk-taking or inattention…
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Florida legislators are moving ahead with proposals designed to ease the financial burden on condominium owners, who are facing steep fee increases tied to post-Surfside safety regulations. “What I will fight for is to make sure that condo owners see a safe future in their homes at a cost they can afford,” said Sen. Jennifer…
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Residents in North Tampa’s Forest Hills neighborhood—classified as “Flood Zone X,” typically considered low-risk—gathered Monday night to demand answers from city and county leaders after devastating flooding last year. Sherri Allen, a longtime Forest Hills resident, recalled watching helplessly as water poured into her home the morning after Hurricane Milton made landfall. “It was terrible,”…
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The Florida Senate on Monday rolled out an expanded tax cut proposal that includes a one-time credit for annual vehicle registration fees and a three-year extension of the current freeze on local cell phone and cable TV taxes. The updated plan comes as the Senate prepares for negotiations with the House, which has put forward…
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As Pinellas County residents continue to rebuild after hurricanes Helene and Milton, a troubling issue in Collier County is a stark warning: widespread permit fraud could leave property owners facing costly and complex consequences. In Collier County, officials revealed that at least 400 single-family homes and commercial buildings were issued certificates of occupancy using fraudulent…
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A new Florida proposal titled “Make America’s Dogs Safe Again” is drawing attention—and controversy—for its tough stance on dog breeding practices in the state. The measures, HB 1481 and SB 1830 are under deliberation in the legislature. Filed by Rep. Meg Weinberger, the bill aims to crack down on unethical operations like puppy mills and…
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A comprehensive proposal aimed at improving hurricane readiness and recovery is making progress in the Florida House, just one day after the Senate passed its own version of the legislation. On Thursday, the House Transportation & Economic Development Budget Subcommittee approved the bill (HB 1535), which outlines responsibilities for local governments in areas such as…
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Florida homeowners looking to protect their properties from future flooding have until 7 p.m. tonight (Friday) to apply for Elevate Florida, a state-run program that offers significant financial assistance for raising homes above the floodplain. The initiative, overseen by the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM), is funded with $400 million in federal money. It…
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The Thunderbird Beach Resort, a historic landmark on Treasure Island since its opening in 1957, is slated for demolition to make way for a modern redevelopment. The resort, located at 10700 Gulf Blvd., has been a cherished part of the community for nearly seven decades, known for its retro charm and beachfront access along 310…
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The University of South Florida’s St. Petersburg campus is still assessing the full extent of damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with early estimates suggesting costs could reach into the millions. The storms, which struck in late 2024, left significant destruction across the campus, impacting buildings, infrastructure, and equipment. Flooding from the hurricanes affected…
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The City of Treasure Island has decided against extending the presence of state-provided recovery staff, opting instead to rely on its own resources as it continues to rebuild from the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The decision, made during a recent city commission meeting, marks a shift in the city’s approach to managing…
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Florida’s insurance industry investigation continued this week with a second legislative hearing, as lawmakers push for accountability following explosive revelations about insurers shifting funds while claiming insolvency. Despite the conclusion of a second hearing, many legislators believe the investigation is far from over. At the heart of their concerns is a report that wasn’t shared…
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On Monday, Pinellas County residents had their first opportunity to share their priorities for over $800 million in federal hurricane recovery funds during a public meeting. More than 50 people gathered at the Lealman Exchange to discuss the $813 million allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), aimed at supporting recovery…
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Florida has once again solidified its position as a global travel powerhouse, breaking its own tourism records for the sixth consecutive time. In 2024, the state achieved a remarkable 15.5% share of domestic vacation destinations, marking a significant one-point increase from the previous year. Governor Ron DeSantis attributed this success to policies that emphasize freedom,…
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The City of Indian Rocks Beach has unveiled a dedicated hotline and online portal to support compliance with short-term rental regulations. This 24/7 service empowers residents to report violations of local rules concerning short-term rentals. Complaints can address issues such as excessive noise, illegal parking, or overflowing trash, helping to maintain neighborhood peace and cleanliness.…
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The iconic SS United States, a nearly 1,000-foot (305-meter) vessel renowned for its trans-Atlantic speed record in 1952, is undergoing extensive preparation to become the world’s largest artificial reef. Its final destination will be off Florida’s Gulf Coast, though the exact location has sparked fierce debate among local diving businesses and even a lawsuit. At…
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The Colorado State University (CSU) research team has released its initial forecast for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, predicting above-average activity. While the season is expected to be more active than usual, researchers note it likely won’t match the intensity of 2024. “The 2025 season is currently showing similarities to past years like 1996, 1999,…
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Researchers at the University of South Florida’s St. Petersburg campus have made a historic discovery—the first to identify viruses within red tide blooms. Their groundbreaking findings could offer new ways to predict and control red tide, which, while naturally occurring, wreaks havoc on coastal economies, devastates marine life with fish kills and more, and triggers…
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Treasure Island has revised several ordinances to allow residents to elevate their homes, offering a new option to protect against flooding as part of a terrain modification program set to begin on May 1. The use of fill material in this process remains entirely optional, according to city officials. Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused widespread…
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Nearly six months after Hurricane Milton tore through the Tampa Bay area, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has officially classified it as one of the most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record. According to the NHC’s final storm report released Monday, Milton’s central pressure dropped as low as 895 mb, while its winds peaked at 178…
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This week marks six months since the Island began recovering from Hurricane Helene’s severe flooding—just days before it was struck again by Hurricane Milton. On September 26, Helene’s storm surge inundated much of the Island with four feet of water, damaging or destroying homes and businesses across its three cities. Bradenton Beach was hit particularly…
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a plan on Monday to provide homeowners with rebate checks averaging $1,000 per homesteaded property to offset property tax costs. The proposed rebates, set to be distributed in December, would cover state-mandated school property taxes for over 5.1 million homesteaded properties throughout Florida. According to the governor’s office, this initiative…
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Heather Wendt’s father-in-law built their two-story home in Crystal Beach, Pinellas County, over 50 years ago. Despite being situated along Sutherland Bayou, floodwaters had never reached the doorstep—until last year. Now, the blue carpet that once lined her staircase is torn from the first three steps, and remnants of spray-foam sealant cling to the front…
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Governor Ron DeSantis has put forward a plan for substantial property tax relief for Florida homestead owners, potentially setting the stage for even more significant changes. During a news conference this morning in Orlando, DeSantis referenced a Florida House proposal offering $5 billion annually in sales tax reductions. However, he urged lawmakers to redirect that…
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As our coastal communities continue rebuilding after last fall’s storms, two beloved beachside favorites are welcoming guests once again. The Helm Provisions & Coastal Fare (7736 Blind Pass Road) and Ricky T’s Bar & Grille (10601 Gulf Boulevard) have officially reopened, marking a joyful milestone in their recovery. Both establishments faced a challenging road back,…
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More than $100 million in state grants remain unclaimed by applicants of the My Safe Florida Home program. Homeowners are urged to act quickly to secure up to $10,000 for home-hardening projects. According to a memo released last week by Senate President Ben Albritton, these funds were originally allocated to homeowners who completed inspections and…
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House Speaker Danny Perez faces the challenge of convincing two key Florida Republicans—Governor Ron DeSantis and Senate President Ben Albritton—to support a groundbreaking reduction in Florida’s sales tax. On Thursday, neither DeSantis nor Albritton explicitly endorsed lowering the state’s sales tax from 6% to 5.25%. Instead, DeSantis’ team highlighted a video advocating for property tax…
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The St. Petersburg City Council has greenlit potential remedies for the exorbitant water bills that have plagued numerous residents. The issue of sky-high water bills emerged in the wake of last year’s hurricanes, with some residents reporting bills ranging from $1,000 to a staggering $10,000. At a public hearing, frustrated residents voiced their exasperation over…
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Six months have passed since Hurricane Helene tore through St. Petersburg, leaving destruction in its wake. Yet, for many residents, recovery remains painfully out of reach. Frustration is mounting as storm survivors struggle to rebuild, tangled in bureaucratic red tape. Many are still unable to return home. Some juggle the financial burden of paying rent…
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With Florida drivers facing the nation’s highest auto insurance rates, state lawmakers are once again considering a repeal of the state’s No-Fault auto insurance system and HB 1181 is the beginning of the process. By conducting studies and consulting with out-of-state drivers, we are examining the potential effects this change could have on your finances.…
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On Tuesday, a Florida Senate committee passed a bill aimed at prohibiting insurers from relying solely on artificial intelligence to deny insurance claims, emphasizing that such decisions must involve a “qualified human professional.” The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee unanimously supported SB 794, aligning Florida with other states examining AI’s role in insurance decisions. Bill…
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Hillsborough County officials are organizing eight community meetings in April and May as part of a regional stormwater evaluation. These meetings come in response to the historic flooding caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton last year. “A third of the entire Tampa Bay’s volume was dropped on the region during Hurricane Milton, leading to widespread…
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During a news conference in Palm Bay on Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that property tax relief will be on the 2026 ballot. “We’re working to provide property tax relief, which is much needed in Florida. When properties are reassessed, homeowners often face drastic increases in their tax burden. Just because a neighboring home sells…
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Nearly six months after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Tampa Bay, many residents remain in temporary hotel accommodations, waiting for their homes to be repaired. Among them is Susan Brancato and her husband, who have been living in a hotel since their St. Petersburg condo was severely flooded. Last week, they received a call from…
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The City of Tampa has initiated pre-applications for a hurricane assistance program aimed at supporting homeowners affected by last year’s storms, Helene and Milton. Funded through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), the city is providing three forms of disaster relief. Eligible households earning under $133,700 annually can apply. The assistance includes up to $5,000…
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For Kathy Kaestner, the list of home repairs seems never-ending. “We had to rip out all the floors, all the drywall four feet and under, the cabinets,” Kaestner said. “I lost all my appliances.” Local news station, WFTS previously shared Kaestner’s story. Living in Tampa’s Forest Hills neighborhood, she suffered severe flood damage after Hurricane…
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Florida legislators are advancing a proposal aimed at addressing challenges that arose during the destructive 2024 hurricane season. The Florida House took steps on Tuesday to push forward new measures, including property tax relief for rebuilt homes and updated election procedures in post-storm conditions. The House Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee unanimously approved HB 1535,…
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The City of St. Petersburg is allocating $7 million to upgrade two wastewater treatment facilities after severe flooding during the 2024 hurricane season forced their shutdowns. Hurricanes Helene and Milton inundated the Maximo Moorings neighborhood in South St. Pete, leading to the closure of the Southwest Wastewater Treatment Facility. Floodwaters in the area were contaminated…
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Florida lawmakers grilled the state’s current and former insurance commissioners for three hours last Friday, demanding answers about why they failed to disclose a 2022 report exposing massive financial transfers from Florida insurers to out-of-state affiliates. Property insurers were pleading for legislative relief at the time, citing financial strain from major storms and excessive litigation.…
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