Author: Owen E. Richason IV
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Signs are already on the horizon and pointing to an unsettling reality. As unpleasant as it may be to think about, Tampa Bay residents are indeed facing the prospect of higher auto and homeowners insurance rates in 2025 due to the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Here’s a detailed breakdown of why auto insurance…
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Homeowners in St. Petersburg’s Shore Acres neighborhood are facing unexpected challenges with their water bills after their homes were gutted due to recent hurricanes, leaving them both puzzled and frustrated. ‘It’s Really Frustrating’ What They’re Saying: Jack Cleary’s Shore Acres residence is currently vacant and stripped to the studs. His faucets are completely dry. “Where’s…
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The City of St. Petersburg has faced expenses exceeding $247.3 million from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with more than half of that sum attributed to debris removal. City officials are optimistic about securing necessary funds from various sources to cover these costs. However, the city is still pending a $3 million reimbursement for damages from…
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In November, St. Pete achieved a milestone by collecting over $1 million in monthly tourist development taxes for the first time. The Pinellas County Tourist Development Council is now analyzing the impact of last year’s intense hurricane season on tourism during the holiday period. Tamara Journeau described downtown Treasure Island as unusually cold and quiet. …
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Treasure Island residents are frustrated with the city commission, blaming them for delays in the permitting process. Without permits, residents can’t repair their homes, which were damaged months ago in back-to-back hurricanes. The commission decided to send substantial damage letters to people without permits, using all available data for the permitting process. Residents pointed out…
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The 47th annual St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show showcased over 400 vessels last weekend, drawing crowds to the Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park from January 16–19. However, vendors noted a shift in consumer behavior following the Gulf Coast’s severe hurricane season in September and October, with high-end boat sales reportedly dipping…
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The Pinellas County Government is reminding people through social media it’s possible to appeal a FEMA decision if applicants are denied disaster assistance. Here’s what you need to know: Appealing FEMA’s Decision for Disaster Assistance If you’ve applied for FEMA assistance and received a decision letter, you have the right to appeal if you disagree…
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Increasing numbers of St. Petersburg residents are reporting unusually high water bills. Since the hurricanes, dozens have complained about receiving bills that are five to twenty times higher than their usual amounts. Olga, a 95-year-old local, noticed her bill surge right before the hurricane hit. “I’ve lived in Florida for 80 years, and this kind…
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Gulfport residents are raising alarms about significant changes reshaping their community while they struggle to recover, months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated their town. When floodwaters surged from the Gulfport Marina, the district neighborhood suffered widespread damage. More than twelve weeks later, longtime resident Marie Lamarre says many of her neighbors have yet to…
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St. Pete Beach is calling for volunteers to help alleviate a backlog that’s preventing storm victims from rebuilding their homes. Blue tarps and sandbags cover numerous rooftops in the Bahia Shores neighborhood, a stark reminder of Hurricane Helene’s impact last fall. The remnants of destruction are still visible as residents await their permits, three months…
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Numerous St. Petersburg residents have reported receiving shockingly high water bills in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. “I was absolutely shocked when I saw the bill was around $4,500,” exclaimed St. Pete local Miles Hitchcock. Details: Following the hurricanes, Hitchcock was slapped with a water bill of $4,500, which was roughly 20 times…
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With nearly $1 billion in agricultural damage from three hurricanes last year, Florida farmers are facing an uphill battle as federal relief remains out of reach. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is calling on state lawmakers to step in, requesting $50 million to support farmers through low- or no-interest loans to address hurricane-related losses. The federal…
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is set to terminate its transitional shelter assistance for families impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, effective Tuesday. This decision affects those who FEMA has determined no longer qualify for the program. Details on Affected Individuals: Approximately 47,000 residents of Florida have been residing in hotels and motels since…
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Indian Rocks Beach officials revisited the contentious issue of short-term rental regulations during a meeting, continuing a years-long debate. In 2023, city commissioners enacted an ordinance aimed at regulating vacation rental properties, commonly listed on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. The ordinance required rental owners to register with the city, capped occupancy at 10 guests…
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The City of New Port Richey has issued a stop work order on four apartment units for violating city ordinances for repairs done after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. WFTS reporter Michael Paluska first investigated this story following a tip from a tenant. When he initially met with Justin Kearns at his apartment, they noticed buckets…
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More than 100 days after Hurricane Helene displaced hundreds of Gulfport residents, many are still unable to return to their homes, with most yet to receive permits to begin rebuilding. Frustration has mounted, with residents expressing their dissatisfaction to city leaders this week. “Take action and do something to help people. Get these damn permits…
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Thousands of families remain displaced following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. To help these residents secure temporary or permanent housing, the city of St. Petersburg is partnering with the Bay Area Apartment Association (BAAA) to host a Hurricane Recovery Rental Housing Fair. This event will serve as a one-stop resource, connecting families with local housing providers.…
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Over 100 days after Hurricane Helene struck, many Pinellas County residents remain displaced, with some living in damaged, unfinished homes while awaiting permits to rebuild. Local news channel WFLA brought these concerns to federal officials, but the responsibility appears to be shifting back to the county. As colder months set in, homeowners are growing frustrated…
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Municipalities along Tampa Bay’s coast are still grappling with the damage assessment process, and in some cases, homeowners are receiving conflicting letters. Earlier this week, Spectrum Bay News 9 also spoke with a St. Pete Beach resident who received contradictory letters, and now an Indian Rocks Beach resident is facing the same issue. Storm surge…
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St. Petersburg is set to receive over $160 million to bolster its resilience against future storms, aid local businesses, and assist residents still recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. However, Amy Foster, the city’s housing and neighborhood services administrator, indicated during a city council committee meeting on Thursday that the disbursement of these funds could…
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Florida, along with 18 other states, has passed legislation in recent years to adopt permanent daylight saving time, but federal approval is required for such a change. The annual ritual of adjusting clocks for daylight saving time occurs in November and March, often met with frustration from many Americans. According to the National Conference of…
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In a close 4-1 vote on Tuesday evening, the Gulfport City Council approved the first reading of a resolution to initiate a preliminary engineering study focused on the drainage issues around Wood Ibis Park and adjacent areas. Residents along 27th Avenue S. and 58th Street S. have been facing persistent flooding concerns during even moderate…
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Families hit hard by the storms face yet another major setback. Many have not been able to return to their homes, and now a looming deadline could force them to pack their bags once again. Hurricanes Helene and Milton’s surge left several Treasure Island communities in shambles. The City of Treasure Island is dealing with…
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The deadline to apply for FEMA aid for hurricane relief is today, January 7. Residents affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton need to submit their applications before the end of the day. FEMA representatives have been assisting residents through the application process for months. According to FEMA representative Belinda Borrero, Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) offer…
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The deadline to apply for FEMA aid is fast approaching. Applications for assistance from hurricanes Helene and Milton are due by Tuesday, January 7. FEMA representatives have been assisting residents for months. According to FEMA representative Belinda Borrero, Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) offer personalized assistance. “Since we have so many survivors, that’s why we have…
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After dealing with flooding fatigue, a Madeira Beach couple, Phillip Ragan and Mary Barker, have become experts on raising their house to mitigate the constant threat of flooding. The couple moved into their dream home in 2002, but after years of dealing with flooding, they decided to explore raising their house in 2020. They began…
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As the new year begins, Treasure Island residents continue grappling with challenges left in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Months after the storms, many homeowners are still awaiting permits to repair their damaged properties, while others face an even more frustrating hurdle: inaccurate damage assessments. Residents have raised concerns about substantial discrepancies in…
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Navigating FEMA’s ‘Substantially Damaged’ Designation Appeals Numerous residents on barrier islands and coastal areas have received notifications from local community development officials stating that their homes are deemed irreparable within flood zones due to extensive damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. RELATED: What Is a Substantial Damage Determination Letter and Is It Necessary for a…
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Madeira Beach’s iconic John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, known for its quaint turn-of-the-century charm and bustling tourist scene, might see significant changes in the near future. According to recent whispers and confirmed developments, a hotel project has been given the go-ahead by the city, potentially displacing six shops, while the popular Caddy’s restaurant faces an…
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According to the Labor Department’s latest Consumer Price Index report, surging automobile insurance costs in Florida and elsewhere contributed to November’s annual inflation rate of 2.73%. Together, insurance for autos, homes, and medical care accounted for 15% of the increase in the Consumer Price Index, with double-digit increases in auto premiums being a major factor,…
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In a striking new video released by FOX 13 News Tampa, viewers can now witness the full scope of the damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton across the Tampa Bay area from an aerial perspective. The footage, captured by Tampa police helicopters, showcases significant flooding and structural impacts in neighborhoods like Shore Acres and…
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Pinellas County residents are increasingly frustrated as they endure prolonged waits for permits and approvals to rebuild their homes following the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In Crystal Beach, a community nestled beside the Gulf of Mexico, many homes remain in disrepair. Some residents, whose properties are just steps away from the water, are…
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Homeowners and renters who experienced damages or losses due to Hurricanes Milton or Helene can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. If you’ve already applied for assistance after Hurricane Helene but have sustained additional damage from Hurricane Milton, you must submit a separate application for Milton, including the dates of the new damage. FEMA can assist…
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Pinellas County has introduced a new tool this week to assist with storm recovery efforts. This tool is an online map designed for residents in unincorporated areas of the county, allowing them to view their substantial damage letters as soon as they are available, bypassing the wait for postal delivery. “As of today, we’ve actually…
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Florida homeowners who enrolled in the state-managed Rebuild Florida Hurricane Irma Repair and Replacement Program continue to face issues, six years after the promise of aid following Hurricane Irma in 2017. With the completion deadline looming, these homeowners are now turning to the federal government for help, as they still await the fulfillment of the…
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Many Gulfport residents are making progress in returning to their hurricane-damaged homes with the help of new “minor repair” permits issued by the city. In line with FEMA regulations, the city is providing these permits to help property owners make their homes livable, even while they await permits for major repairs and rebuilding. Starting Monday,…
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Hundreds of Pinellas County residents are receiving letters stating their structures are substantially damaged, forcing them to make crucial decisions about their properties. County officials urge homeowners to challenge these letters and seek a new evaluation, especially with the FEMA 50% rule in play, which determines repair limits based on damage extent. John Richter, among…
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St. Pete Beach city commissioners were taken aback by the revelation of significant budgetary shortfalls in the wastewater, reclaimed water, and stormwater funds, which will require the city to find millions of dollars. Interim Public Works Director Camden Mills presented a grim overview of the Enterprise Funds, leaving Mayor Adrian Petrila “livid” that former city…
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The combined impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton has inflicted an estimated $136 million in damages across Pinellas County, according to local officials. This figure is expected to rise as detailed assessments continue. More than two months after the devastating storms, thousands of residents remain displaced, awaiting final damage evaluations and approval for rebuilding. Pinellas…
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The Florida Division of Emergency Management or FDEM proudly introduces Florida’s inaugural Statewide Residential Mitigation Program, Elevate Florida. This initiative aims to bolster community resilience by protecting private residences from natural hazards. Eligible Project Types The following project types are eligible under the Statewide Residential Mitigation Program: Next Steps Details on how and when to…
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Residents of Treasure Island filled a town hall meeting Wednesday night, expressing their frustration over the delays in returning to their homes since Hurricane Helene struck in September. Many attendees voiced their concerns about the slow issuance of substantial damage letters and repair permits. “This is completely unacceptable that 90 days after the hurricanes, we’re…
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Davis Islands, which suffered significant storm surge damage from Hurricane Helene, is slowly but surely returning to normalcy. Island Pizza, owned by John Harr, resumed operations shortly after the hurricanes passed. Harr, a local businessman for 15 years, has owned the pizzeria for the past 12 years. “The people here are super nice. It’s its…
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The routine of changing the clocks twice a year is once again under scrutiny. Lawmakers have debated the practice of daylight saving time for several years, discussing whether to continue “springing forward” and “falling back” or to eliminate it altogether. Recently, President-elect Donald Trump shared a post on “X,” stating his intention to end daylight…
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The deadline for condominium inspections across the state of Florida is rapidly approaching, following reform laws passed after the tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers South condo building in Surfside, Florida, in 2021. These laws require structural examinations and mandate that associations build their reserve funds for maintenance and repairs. After the collapse of Champlain…
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