Author: Owen E. Richason IV
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The 2024 hurricane season left its mark on Pinellas County, with many property owners facing significant damage. As the 2025 hurricane season approaches, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard your property and ensure you’re prepared for any future storms. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help Pinellas property owners brace for the upcoming season.…
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Frustration reached a boiling point in St. Pete Beach this week as residents and business owners demanded city leaders accelerate the permitting process for storm-damaged properties after suffering huge losses from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. While the gathering at city hall on Tuesday night wasn’t labeled a protest, it was clear that attendees came with…
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The housing market in Florida is facing challenges, and Tampa is no exception, according to a new report from Redfin. Released on Tuesday, the report reveals that the five U.S. cities with the biggest decrease in home sales are all in Florida. In Tampa, home sales dropped by 7.2%, while Fort Lauderdale saw a 15.2%…
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Florida’s largest property insurer, Citizens Property Insurance, closed 50% of its claims without payment in 2023, according to a report by Weiss Ratings, an independent Florida-based ratings agency. The report revealed that Citizens denied payment in approximately 17,000 cases last year, resulting in a non-payment rate of 50.4%. This rate surpasses private insurers such as…
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The City of Treasure Island is actively working to address the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, focusing on debris management and permit processing to aid recovery efforts. Debris Management Efforts Treasure Island’s debris management contractors are now concentrating on collecting sand from the city’s right-of-ways. The cleanup will start in residential areas before moving…
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Residents of Indian Rocks Beach (IRB) are expressing frustration over the announcement that all City Hall offices will be closed for an extended period next week. The closure spans from Wednesday, November 27, through Friday, November 29, covering Thanksgiving and the day after. This means that no progress will be made on critical permitting processes…
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Residents and short-term rental owners are frustrated by bureaucratic delays that are preventing them from starting the rebuilding process after Hurricane Helene. Matthew Barrowclough, who owns five properties primarily in Indian Rocks Beach, reported severe flood damage to all his units. For 50 days, he has been unable to generate income as he awaits FEMA’s…
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The beaches along Pinellas County’s coastline, a cornerstone of the area’s economy, bore the brunt of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Local leaders are now calling on the Army Corps of Engineers to fast-track critical beach renourishment efforts. “Our beaches are what people come to Florida for,” State Representative Linda Chaney told Fox 13 Tampa Bay.…
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Pinellas County officials provided an update on recovery efforts for beaches and parks weeks after Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused extensive damage along the Gulf Coast. During the briefing, Chief Resiliency Officer Dr. Wes Brooks joined Commission Chair Kathleen Peters and Florida Representatives Linda Chaney and Nick DiCeglie to discuss the county’s commitment to beach…
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After severe hurricanes like Helene and Milton, property owners across Florida are dealing with damaged homes, businesses, and properties. Among the many steps to rebuild, one crucial process is obtaining the required permits to begin repairs. For owners facing substantial damage—where the cost of repairs is estimated to be 50% or more of the property’s…
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Hurricanes can cause significant damage to properties, and navigating the repair process can be challenging. One important document homeowners may encounter is the Substantial Damage Determination Letter. READ: What Is a Substantial Damage Determination Letter and Is It Necessary for a Permit to Make Hurricane-Related Repairs? But does this letter automatically qualify you for a…
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Navigating the aftermath of a hurricane can easily be overwhelming. The destruction left behind often leaves homeowners scrambling for clarity and direction. Understanding your options and requirements as you start the repair process becomes essential. One critical document that may come into play is the Substantial Damage Determination Letter. Below, we’ll take the time to…
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When disaster strikes, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) steps in to help. But what happens when that help is delayed, decreased, or denied? You might feel lost or frustrated. However, there are steps you can take in each of these situations. Let’s break it down. What to Do When Your FEMA Assistance is Delayed Waiting…
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Today, Hillsborough County leaders are set to discuss dedicating additional funding to support recovery efforts following the recent back-to-back hurricanes. A proposed $5.6 million would come from the Hope Affordable Housing Fund, which typically provides local public funds to create, preserve, and improve affordable housing. This allocation would be especially helpful for mobile homeowners, who…
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It’s been 48 days since Hurricane Helene swept through Tampa Bay, leaving widespread and severe damage. For residents in Indian Rocks Beach, that’s also how long they’ve been unable to return to their homes as they await necessary paperwork to start repairs. Lori Hurley, a resident of E. Gulf Boulevard, felt the absence of her…
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Hurricanes Helene and Milton inflicted so much damage that Madeira Beach Mayor Anne-Marie Brooks is concerned about the future of the city’s roughly 4,000 full-time residents, as many struggle to afford the cost of rebuilding. “The impact on our city is immense,” Mayor Brooks told 10 Tampa Bay. “It’s clear Madeira Beach will never look…
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FEMA recently announced a policy update to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), offering a more manageable payment option that could make flood insurance more affordable for many Floridians. Under this change, homeowners can now opt to pay their flood insurance premiums in monthly installments instead of a single annual lump sum. “Traditionally, premiums were…
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Many Floridians are still working to rebuild their lives after recent hurricanes, with FEMA providing critical support to those affected. For survivors of Hurricane Debby, the deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is quickly approaching on November 12, according to FEMA External Affairs Officer Brady Penn. For those impacted by Hurricane Helene, the deadline is…
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With hurricanes becoming a frequent reality for Tampa Bay, homeowners are increasingly focused on safeguarding their properties from the destructive ravages of storm surge, flooding, downed trees, and property and water damage. Living here means enjoying beautiful beaches, vibrant communities, and sunny weather—but it also entails preparing for the powerful hurricanes that can strike at…
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Treasure Island residents eager to rebuild their storm-damaged homes are facing significant delays due to a backlog of city permits. Without these permits, many contractors are unable to start reconstruction, leaving residents frustrated. Some have attributed the delays to bureaucratic hurdles and lack of clear communication from City Hall. At a recent meeting, frustrated homeowners…
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Hurricane Milton inflicted damage on nearly 16,000 homes in St. Petersburg, leaving residents with a complex and potentially costly rebuilding process. City officials are working diligently to assist storm victims and prevent them from having to decide between moving, elevating their homes, or undoing completed work. Floodplain manager Hannah Rebholz provided important clarifications for city…
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Florida hurricane victims have until November 14 to apply for Operation Blue Roof, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has announced. The program assists property owners affected by recent hurricanes by installing temporary protective roofing at no cost. Eligible properties include owner-occupied homes and permanent rental properties damaged by recent storms. The program provides…
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Members of the St. Petersburg City Council learned Thursday about the damage Hurricane Milton caused to the St. Pete Pier. There was both good news and bad news. Chris Ballestra, the City’s Managing Director of Development, reported that the Glazer Family Playground was completely submerged by Hurricane Milton’s heavy rain, following Hurricane Helene’s storm surge.…
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After a major disaster, property owners often rush to repair and rebuild, driven by an urgent need to restore their homes and businesses. However, FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, issues stop work orders to pause certain reconstruction projects, ensuring that all rebuilding efforts meet safety and regulatory standards. But how often are these stop…
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Hurricanes Helene and Milton left many Pinellas County residents in need. So, the city of St. Petersburg is ramping up efforts to provide critical recovery resources to residents. The city has organized two upcoming events to guide residents through the permitting process, available financial aid, and strategies for building future disaster resilience. Virtual Session on…
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Most of Madeira Beach’s city commissioners endured significant personal losses when Hurricane Helene’s record-breaking storm surge flooded Pinellas County. This week, they shared their powerful stories of resilience and commitment to the community. “We’re strong, we’re resilient, and we will rebuild,” said District 3 Commissioner Eddie McGeehan, 55, told Bay News 9. McGeehan lost his…
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There’s no denying Pinellas County has a traffic problem – a big traffic problem. As more and more people move into the state, the number of vehicles on the road continues to rise. And that presents many problems, not the least of which are auto collisions – with the number of incidents steadily rising. One…
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Residents of the Gulf Harbors neighborhood in Pasco County, Florida are struggling to repair their flood-damaged homes due to lengthy delays in obtaining building permits from the county. Chad Karr and his wife are currently living in a rented camper with their two dogs after their home took on nearly a foot of water during…
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In St. Pete Beach, the path to recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton has been slow and difficult. Sandy streets and debris-covered lawns are daily reminders of the storms, while residents struggle with lengthy insurance claims and rebuilding efforts. One such resident is Reza Razavi, who owns several waterfront properties, all damaged by Hurricane Milton.…
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Zombie foreclosures—homes abandoned by owners before the foreclosure process concludes—have decreased by 20% over the past year, according to real estate analytics firm ATTOM. As of the fourth quarter, 215,601 residential properties across the U.S. are in foreclosure, marking a 32.8% decline from the same period last year, according to ATTOM’s October 31 report. Of…
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When disaster strikes, many property owners rush to fix the damage. But what happens when the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) places a stop work order on these repairs? Understanding this can save you a lot of headaches down the road. What Is a FEMA Stop Work Order? A FEMA stop work order is a…
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With daylight saving time officially ending yesterday, the U.S. returns to earlier sunrises and sunsets, replacing the extended daylight hours enjoyed since March. While the time change remains, many lawmakers continue to push to “lock the clocks” and end the bi-annual adjustments for good. State-Level Efforts to End Clock Changes Most states have introduced legislation…
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St. Petersburg’s Parks and Recreation Department released staggering damage assessments Thursday, revealing the extensive impact of recent Hurricanes Helene and Milton on the city’s nationally recognized park system. Storm Damage By the Numbers: Major Facility Impacts: Closed Playgrounds: Recovery Efforts: Community Enrichment Administrator Mike Jefferis reported that while all city parks and athletic facilities have…
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In March, the City of St. Petersburg made a key change to Tropicana Field’s insurance, lowering the coverage limit for wind and flood damage claims from $100 million to $25 million. The adjustment, intended to save the city $275,000 annually in premiums, significantly reduces the payout potential from insurance for storm-related damages. This change now…
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Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused extensive damage to thousands of properties and the cost to restore them isn’t cheap, especially when homes must be rebuilt to the latest construction codes. So, many Floridians are opting to sell their storm-battered properties “as-is” rather than face the costly and lengthy process of repairs. For some, this decision…
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St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch announced Friday a series of temporary relief measures to help residents and businesses struggling with utility payments in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The relief package includes: These measures apply to bills due between September 25 and December 31, 2024. “The damage and destruction from back-to-back hurricanes has…
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After the stress of a natural disaster, receiving a denial on your original financial assistance application—and then a rejection on appeal—of your FEMA disaster assistance application can be disheartening. While it may feel like you’ve run out of options, there are still resources and programs available that could provide much-needed support. READ: How To Appeal…
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Receiving a denial on your FEMA disaster assistance application can feel overwhelming, especially when you need immediate support to recover from disaster-related losses. However, a denial doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the road. FEMA allows applicants to appeal decisions, offering a second chance to provide additional information or correct errors that may have impacted…
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Pinellas County Commissioners expressed frustration over the slow pace of hurricane recovery efforts during Tuesday afternoon’s meeting. Both city and unincorporated areas in Pinellas County are facing delays, including FEMA Stop Work Orders that prevent homeowners from making repairs. County Administrator Barry Burton attempted to explain the complexities of FEMA’s Substantial Damage Assessment strategy, admitting…
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Residents at Silver Lake Mobile Home Park in Pinellas County are still waiting for electricity nearly three weeks after Hurricane Milton knocked down power poles. While a few homes have had power restored after media outreach on Monday, many remain in the dark at Silver Lake in Lealman. Duke Energy explained that it couldn’t reconnect…
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FEMA has mobilized an unprecedented $2 billion in federal assistance for Hurricane Helene and Milton victims, establishing multiple disaster recovery centers to support affected communities. One such location is at the Florida Botanical Gardens in the Magnolia Room, at 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo, which operates Monday through Sunday 9 am to 7 pm. FEMA,…
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is providing temporary roof repairs for Tampa Bay area residents affected by recent hurricanes through its Operation Blue Roof program. The free service helps homeowners protect their properties while navigating insurance claims and permanent repairs. “This isn’t your typical tarp installation,” explains Maj. Matthew Westcott, Deputy Commander of…
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As Tampa Bay continues recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, “For Sale” signs are appearing in storm-affected neighborhoods, with many properties listed “as-is” and seeking cash offers with no contingencies. Flooded homes are being sold across the region, from Sarasota to Pasco, often at prices significantly below their original purchase value. Some owners are even…
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As residents navigate the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, many face an unexpected challenge: FEMA’s “50% rule,” a federal regulation that could force costly home rebuilding requirements on flood-damaged properties. Understanding the 50% Rule The regulation requires homeowners in flood zones to completely rebuild their homes at a higher elevation if repair costs exceed…
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