Tag: hurricane-helene
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City departments in Treasure Island are evaluating their performance during the 2024 hurricane season and preparing to present their findings to city commissioners on Tuesday. The goal: identify strengths and weaknesses to better prepare for future emergencies. Representatives from the fire department, police, community development, finance, administration, parks and recreation, and public information have each…
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Residents of mobile home communities in Dunedin are voicing their concerns after receiving “substantial damage” letters from Pinellas County, following the destruction caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in late 2024. The letters, sent to homeowners in flood zones, indicate that their properties have sustained damage exceeding 50% of their market value, triggering strict rebuilding…
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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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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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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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Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, FEMA has disbursed over $1.5 billion to assist Floridians. Yet, nearly six months later, WTSP reports that some survivors, expecting ongoing temporary housing payments, are suddenly finding that important support cut off. Terri Orr of St. Pete Beach is among them. In a single night, he lost his home, car,…
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St. Petersburg remains under a local state of emergency, even five months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck, as Mayor Ken Welch’s declaration has been extended through June 30. This extension grants the mayor the authority to bypass typical city procedures when necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare. It also allows him to…
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The City of St. Pete has introduced Sunrise St. Pete, a new initiative to guide the use of $159.8 million awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funds, part of the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, will support the city’s long-term recovery from Hurricane Idalia (August 2023) and…
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The Pinecrest-Leto community is one of several North Tampa neighborhoods that, despite not being designated as FEMA flood zones, suffered extensive flood damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Many homeowners in the area lack flood insurance and are relying on federal assistance—some of which, they claim, has yet to arrive. Codie Parkinson has already spent…
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When Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck the Sarasota area, Longboat Key was among the hardest-hit islands. The devastation forced many businesses to close, including the beloved SeaHorse Beach Resort. After months of repairs, the resort fully reopened earlier this week, and eager visitors wasted no time returning. Paul Will, a longtime guest, was relieved to…
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Five months have passed since Hurricane Helene hit, flooding hundreds of homes in the Tampa Bay area’s beach towns. One resident, Jeff Fuller, is facing significant challenges rebuilding his home after it was inundated by five feet of water. His efforts have been stalled, as he waits for the necessary permits. Fuller, a resident of…
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The City of Treasure Island is set to explore the possibility of waiving additional permit fees for residents rebuilding homes damaged by hurricanes. At a workshop scheduled for Tuesday evening, city commissioners will deliberate on the proposal to eliminate permit fees for both elevating existing homes and for new constructions aimed at replacing hurricane-affected properties.…
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Thousands of homeowners in St. Petersburg are dealing with pending code violation cases, which the city says are not violations yet. The city initiated these cases to ensure that permits for storm damage repairs are in place, that proper inspections occur, and to safeguard potential buyers of homes affected by hurricanes, according to city spokesperson…
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Hurricane Helene struck over 125 days ago. And 10 small towns across Pinellas County beaches have seen significant delays in rebuilding efforts, with many homeowners only recently learning if they can reconstruct their homes. Barb Adams, a Treasure Island resident, finally received a permit to elevate her house last week after applying two-and-a-half months ago…
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Jason Rule and his girlfriend lost nearly everything when Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated their South Pasadena home—except for a few clothes. “It was absolutely heartbreaking,” Rule said. “My girlfriend had just beaten breast cancer, and her garden was her therapy. It was completely wiped out. Nothing was salvageable.” The owners of their rental home…
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The Clearwater Marine Aquarium has been forced to furlough staff and cut salaries following significant hurricane damage. CEO Joe Handy explained that the drastic cost-cutting measures stem from the low attendance numbers caused by last year’s storms, which heavily impacted the nonprofit’s primary revenue source: ticket sales. If you’re a Tampa Bay resident, you’ve likely…
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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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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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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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Lake Seminole Park, located in Seminole, Florida, is a 258-acre wildlife habitat and sanctuary. Originally a tidal estuary, the lake was created in the 1940s by closing the upper portion of Long Bayou. This transformation turned it into a freshwater lake, making it the second-largest lake in Pinellas County. Over the years, Lake Seminole Park…
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Residents of several communities say that being without power since Hurricane Helene struck two months ago was inconvenient at first. However, now that temperatures are dipping into the 50s and 40s, they say the situation has become dire as they continue to await power restoration. At some properties, the delay in restoring power involves replacing…
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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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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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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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This Saturday, a stretch of St. Petersburg’s Beach Drive NE will transform into a hub of community support as six local businesses host a Hurricane Relief Block Party. The event, running from 4 to 8 p.m. on the 300 block, aims to raise funds for those affected by recent hurricanes in the Tampa Bay area.…
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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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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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Pasco County leaders have announced the launch of a new community in Holiday, offering temporary housing to approximately 100 storm victims. In July, the county purchased a two-acre property on Grand Boulevard with plans to create a temporary homeless shelter. However, following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the need for housing became more urgent. Cathy Pearson,…
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As recovery efforts continue across the Bay Area following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, several local beaches are beginning to reopen. Manatee County Public Beach reopened earlier this week, though parking may be limited due to ongoing sand and debris clearance. Several businesses, including Anna Maria Island Beach Café, have also reopened. County officials hope to…
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According to city authorities, the accumulation of storm-related refuse is obstructing access to water meters, preventing accurate readings…
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The county offers a dashboard to track pickup locations and crew progress. Residents can also find a list of debris drop-off sites throughout the county on the Pinellas government website…
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Hurricane Milton left an indelible and destructive Mark on the state of Florida when it ravaged the peninsula one week ago today. Coming ashore as a strong Category 3 cyclone, storm surge rose to as much as 10 ft in Siesta Key, with shorelines to the north experiencing 5 feet. (Image credit: screenshot of Duke…
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This coordinated effort aims to efficiently restore Treasure Island’s beloved beaches to their former beauty…
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Hurricane Milton evacuees who left days before the storm hit are discovering when walking into retail and grocery stores partially or entirely empty shelves… #PIESun
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The grocery chain will host a distribution event in St. Petersburg, providing essential supplies to those affected by the storm… #PIESun
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This three-day event offers an opportunity for local residents, particularly those facing challenging circumstances, to receive a warm meal at no cost… #PIESun
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Curiously, some neighborhoods are only partially powered, with some homes having restoration while neighbors, only across the street or the property next door remain without service… #PIESun
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Families are encouraged to arrive early, as meals will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis… #PIESun
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Meteorologists also drew attention to a viral post containing a fabricated forecast cone, warning viewers to be wary of such misinformation… #PIESun
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As Hurricane Milton menacingly churns across the Gulf of Mexico, meteorologists are sounding the alarm about its potentially catastrophic impact on Florida’s west-central coast. The storm, which briefly weakened overnight, has regained strength and now boasts maximum sustained winds of nearly 155 mph. (image credit NPR) As of Tuesday afternoon, Milton was located approximately 520…
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The recent tropical system that swept through Tampa Bay left a wake of destruction, particularly affecting the tight-knit Davis Islands community. As the area begins to rebuild, a heartening display of solidarity has emerged, with residents, business owners, and local leaders coming together to support those hardest hit. From providing essential supplies to offering shelter…
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The City of Gulfport will be closing the Hurricane Helene Donation Center at the Gulfport Senior Center, located at 5501 27th Ave S. This essential resource for collecting supplies to support those impacted by Hurricane Helene will shut down on Monday, October 7, 2024. The City expresses its deep gratitude to the community for their…
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The recent tropical system that battered St. Petersburg has left in its wake an environmental crisis, as nearly 1.5 million gallons of untreated wastewater surged through city neighborhoods. The storm’s powerful surge overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure, leading to widespread sewage discharges. At the heart of this environmental emergency was the Northeast Water Reclamation Facility (NWRF),…
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