Tag: FEMA
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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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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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To qualify for a $30,000 grant aimed at hurricane-related home repairs, Pinellas County homeowners must submit their claim to FEMA by January 7. The Hurricane Home Repair Program, designed to assist with storm damage not covered by insurance or FEMA, has no application deadline itself but requires homeowners to have processed their insurance claims and…
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Florida’s Department of Emergency Management has introduced an innovative artificial intelligence alert system called Beacon just in time for the upcoming hurricane season. Communication is crucial before, during, and after storms, and this system is designed to keep the public informed even when traditional power sources fail. Florida is now home to a pioneering alert…
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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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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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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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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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If you’re feeling frustrated waiting to repair your home after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, you’re not alone. Many are still in limbo, waiting for permits to begin their home repairs and return to normalcy. State Representative Linda Chaney, a resident of St. Pete Beach, warns that starting repairs without the proper permits can have serious…
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For Jesse Waltrip and his family in Zephyrhills, Florida, life after Hurricane Milton has been a relentless struggle. Months after the devastating storm, they find themselves living in tents on their front lawn, awaiting help from FEMA that seems endlessly delayed. “It’s hard to hold on to hope when you’re camping outside in the cold,”…
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For Pinellas residents trying to rebuild after the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, navigating the permitting process has been a confusing and time-consuming ordeal. One of the biggest hurdles is the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) “50% rule,” which mandates that any home requiring repairs or renovations exceeding half of its value must be…
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Following the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, City of Tampa officials have outlined the next steps as residents and business owners prepare to receive substantial damage assessment letters in the mail. These letters will detail the extent of the damage, which has been estimated based on a visual assessment conducted by city officials in…
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Hillsborough County residents with lingering storm debris must have it curbside by today, Monday, Dec. 9, as crews prepare to make their final collection pass. The county’s last round of hurricane debris pickup will begin that day, targeting both construction and demolition debris as well as yard waste. Residents are asked to separate these materials…
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The Bilmar Beach Resort in Treasure Island is currently fully occupied by local storm evacuees, with rooms paid for by FEMA. General manager Clyde Smith explained that the resort is providing temporary housing for residents from nearby beach communities who were displaced by Hurricane Helene. Bobby Smith, a 63-year-old evacuee from St. Pete Beach, shared…
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John Henry experienced the full impact of Hurricane Helene’s unprecedented storm surge in St. Pete Beach. “I live on the first floor of the condo,” he shared. “I had almost 5 feet of water in there, so it almost wiped everything out.” Now, more than two months later, Henry is eager to rebuild but finds…
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FEMA has allocated an additional $114 million in funding for debris removal in the aftermath of the recent hurricane season. This funding is designated for several areas in the Tampa Bay region, including: According to FEMA, the agency has provided $927.6 million for Hurricane Milton, $378.3 million for Hurricane Helene, and $102.4 million for Hurricane…
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Some homeowners filing claims through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are discovering that their insurance payouts may fall short of covering all necessary repairs. Andrew Knox of Altieri Insurance Consultants explains that NFIP adjusters often use software to calculate damage repair costs. However, this software sometimes fails to align with industry standards, potentially resulting…
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Scammers are still attempting to take advantage of vulnerable victims by impersonating Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) agents and charity volunteers months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. These fraudsters are using deceptive tactics to steal money and personal information from those affected by the disasters. Victims have reported encounters with individuals claiming to be FEMA…
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FEMA was actively looking for property management companies with ready-to-occupy residential or rental properties to help house Floridians affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton as late as this past weekend. These properties would support FEMA’s temporary housing efforts in communities impacted by the disasters. RELATED: FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Adjust Operating Hours However, the deadline…
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Slow permitting processes and lack of FEMA inspections are pushing some property owners to the brink. Wading through the bureaucracy and waiting for determinations and approvals is tempting more than some to proceed with repairs, even if it isn’t authorized. Wanting to return to normalcy as soon as possible, it’s difficult to resist just going…
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After nearly two months of continuous operation, FEMA disaster recovery centers across Florida will modify their schedule as the Atlantic hurricane season winds down. Starting yesterday, these centers will no longer be open on Sundays, shifting to a six-day operational week. Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) have served as comprehensive assistance hubs for residents impacted by…
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Local leaders are eagerly awaiting the rollout of a new state program aimed at helping residents whose homes were left uninhabitable after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In St. Petersburg alone, approximately 16,000 homes sustained damage from the back-to-back storms, leaving the city in dire need of external support. During a committee meeting on Nov. 21,…
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Suppose the structure value listed on the Property Appraiser’s website (or FEMA letter) does not meet FEMA requirements for repairing your property. Are there alternatives to getting a private appraisal? Yes, depending on your local regulations and policies, you may have other options. Here’s what you can consider: In any case, it’s a good idea…
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Residents in unincorporated Pinellas County will soon receive letters regarding their property’s substantial damage determination. Those living in a flood hazard area who are awaiting their letters can still apply for permits to repair their homes. If residents have a permit application ready and live in the unincorporated part of the county, they are eligible…
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Floridians impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene now have until January 7, 2025, to apply for FEMA assistance. This extension offers more time for homeowners and renters to seek financial aid for displacement, basic home repairs, personal property losses, and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. RELATED: FEMA Extends Deadline for Hurricane Aid Applications…
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The 2024 hurricane season is drawing to a close, bringing a sense of relief to Tampa Bay area residents after a year marked by relentless storms. This season produced 18 named storms, with Hurricanes Helene and Milton delivering the greatest impact on the region. “These were major events for us,” said Mark Wool, a meteorologist…
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Florida residents impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene now have until January 7, 2025, to apply for FEMA assistance. Eligible homeowners and renters may receive financial aid for displacement, essential home repairs, personal property losses, and other disaster-related expenses that are uninsured or underinsured. How to Apply: For accessible instructions on applying, visit FEMA’s YouTube…
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The deadline to apply for disaster loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for damage caused by Hurricane Helene is Wednesday, November 27. These loans help bridge the gap between what insurance and FEMA cover and what homeowners and business owners can afford, according to SBA spokesperson Julie Garrett. They can also cover insurance deductibles.…
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has placed Fort Myers Beach on probation from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), causing concern among residents. “Really, really unfair. Extremely unfair. You know, we should all be treated equally,” said Fort Myers Beach resident Kevin Mahoney. Officials stated that FEMA will also downgrade the town’s Community Rating…
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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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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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Treasure Island commissioners recently decided to delay two significant initiatives: the creation of a living shoreline at Treasure Bay and a policy requiring residents to indemnify the city before obtaining building permits if a substantial damage assessment hasn’t been conducted. On Nov. 7, Commissioner Bob Minning made a surprising motion to remove a $3 million…
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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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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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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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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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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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