Tag: Hurricane Debby
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Manatee County homeowners recovering from storm damage caused by Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton have more time to apply for financial assistance through the Lasting Manatee Home Recovery Program after county officials extended the application deadlines. The program is funded by a $252 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and…
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A year after Hurricane Debby brushed past Tampa Bay, Gulfport is still reeling from the impact of what local officials have called a “triple threat” storm season. Debby brought widespread flooding to the small waterfront city, damaging hundreds of homes and overwhelming infrastructure. It was the first in a string of storms—followed by Hurricanes Helene…
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Manatee County is inviting residents to help shape how it will use a $252 million federal grant for long-term hurricane recovery and resilience. The initiative, called Lasting Manatee, is focused on addressing unmet needs from the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton in 2024. Funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban…
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Phillippi Creek Residents Demand Urgent Action from Sarasota County to Prevent Repeat of 2024 Floods
Residents along Phillippi Creek are frustrated, accusing Sarasota County of neglecting critical maintenance like clearing sediment and vegetation from waterways, which they say exacerbates flooding during heavy rains. Kristy Molyneaux, drawn to Phillippi Creek a decade ago for its serene wildlife and waterfront charm, now faces recurring nightmares after her home flooded three times in…
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With hurricane season set to begin June 1, Sarasota County is hosting a community event on Thursday, May 8, to help residents prepare and stay informed. Officials will also discuss the region’s ongoing recovery from last year’s storms. Leaders from FEMA, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, the Small Business Administration,…
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Following the impact of three hurricanes in 2024, Florida lawmakers have approved legislation aimed at improving disaster preparedness and recovery efforts, including debris removal and post-storm rebuilding. On Friday, the House unanimously passed the bill (SB 180) with a 106-0 vote, while the Senate approved it 34-1. The measure now heads to Governor Ron DeSantis…
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Efforts to rebuild the storm-damaged Fire Marshal Dick Brock Memorial Pier in Safety Harbor are gaining traction, with city officials expressing optimism after a recent meeting with potential contractors. The project—vital to local tourism, recreation, and economic development—continues to move through key phases, including finalizing design plans, securing permits, and pursuing critical funding. The pier…
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As St. Petersburg recovers from past hurricanes and braces for a new season, the city is facing a sharp decline in financial support. Compared to this time last year, the city has received $31.3 million less in grant funding — an 83% drop from $37.6 million to just $6.3 million through March. The decline is…
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Floridians affected by the 2024 hurricane season have received an automatic tax deadline extension. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) postponed the April 15 deadline to May 1, 2025, offering some relief to residents dealing with the aftermath of hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. While the rest of the nation must submit their taxes by Tuesday,…
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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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Manatee County annually funds the rehabilitation of numerous homes in unincorporated areas and Palmetto through its State Housing Initiative Program (SHIP). This year, however, the county is prioritizing residents affected by last year’s hurricanes for the allocation of its $1.2 million budget. “We tackle health and safety concerns first, followed by code violations, and then…
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According to FEMA, the 2024 hurricanes—Debby, Helene, and Milton—resulted in over 72,000 national flood insurance claims. Specifically, Hurricane Helene alone prompted more than 54,000 claims within a month of its impact. FEMA data from 2003 to 2023 also reveals that 99% of U.S. counties have experienced a flood event, underscoring the widespread risk. In response…
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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 upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, spanning from June 1 to November 30, is predicted to be “near-average,” according to Colorado State University meteorologist Philip Klotzbach. Forecasts from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather suggest a total of 12 named storms and five hurricanes this year. Klotzbach, an expert in Atlantic basin seasonal hurricane forecasting, noted…
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A legal battle over the presidential administration’s pause and review of federal funding has created uncertainty for the City of St. Petersburg at a critical time. City officials are awaiting approximately $200 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and an additional $160 million in hurricane recovery funds for residents. Frustrated city council members…
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U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (FL-14) has introduced the Rebuild & Save Act, a bill designed to ease the financial burden on homeowners and small businesses rebuilding after hurricanes and other natural disasters. The legislation proposes increasing the Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan mitigation assistance cap from 20% to 30%, potentially providing up to an…
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Treasure Island’s recovery from recent hurricanes has stalled, prompting Mayor John Doctor to take a decisive step to expedite the process. In a letter addressed directly to President Donald Trump this week, Mayor Doctor requested disaster relief similar to what North Carolina and California received, citing FEMA’s red tape as a significant hindrance. “I don’t…
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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded more than $800 million to Pinellas County for long-term hurricane recovery efforts. This federal grant is aimed at enhancing prolonged hurricane resilience and addressing the unmet needs of residents. St. Petersburg, within Pinellas County, was also granted $159.9 million, making it the only city…
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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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The Beach Theater in St. Pete Beach is marking its 85th anniversary, despite having been closed for over a decade. Renovations are progressing, with the theater still a few months from reopening. Over the weekend, visitors were treated to a preview of the ongoing work. Owner Hannah Hockman shared her passion for the project, highlighting…
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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 financial toll from the unprecedented hurricane season in the area is staggering, equivalent to spending $100,000 daily for nearly 67 consecutive years. Cathie Perkins, emergency management director for Pinellas County, provided preliminary year-end cost estimates, reporting a total damage bill of $2.434 billion from Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. However, Commissioner Kathleen Peters expects…
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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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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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Over a month has passed since Hurricane Milton struck the Tampa Bay area, marking the third significant storm to hit this season. Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton all left their mark on the coastline, leading to substantial damage and cleanup costs for St. Petersburg. The city views the St. Pete Pier as its “front porch,”…
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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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The Clearwater Marine Aquarium reported Friday that while sea turtle nests increased along a 21-mile stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast, a series of hurricanes devastated many of them. This year, aquarium teams documented 271 nests—an increase from last year’s 227—though many were ultimately washed out by Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. Sea turtle nesting season…
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The National Hurricane Center or the NHC is tracking Invest 97L in the southwestern Caribbean Sea, which is likely to become Tropical Storm Rafael this week. Here’s what we currently know: Current Status Florida Impact Timeline (Wednesday-Thursday) Track Projections FOX 35 Orlando Meteorologist Brooks Garner notes the following: Special Concerns “Many homes in these counties…
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According to new data from the Allbritton Journalism Institute, Citizens Property Insurance denied 77% of homeowners’ claims following Hurricane Debby, the first major hurricane to hit Florida in August. The storm caused an estimated $1.4 billion in damages: Why Claims Were Denied Citizens Property Insurance confirmed to News4JAX that the high denial rate was due…
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