Tag: Hurricane Helene
-
A low-pressure area in the southwestern Caribbean Sea could strengthen into a tropical depression or storm later this week, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Forecasters say there’s a 40 percent chance that the system will develop into a tropical depression or storm within the next seven days, though no immediate development is expected…
·
-
The Tampa Bay Lightning’s newly expanded ownership team, led by Doug Ostrover and Marc Lipschultz, has committed $1 million to support recovery efforts for families impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The donation, which will go to five local nonprofits, is earmarked for essentials like housing, food, clothing, and other resources. “This is a challenging…
·
-
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…
·
-
The Florida Department of Health (FDH) in Hillsborough County has reported a fourth human case of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness, sparking aerial spraying efforts to curb the spread. Flooding from Hurricanes Milton and Helene left behind extensive standing water in Tampa Bay, creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. Both Hillsborough and Polk counties are…
·
-
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…
·
-
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…
·
-
Nearly a month after Hurricane Helene, Tampa Bay’s coastal restaurant and hospitality sectors remain hard-hit, and countless residents who lost jobs on the beaches are still searching for work as businesses struggle to reopen. The Saltwater Hippie bar in Madeira Beach reopened a week ago, but across the street, its sister property, the Brass Captain…
·
-
St. Pete Beach officials are orchestrating a comprehensive beach cleanup operation across Pinellas County, implementing a methodical process to restore beaches affected by recent storms. The restoration follows a three-step protocol: 1. Initial collection of displaced sand from sidewalks and roadways, with temporary storage in designated “dirty” sand collection points 2. Processing through industrial sifting…
·
-
Following the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, several Tampa Bay area restaurants, including Caddy’s, Capogna’s, Frenchy’s, and Rod & Reel Pier, face ongoing closures due to extensive storm damage. The back-to-back hurricanes hit the region with severe flooding, high winds, heavy rain, and power outages, significantly affecting local businesses and residents. While many restaurants…
·
-
The City of St. Petersburg has partnered with the Pinellas Community Foundation to create the “We Are St. Pete Fund,” a new initiative aimed at supporting local recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact. The fund provides targeted assistance to affected residents, small businesses, and city employees. In launching the initiative, Mayor…
·
-
Florida condo owners are already facing higher fees due to new safety regulations, but many are now questioning whether the state’s fragile property insurance market can handle back-to-back hurricane damage. “This year, with these two big hurricanes [Helene and Milton], we’re anticipating a big increase,” said Pat Hutson, a condo owner in Tampa. “I’m very…
·
-
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,…
·
-
Following the widespread destruction wrought by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Pinellas County is bouncing back and taking steps to restore normalcy. The Pinellas County Government has announced the reopening of several parks, providing much-needed respite and recreational opportunities for residents. This move signals a significant milestone in the county’s recovery efforts, offering a glimpse of…
·
-
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…
·
-
Pasco County Government has implemented an interactive online debris management map to help residents track hurricane cleanup efforts following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. The system provides real-time updates on debris collection progress and estimated pickup times throughout the county. Current Progress Free Debris Drop-Off Locations East Pasco Transfer Station West Pasco Resource Recovery Center Important…
·
-
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri announced a major crackdown on post-hurricane crime during a Thursday press conference at Madeira Beach City Hall, highlighting two separate operations targeting looters and fraudulent contractors. In the first operation, law enforcement arrested 63 individuals for various crimes in barrier island communities between October 2-23. The charges included armed robbery,…
·
-
Pinellas County Schools will hold a special board meeting Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. to discuss making up 46.5 hours of instruction time lost during Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The meeting, set for the administration building’s conference hall, will consider several proposed schedule adjustments across all grade levels. Confirmed Changes: Proposed Schedule Adjustments by Grade Level:…
·
-
The City of Gulfport is committed to providing property owners, developers, and builders with the resources they need to navigate floodplain regulations and make informed decisions regarding property improvements. A new webpage has been launched to help residents understand the FEMA 50% Rule, also known as the “Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Rule.” This rule is crucial…
·
-
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…
·
-
The City of St. Petersburg’s elected representatives will convene Thursday for the first time since October 3 to discuss issuing bonds to help finance a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium. This meeting marks the city council’s second since September 19 and Hurricane Helene, and the first since Hurricane Milton caused significant damage to St. Pete,…
·
-
The Pinellas County School Board has finalized plans to recover approximately 50 hours of instruction time lost due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The board approved the following calendar changes at a Tuesday workshop: New School Days Additional Changes “Our staff have thoughtfully balanced academic excellence with compassion for what our community has experienced during…
·
-
Back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton have pushed many Florida residents to their breaking point, with homeowners in flood-prone areas rushing to list their properties and relocate to safer ground – or leave the state entirely. “We’re not going to move back into this house, it was very traumatic, and I don’t want to go through…
·
-
Local governments along Florida’s Gulf Coast are strictly enforcing FEMA regulations on hurricane repairs, causing tension with homeowners eager to rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. While the rules may seem restrictive, they protect community-wide flood insurance savings. The situation is exemplified by Brian Leggett, who moved to St. Pete Beach just four days before…
·
-
Hurricanes Helene and Milton wrought extensive damage, including Tropicana Field and, St. Petersburg’s Albert Whitted Airport, which has selected four consulting and design firms to oversee extensive repairs and improvements. The evaluation committee, originally planning to choose three firms, expanded their selection due to widespread storm damage that included compromised lighting systems, runway erosion, and…
·
-
A special “Concert in the Park” this Friday, will bring hope and help to beach communities impacted by recent hurricanes. The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber and City of St. Pete Beach are hosting this free event at Horan Park (7701 Boca Ciega Dr) from 6 to 9 pm on October 25th. The evening features live…
·
-
Florida health officials reported Tuesday that 13 people have died this year from Vibrio vulnificus infections, following flooding from hurricanes Helene and Milton. The state has documented 74 cases of the potentially lethal bacteria, matching the record set during Hurricane Ian in 2022. Vibrio vulnificus, which thrives in warm seawater, can cause necrotizing fasciitis—a severe…
·
-
A grassroots rescue organization has formed in Pinellas County following the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. What began as a Facebook group of local boating enthusiasts coordinating rescue efforts has evolved into “Rescue Pinellas,” a developing nonprofit organization dedicated to helping storm victims. Founded by Jenn Greacen, the group initially mobilized to rescue…
·
-
The Palladium Theater in downtown St. Petersburg has temporarily closed its doors due to water damage sustained during Hurricane Milton. Executive Director Paul Wilborn wants to reassure the community that the situation, while disruptive, is not as dire as some may fear. “We weathered Hurricane Helene without issue, but Milton brought water into the building,”…
·
-
Pinellas County is still shining after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. From the sponge docks to historic 8th Avenue in Pass-a-Grille, businesses are reopening and celebrating the Sunshine State. Tarpon Springs is bouncing back and has announced the return of its annual Seafood Festival from November 8-10. The Tarpon Springs Seafood Festival, located at the Sponge…
·
-
Approximately 6,045 residences in Tampa Bay still have no electric service, 10 full days after Hurricane Milton ravaged the area. Currently, some 3,888 homes in Pinellas County and an additional 2,174 in Hillsborough County remain without power. However, this is an improvement, given that Hurricane Helene darkened around 1.2 million households in Florida, and Milton…
·
-
The recent onslaught of Hurricanes Helene and Milton has left many Tampa Bay area families displaced and searching for housing assistance and resources. The back-to-back storms have caused widespread flooding and damage, preventing numerous residents from returning to their homes. Unprecedented Demand for Housing Assistance Mike Sutton, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa…
·
-
Hurricane Milton heavily impacted Tampa Bay, exacerbating damage already caused by Hurricane Helene. Many homeowners, especially those lacking wind and flood protection, face further challenges, and reinsurance prices are expected to rise. Florida’s Citizens Property Insurance will absorb much of the loss, though national insurers will also be significantly affected. Hurricane Milton’s Devastating Impact: Economic…
·
-
Back-to-back hurricanes have caused widespread destruction, leaving unprecedented debris throughout Tampa. The Solid Waste Department immediately set ambitious goals to tackle the challenge. Given the massive amounts of residential and storm debris left by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the department increased payment rates, hired more haulers, and expanded capacity. (photo credit City of Tampa) Currently,…
·
-
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which sustained significant storm damage, will reopen on October 18, debuting the Aqua Lanterns Festival of Lights. After enduring substantial damage during Hurricane Helene and losing power when Hurricane Milton hit Sarasota County, the aquarium is ready to welcome visitors again. While the facility will reopen to the public on Monday,…
·
-
Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton caused widespread damage across Florida, with the former heavily impacting Georgia and North Carolina. The death toll has surpassed 300 lives lost, and there’s nearly a month and a half before the official end of the 2024 hurricane season. At last count, 92 people remain unaccounted for in North Carolina,…
·
-
Red tide, initially found in low concentrations around Pinellas County before Hurricane Helene, has surged following the storm’s aftermath. (image credit FWC) Chris Robbins, the associate director of science for the Ocean Conservancy, confirmed a strong link between storms and red tide. Meteorologists predict Hurricane Milton, now a Category 5, will hit the area by…
·
-
With Tropical Storm Milton spinning and soon forming into Hurricane Milton in the Gulf of Mexico and on a path to the west coast of Florida, residents of the Sunshine State, still reeling from Hurricane Helene, must prepare for another powerful tropical weather event and many projected to be potential victims will board up windows,…
-
In a show of community support following the destructive impact of Hurricane Helene, Winn-Dixie and its charitable arm, the Winn-Dixie Gives Foundation, are organizing a significant relief effort this Wednesday, October 2. The supermarket chain plans to provide complimentary groceries and essential items to over 500 storm-affected residents in Madeira Beach. The distribution event will…
·