Tag: Hurricane Helene
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The car insurance sector is bracing for multibillion-dollar losses due to vehicle damage from recent hurricanes, which could push up insurance rates next year. Eva Kelly-Cubells experienced firsthand the chaos caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as her 2016 Chevy Cruze, along with many others, was submerged. The 86-year-old from Punta Gorda, along with her…
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Homeowners and businesses alike in Tampa’s most vulnerable flood zones are facing a difficult reality after recent hurricanes: they may be required to completely rebuild or substantially modify their properties to meet new flood mitigation standards. The City of Tampa is sending over 1,900 letters to property owners in high-risk areas, including Davis Islands, Palmetto Beach, and…
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Two months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton wreaked havoc across Tampa Bay, the cleanup and recovery efforts remain in their early stages. As some homeowners decide to sell their storm-damaged properties as-is, prospective buyers are being urged to approach such deals with caution. Bay Area realtor Ashley Stout-Fuchs stresses the importance of verifying a property’s…
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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s latest water sampling reveals the region’s red tide continuing to move southward in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Experts suggest seasonal weather conditions largely influence the shifting pattern. Professor emeritus Bob Weisberg from the University of South Florida, a leading researcher in red tide dynamics, explains…
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Sarasota County officials report that crews have collected over 2 million cubic yards of debris from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and are on track to finish by January 11. As recovery operations continue in Sarasota County, officials are working diligently to meet their debris collection deadline, hiring additional contractors to expedite the process. Despite significant…
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Residents of Zephyrhills are preparing to take legal action against their county, alleging mismanagement of water resources and development that has led to significant property damage. Robert Woods, a local property owner, claims he has suffered nearly $60,000 in flood-related damages and believes the county’s water management practices are directly responsible. Woods points to a…
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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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Homeowners across Tampa Bay, especially those living on Pinellas County beaches, are becoming increasingly frustrated and impatient after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. They find themselves unable to start rebuilding their homes due to lengthy waits for permits. “They want to make sure everybody does things the right way, and I’m in full agreement with that,…
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Two months after Hurricane Milton devastated the Tampa Bay area, many residents of St. Pete Beach are still struggling to rebuild due to delays in obtaining necessary repair permits from the city. Property Owners Left in Limbo Robinson Ang, a local property owner, has been waiting for over six weeks to secure a permit to…
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Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the City of Seminole has successfully cleared most debris but acknowledges that significant reconstruction work remains. The local building and permit office has experienced a surge in applications for repair permits. According to Assistant City Manager Vince Tenaglia, Seminole is now offering a $50 reduction on the base fee for…
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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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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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A St. Petersburg couple is demanding answers after receiving an unexpectedly high water bill, even though they were displaced during the recent hurricanes. Melanie Scheiderman said she and her husband, Richard, were away from their rental home for more than two weeks during Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Yet, they were hit with a $1,147 water…
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Rebuilding efforts for Madeira Beach residents, including Yarisi Valero, remain at a standstill more than a month after Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction. Valero’s home, flooded with over three feet of water, now sits gutted to the studs. Although she removed 45 inches of drywall throughout the house, she’s been unable to move forward without…
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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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Since September, Diane Burrill has been unable to serve customers at Wahoo’s Bayside Pub and Grill in Redington Shores. “It’s been the worst thing I’ve ever been through,” Burrill said. “I’ve been without a paycheck for two months now.” Like many businesses on Pinellas County’s beaches, Wahoo’s is still rebuilding after Hurricanes Helene and Milton,…
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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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State utility regulators have approved a three-year base rate increase for Tampa Electric Co. (TECO), which will raise residential customer bills starting in January. The initial proposal by TECO sought to increase monthly bills by approximately $5 for customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity—a standard industry benchmark. However, TECO is recalculating the exact impact of…
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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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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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After over two months of displacement caused by Hurricane Helene, students at Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8 will return to their campus on Monday. This marks the initial phase of the school’s reopening. In a Thanksgiving letter to the school community, Principal Chris Ateek expressed gratitude and optimism: “Gratitude and thanks are the perfect reflection of…
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Navigating the aftermath of a storm can be overwhelming. Damage to your home poses challenges not only physically but also emotionally and financially. Many people face the harsh reality of needing to sell their storm-damaged homes but dread the repairs they can’t afford. A critical aspect of this is understanding FEMA’s 50% rule, which complicates…
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The Gulf Beaches Historical Museum in Pass-a-Grille stands as a resilient testament to the barrier islands’ endurance, now navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact. Located in a building over a century old, the museum has weathered significant challenges, drawing parallels to the historic hurricane of 1921. Christine Oertle, President of the Friends of…
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Recent flooding from Hurricanes Helene and Milton has inundated virtually every single-story home in St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island, many of which had never experienced such damage since their construction in the mid-fifties. For some residents, this harrowing experience was the final straw, prompting a move to higher ground. Others, determined to stay, are…
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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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After enduring back-to-back hurricanes, Sweet Life Bistro has reopened its doors, marking a major milestone for owner Sami Salami. The beloved café celebrated its grand reopening on Friday, two months after Hurricane Helene caused severe damage. Behind the counter, Salami crafts one of his signature lattes—a simple yet meaningful task that seemed nearly impossible just…
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The state of Florida is stepping in to assist beach communities overwhelmed by a surge in permit requests following back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton. State Representative Linda Chaney revealed that nearly 700 requests for state support have been submitted, with 83% already fulfilled and the remainder in progress. St. Pete Beach was one of the…
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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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Following back-to-back hurricanes, Category 4 Helene and Category 3 Milton, programs serving the homeless in the Tampa Bay area are witnessing a significant increase in the number of people needing assistance. Yvonne Morales, the Homeless Program Section Chief at Bay Pines VA Hospital, noted a substantial rise in veterans seeking help. “Our calls to the…
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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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Two months after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Tampa Bay’s coastline, the City of Largo hosted a community meeting on Friday to help residents navigate the rebuilding process. “Our goal is to provide as much information as possible to help neighbors rebuild in compliance with state, local, and federal regulations,” said Largo City Manager John…
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Following the devastation from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, far too many Florida homeowners are grappling with property insurance claim issues. Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis urges those affected to contact his office before seeking outside help for their insurance claims. For Kris Yarborough, the aftermath of the storms has meant seeing decades of hard work and…
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Fort De Soto Park suffered significant damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with storm surges flooding nearly the entire park. Despite the extensive destruction, Pinellas County officials are diligently working to clean up the park and prepare it for reopening. The park is currently bustling with contractors, volunteers, and employees, all dedicated to restoring the…
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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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A heartwarming homecoming recently unfolded, as dozens of coral species have been safely returned to the Florida Aquarium’s Coral Conservation and Research Center in Apollo Beach after being evacuated ahead of Hurricanes Milton and Helene. These vital organisms, essential to Florida’s ecosystem and economy, are now back under the care of biologists eager to continue…
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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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Hurricane recovery efforts dominated discussions at the Madeira Beach City Commission workshop and regular meeting on November 13. The city’s October meetings were canceled due to ongoing recovery efforts following recent storms. Damaged Jetty Sparks Debate City Manager Robin Gomez reported significant damage to the John’s Pass jetty, which had been battered first by Hurricane…
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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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A federal grant awarded this week could significantly bolster efforts to preserve land in the Peace River Valley, Florida, an area crucial for supplying drinking water to several counties in Central Florida, including Polk, Hardee, DeSoto, and Charlotte. The grant, totaling $21 million, will be matched by state Department of Agriculture funds and an additional…
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