Tag: Hurricane Helene
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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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The beaches along Pinellas County’s coastline, a cornerstone of the area’s economy, bore the brunt of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Local leaders are now calling on the Army Corps of Engineers to fast-track critical beach renourishment efforts. “Our beaches are what people come to Florida for,” State Representative Linda Chaney told Fox 13 Tampa Bay.…
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Pinellas County officials provided an update on recovery efforts for beaches and parks weeks after Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused extensive damage along the Gulf Coast. During the briefing, Chief Resiliency Officer Dr. Wes Brooks joined Commission Chair Kathleen Peters and Florida Representatives Linda Chaney and Nick DiCeglie to discuss the county’s commitment to beach…
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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 Helene and Milton not only damaged residential properties, the storms left hundreds without a place to stay. Families and individuals, still reeling from the widespread destruction, remain without basic necessities, including everyday household items and food. But nonprofits and volunteer organizations have stepped up to fill gaps and provide common items. Project Hope is…
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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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More than a month after Hurricane Milton struck, several parks and beaches in Pinellas County, including Ft. DeSoto Park, remain closed. State and local officials are expected to provide updates on the recovery process this Friday. David Harshbarger, the park manager at Ft. DeSoto, described the devastation as unprecedented. “We’ve had flooding before, but nothing…
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Treasure Island, in collaboration with Pinellas County, has made significant progress in the cleaning and restoration of Sunset Beach following the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. According to a recent Instagram post by the City of Treasure Island, contractors have screened nearly 40,000 cubic yards of sand and returned it to the beach. This…
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A St. Petersburg-based think tank has highlighted how Florida’s outdated traffic signals contribute to pedestrian-involved crashes, longer commutes, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. The report, “Best Practices: Signalized Intersection Investments,” emphasizes the urgent need to enhance signal timing and responsiveness using artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies. The Florida Policy Project (FPP) released the study…
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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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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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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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Hurricanes Helene and Milton inflicted so much damage that Madeira Beach Mayor Anne-Marie Brooks is concerned about the future of the city’s roughly 4,000 full-time residents, as many struggle to afford the cost of rebuilding. “The impact on our city is immense,” Mayor Brooks told 10 Tampa Bay. “It’s clear Madeira Beach will never look…
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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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As the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season enters its final weeks, forecasters are monitoring a new area of low pressure in the western Caribbean Sea that could strengthen into a tropical depression or storm later this week. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the environmental conditions in the region appear conducive for gradual development of…
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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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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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Florida hurricane victims have until November 14 to apply for Operation Blue Roof, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has announced. The program assists property owners affected by recent hurricanes by installing temporary protective roofing at no cost. Eligible properties include owner-occupied homes and permanent rental properties damaged by recent storms. The program provides…
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More than 40 individuals faced over 50 charges in a two-day operation targeting unlicensed contractors working in beach areas affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Dubbed “Flood of Fraud 2,” the operation took place from Tuesday to Thursday on Clearwater Beach. “Our primary focus is on protecting residents…
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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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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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Residents of the Gulf Harbors neighborhood in Pasco County, Florida are struggling to repair their flood-damaged homes due to lengthy delays in obtaining building permits from the county. Chad Karr and his wife are currently living in a rented camper with their two dogs after their home took on nearly a foot of water during…
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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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In one flood-prone St. Petersburg neighborhood, recent storms Helene and Milton left residents relying on a single-lane, half-constructed bridge as their only exit from an island cul-de-sac. Originally scheduled for completion in December 2023, the $3.6 million project faced significant delays when American Empire Builders (AEB) defaulted on their contract. Consequently, city council members unanimously…
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Zombie foreclosures—homes abandoned by owners before the foreclosure process concludes—have decreased by 20% over the past year, according to real estate analytics firm ATTOM. As of the fourth quarter, 215,601 residential properties across the U.S. are in foreclosure, marking a 32.8% decline from the same period last year, according to ATTOM’s October 31 report. Of…
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Pinellas County crews are actively collecting hurricane debris in areas with narrow roads, including Ozona, Indian Bluff Island, and Crystal Beach. Residents in these neighborhoods should move private vehicles off the roadway and place storm debris in the right-of-way (not in the street) to help collection crews reach as much material as possible. Please note,…
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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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After two months away, the students and staff of Anna Maria Elementary School are finally returning to their campus on Monday, following disruptions from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. “Since Monday, September 30, 2024, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Anna Maria Elementary’s students and staff have been attending classes at Stewart Elementary, the nearest mainland…
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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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St. Petersburg’s Parks and Recreation Department released staggering damage assessments Thursday, revealing the extensive impact of recent Hurricanes Helene and Milton on the city’s nationally recognized park system. Storm Damage By the Numbers: Major Facility Impacts: Closed Playgrounds: Recovery Efforts: Community Enrichment Administrator Mike Jefferis reported that while all city parks and athletic facilities have…
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Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused extensive damage to thousands of properties and the cost to restore them isn’t cheap, especially when homes must be rebuilt to the latest construction codes. So, many Floridians are opting to sell their storm-battered properties “as-is” rather than face the costly and lengthy process of repairs. For some, this decision…
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St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch announced Friday a series of temporary relief measures to help residents and businesses struggling with utility payments in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The relief package includes: These measures apply to bills due between September 25 and December 31, 2024. “The damage and destruction from back-to-back hurricanes has…
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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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Southwest Florida faces a dual water quality crisis as red tide blooms offshore, while fecal bacteria levels in local waters soar beyond safe limits set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The persistent red tide, visible on recent NOAA satellite images, has reached Lee County, spreading south from Tampa Bay, particularly off the coast…
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Receiving a denial on your FEMA disaster assistance application can feel overwhelming, especially when you need immediate support to recover from disaster-related losses. However, a denial doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the road. FEMA allows applicants to appeal decisions, offering a second chance to provide additional information or correct errors that may have impacted…
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Pinellas County Commissioners expressed frustration over the slow pace of hurricane recovery efforts during Tuesday afternoon’s meeting. Both city and unincorporated areas in Pinellas County are facing delays, including FEMA Stop Work Orders that prevent homeowners from making repairs. County Administrator Barry Burton attempted to explain the complexities of FEMA’s Substantial Damage Assessment strategy, admitting…
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Hurricanes Helene and Milton did more than destroy homes, flood cars, and ruin personal effects. The back-to-back cyclones opened up an opportunity for unscrupulous characters to run a number of criminal schemes on a beleaguered public. Evidence has already been seen in the Tampa Bay area, with Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri announcing several arrests…
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Forecasters warn that the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season may not be over yet. AccuWeather says there is a possibility of 1 to 3 additional named storms forming, with the potential for a tropical storm even developing in December. The hurricane season, which typically runs from June 1 to November 30, has already been active and…
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Florida health officials once again reported today that 15 people have now died from Vibrio vulnificus, a dangerous bacteria that spread through floodwaters during hurricanes Helene and Milton. The state has recorded 77 cases this year, exceeding the previous record set after Hurricane Ian in 2022. Recent data shows two new fatalities in Pinellas County,…
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