Tag: Hurricane Milton
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In Bay Pines’ Harbor Lights Club, a once-idyllic waterfront mobile home park, the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton is still painfully evident. Nearly eight months since the storms hit, broken docks, shattered homes, and sunken boats remain scattered across the community. “It was like a resort to be down there,” longtime resident Victor Docherty…
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On May 20, St. Pete city officials and business leaders convened at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for the annual State of the Economy meeting. Since last year, St. Petersburg has weathered significant setbacks—including two major hurricanes, Helene and Milton, and the collapse of the Tampa Bay Rays redevelopment deal. In response, the city is…
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In the seven months following a punishing 2024 hurricane season, residents of Pinellas’ barrier islands are approaching hurricane preparedness with renewed urgency. On May 7, the fourth floor of the Indian Shores Municipal Center was filled to capacity for “Storm Ready: Hurricane Awareness and Preparation,” an annual event hosted for the communities of Indian Shores…
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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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Clearwater Harbor Marina is beginning a long road to recovery following damage from back-to-back hurricanes last year. The City Council has approved a work order to kick off the design phase for critical repairs at the marina’s North Basin. “During the storm, a sailboat came through and hit that bridge,” Mike MacDonald, Director of Marine…
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City departments in Treasure Island are evaluating their performance during the 2024 hurricane season and preparing to present their findings to city commissioners on Tuesday. The goal: identify strengths and weaknesses to better prepare for future emergencies. Representatives from the fire department, police, community development, finance, administration, parks and recreation, and public information have each…
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As demand for home repairs continues to climb in Citrus County, especially following recent hurricanes Helene and Milton, officials are warning residents about the risks of hiring unlicensed contractors. Local business owner Katrina Leturno, who runs Circle T Sod Farms with her family, has noticed a surge in customer inquiries ahead of the rainy season.…
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A long-neglected, storm-damaged tower in downtown St. Petersburg is finally on track for demolition, paving the way for a new boutique hotel. For many in the area, the change can’t come soon enough. The 11-story structure at 300 Central Avenue, heavily damaged by Hurricane Milton, will be replaced by a 74-key branded hotel developed by…
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As the start of hurricane season nears, Tampa officials are intensifying efforts to improve the city’s stormwater system and avoid the kind of severe flooding experienced during last year’s Hurricane Milton. Recent heavy rains have helped pinpoint trouble spots, allowing crews to target areas most prone to flooding. Teams are now working six days a…
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St. Petersburg officials say back-to-back hurricanes have better prepared the city for the 2025 storm season, which begins in less than three weeks. Speaking from the Northeast Water Reclamation Facility on Tuesday, Mayor Ken Welch emphasized infrastructure upgrades and increased storm readiness. The city shut down the low-lying plant during Hurricanes Helene and Milton but…
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Pinellas County is seeking over $8 million in federal grants to bolster a nearly $11 million project aimed at storm-hardening 35 traffic signals along key evacuation routes. At their May 6 meeting, county commissioners unanimously approved the application for two state-administered federal grants totaling $8.23 million. The county will contribute a $2.74 million match, already…
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The City of St. Petersburg is fast-tracking major flood infrastructure projects to better withstand future storms and keep vital sewer systems running, ahead of this year’s hurricane season, Mayor Ken Welch announced Tuesday. “Many of these upgrades were originally slated for completion within the next 3 to 5 years,” Welch said. “Now, we’re accelerating timelines,…
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Manatee County residents are being asked to weigh in on how to use more than $252 million in federal disaster relief funding to support recovery from recent hurricanes and flooding. The area was hit hard last hurricane season, with severe wind and flood damage still visible in many neighborhoods. Some residents are still trying to…
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Pasco County is set to receive over $585 million in federal funding to aid in storm recovery efforts. The funding comes from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These funds will support recovery efforts across Pasco County in the wake of Hurricanes Idalia, Helene,…
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The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) is leading a critical infrastructure effort to strengthen flood defenses in the Tampa Bay region. South of Tampa, repairs are underway on the Tampa Bypass Canal, which sustained damage during Hurricane Milton. This canal, one of several in the area, plays a key role in redirecting floodwaters around…
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When Hurricane Milton struck last year, hundreds of homes far from the coast were inundated, exposing vulnerabilities in inland flood management. Now, local governments across the Tampa Bay region are reassessing how to prevent similar disasters. In Land O’Lakes, Douglas Woods waded through three feet of water nearly a week after the storm submerged his…
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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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A Florida bill aimed at bolstering hurricane preparedness and response is one step away from becoming law, pending Governor Ron DeSantis’ signature. House Bill 7073, passed unanimously by both the Florida House and Senate, introduces measures to strengthen the state’s resilience against tropical storms and hurricanes, which frequently threaten the region. The legislation, sponsored by…
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As Florida observes Hurricane Preparedness Week, many Tampa residents—especially those in the hard-hit Westshore neighborhood—say they’re still struggling to recover from last year’s storms and feel unprepared for the hurricane season ahead. With the 2025 tropical storm season just three weeks away, anxiety is mounting. In Westshore, where Hurricanes Helene and Milton left a trail…
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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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Pinellas County commissioners will discuss a proposal on Tuesday for allocating $813 million in federal hurricane recovery funds. The funding, provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is intended to support communities affected by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton. Recently, county officials have hosted public meetings to gather input on spending…
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The City of St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council are partnering with local neighborhoods for a “resiliency bus tour” next Saturday, spotlighting flood-prone areas and exploring long-term solutions. At the heart of this effort is the newly formed Resilient St. Pete Resident Task Force, created to address persistent flooding challenges. Shore Acres…
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City leaders in St. Pete Beach are seeking innovative strategies to preserve two cherished landmarks heavily damaged by recent hurricanes: the historic Pass-a-Grille shuffleboard court building and the Merry Pier Bait Shack. At a meeting on April 22, commissioners were briefed on the extent of the destruction caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton. Public Services…
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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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The St. Petersburg City Council is expected to finalize approval Thursday for a $134,800 state grant that would fund upgrades at Albert Whitted Airport—securing its operation as an airport for at least the next 20 years. The funding, provided by the Florida Department of Transportation, will support the construction phase of the airport’s Airfield Vault…
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After years of setbacks, Florida’s citrus growers may finally be getting the help they’ve long awaited. A state Senate committee recently proposed allocating $200 million to the citrus industry in the upcoming fiscal year. Kyle Story, a fourth-generation grower, has witnessed storms batter his family’s groves over the decades. However, he said Hurricanes Milton and…
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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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Local leaders from several beach communities across Pinellas County came together Thursday for a “State of the Beaches” discussion, reflecting on the region’s ongoing recovery from two powerful hurricanes. The Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions and the Pinellas Beaches Chamber hosted the event at Madeira Beach City Hall, which brought together mayors and vice mayors…
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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Business Recovery Center in Clearwater will permanently close its doors at 2 p.m. today, Friday, April 25th, according to an announcement from Pinellas County on Thursday. Located on 58th Street North, the center has provided support to business owners, homeowners, and renters applying for disaster loans. With its closure,…
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Marilyn Mendez Arnett has lived in her Tampa home for over 40 years, raising a family and building a life with her late husband. Her property lies in what FEMA currently designates as a “non-flood zone”—Zone X. But that classification may soon change. Following recent hurricanes, including Hurricane Milton, FEMA is reassessing Tampa’s flood maps,…
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The City of St. Petersburg is facing a major setback in its storm preparedness efforts after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the termination of a key funding source. The city had anticipated receiving millions through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which has historically supported flood mitigation projects and home elevation…
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As hurricane season approaches, the Pinellas Beaches Chamber is organizing a special town hall this evening, Thursday, April 24th, to address the state of the county’s coastal communities. The event, dubbed the “State of the Beaches,” will feature mayors from several beach cities, including Treasure Island and Madeira Beach. Key topics on the agenda include…
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Just 3 days from now will mark 7 months since Hurricane Helene, and in only 2 weeks, 6 months since Hurricane Milton. Yet, hundreds, if not thousands, are still dealing with the fallout, attempting to recover from the double punch the historic storms delivered. Meanwhile, the Florida legislature is considering House Bill 1535, a set…
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As hurricane season looms, Florida’s House Bill 1535 is making waves with a bold proposal to ease the burden on property owners recovering from devastating storms. Backed by Rep. Fiona McFarland (R-Sarasota) and with a Senate counterpart (SB 180) sponsored by Sen. Nick DiCeglie (R-Indian Rocks Beach), the measure aims to streamline post-storm recovery and…
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When Hurricane Milton swept through Tampa Bay in October, it left a trail of destruction—including the loss of thousands of trees. In St. Petersburg alone, city crews responded to more than 2,000 reports of downed trees. According to local environmental group Take Mar, the city may have lost up to 20% of its tree canopy…
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Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated Tampa Bay’s tree canopy in 2024. Now, local initiatives are helping residents replant and restore the region’s greenery. The storms, striking just two weeks apart, caused unprecedented damage, felling trees and leaving landscapes bare. To counter this loss, tree giveaway programs are sprouting up across the area, offering free native…
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A long-vacant tower in downtown St. Petersburg, left visibly scarred by Hurricane Milton, is poised for a major transformation. The damaged 11-story structure at 300 Central Avenue is set to be replaced with a boutique hotel, according to plans submitted by Gianco Companies. The Tampa-based developer, which acquired the property in 2017, has officially proposed…
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For the first time in 20 years, the Town of North Redington Beach has a new mayor at the helm—just as the community faces one of its toughest recoveries yet. Jay Super was sworn in during the March town commission meeting after running unopposed. He succeeds Bill Queen, who stepped down in February after two…
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For many adults, revisiting the places from childhood can bring a rush of memories — post-game pizza parties, spring break lunches, or weekend family dinners. Capogna’s Dugout in Clearwater has long been one of those places. Owner Al Capogna takes pride in that legacy. “You start eating pizza and spaghetti here when you’re 6 or…
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Residents in North Tampa’s Forest Hills neighborhood—classified as “Flood Zone X,” typically considered low-risk—gathered Monday night to demand answers from city and county leaders after devastating flooding last year. Sherri Allen, a longtime Forest Hills resident, recalled watching helplessly as water poured into her home the morning after Hurricane Milton made landfall. “It was terrible,”…
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After sustaining over $1.5 million in damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital is investing nearly $34 million to strengthen its St. Petersburg campus against future storms. The historic hospital, which sheltered around 200 children and families during the storms, suffered roof, wind, and water intrusion damage. CEO K. Alicia Schulhof…
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Pasco County residents gathered Monday night for the first in a series of public meetings to discuss how to allocate millions in federal hurricane relief funds — with housing emerging as the community’s top concern. The meeting, held at the J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex, was part of the county’s outreach effort to involve the…
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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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While April 15 is the traditional tax filing deadline, some Tampa Bay Area taxpayers impacted by recent storms have more time to submit their returns. The IRS has extended the tax deadline to May 1 for individuals affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This extension applies automatically to those whose official address is in a…
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