Tag: Hurricane Milton
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Tropicana Field isn’t just home to the Tampa Bay Rays—it’s a hub for numerous events. Now, with storm damage forcing the stadium to close for repairs, over 50 scheduled events, including high school graduations, are relocating. St. Petersburg Council Member Copley Gerdes revealed during a recent Tourist Development Council meeting that 40 to 75 events…
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Homeowners in St. Petersburg’s Shore Acres neighborhood are facing unexpected challenges with their water bills after their homes were gutted due to recent hurricanes, leaving them both puzzled and frustrated. ‘It’s Really Frustrating’ What They’re Saying: Jack Cleary’s Shore Acres residence is currently vacant and stripped to the studs. His faucets are completely dry. “Where’s…
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Dylan Hubbard described Boca Ciega Bay as a “doody-brown color” in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. “I mean, it was really ugly,” he said. The fishing charter captain and fourth-generation owner of Hubbard’s Marina explained that the water, which “looked like a sewer” rather than its typical blue-green hue, made it difficult to…
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The City of St. Petersburg has faced expenses exceeding $247.3 million from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with more than half of that sum attributed to debris removal. City officials are optimistic about securing necessary funds from various sources to cover these costs. However, the city is still pending a $3 million reimbursement for damages from…
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In November, St. Pete achieved a milestone by collecting over $1 million in monthly tourist development taxes for the first time. The Pinellas County Tourist Development Council is now analyzing the impact of last year’s intense hurricane season on tourism during the holiday period. Tamara Journeau described downtown Treasure Island as unusually cold and quiet. …
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The Tampa Bay Rays are demanding that Tropicana Field be fully repaired and ready for opening day of the 2026 season. However, leaders from the City of St. Petersburg have clarified that their agreement does not include a specific deadline for these repairs. The damage caused by a hurricane and the shredded roof of Tropicana…
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An exceptional hurricane season inflicted over $2.4 billion in damages to approximately 1,100 businesses and 41,000 homes in the region, impacting the local economy and workforce significantly. On Wednesday, the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce outlined several storm-recovery strategies for business owners and employees still recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. They organized a…
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Treasure Island residents are frustrated with the city commission, blaming them for delays in the permitting process. Without permits, residents can’t repair their homes, which were damaged months ago in back-to-back hurricanes. The commission decided to send substantial damage letters to people without permits, using all available data for the permitting process. Residents pointed out…
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Nearly four months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton displaced thousands of residents along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the City of St. Petersburg has partnered with the Bay Area Apartment Association (BAAA) to provide housing solutions for those affected. The partnership will host a Hurricane Recovery Rental Housing Fair on Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 3 to 7…
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Homeowners in St. Petersburg are expressing frustration and disbelief over unexpectedly high water bills in the weeks and months following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which wreaked havoc across the region. Miles Hitchcock, a local resident, was taken aback when he received a water bill amounting to $4,500, an amount he described as a “shock” to…
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A beloved fishing retreat in Ruskin, Pirate’s Pointe Resort, has reopened its doors to guests after enduring severe damage from Hurricane Helene. A Dream Realized: Tom and Tammie Saxon have been the proud owners of Pirate’s Pointe Resort since 2015, situated on West Shell Point Road. The couple envisioned this two-acre property on the Little…
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The enormous fallout of last year’s hurricanes, particularly Hurricane Milton, continues to be felt, with volunteers dedicating themselves to long-term support for those affected. At The Standard Apartments in Clearwater, the need remains high as Graciela Rheben, founder of Standard Community Help, explains, “Right now, we’re in urgent need of donations like food, diapers, and…
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St. Petersburg officials and local legislators have teamed up to reduce the number of vehicles that push floodwaters into otherwise dry homes. A new bill, crafted locally, seeks to bypass state preemption and allow local governments to regulate vehicle speeds on flooded roads. The proposed legislation would also enable law enforcement to cite drivers who…
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Due to the extensive damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) has implemented significant cost-cutting measures. Among these, 50 employees, comprising 22 full-time and 28 part-time workers from a total staff of 175, have been placed on temporary furlough. Additionally, CEO Joe Handy and other leaders have agreed to salary…
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The 47th annual St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show showcased over 400 vessels last weekend, drawing crowds to the Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park from January 16–19. However, vendors noted a shift in consumer behavior following the Gulf Coast’s severe hurricane season in September and October, with high-end boat sales reportedly dipping…
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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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After Hurricane Milton struck Brandon on October 9, Vietnam veteran Charles “Dan” Jackson found himself living without electricity when a fallen tree damaged his home’s electrical box. For over 15 weeks, he relied on the kindness of neighbors and recently received crucial help from local organizations to move toward full power restoration. “I was existing,…
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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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Hurricanes Helene and Milton did far more than damage homes and businesses. The storms also ravaged other things. For instance, the grassroots organization, Take MAR, is on a mission to restore greenery to Bay Area communities by replanting trees lost to the storms. Take MAR President Tara Hubbard says their efforts have been ongoing for…
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Gulfport residents are raising alarms about significant changes reshaping their community while they struggle to recover, months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated their town. When floodwaters surged from the Gulfport Marina, the district neighborhood suffered widespread damage. More than twelve weeks later, longtime resident Marie Lamarre says many of her neighbors have yet to…
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St. Pete Beach is calling for volunteers to help alleviate a backlog that’s preventing storm victims from rebuilding their homes. Blue tarps and sandbags cover numerous rooftops in the Bahia Shores neighborhood, a stark reminder of Hurricane Helene’s impact last fall. The remnants of destruction are still visible as residents await their permits, three months…
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The Anna Maria Island Historical Society and Museum suffered significant damage to several invaluable artifacts due to floodwaters from Hurricanes Helene and Milton last year. The museum’s board is now evaluating each artifact while also focusing on repairing the building itself. “This place is a mess, but it’s where we’re keeping the treasures we’ve managed…
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Numerous St. Petersburg residents have reported receiving shockingly high water bills in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. “I was absolutely shocked when I saw the bill was around $4,500,” exclaimed St. Pete local Miles Hitchcock. Details: Following the hurricanes, Hitchcock was slapped with a water bill of $4,500, which was roughly 20 times…
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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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Even months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the psychological impact on children could still be significant, according to Dr. Steve O’Brien, a Clinical Child Psychologist in Tampa Bay. “Children really grasp that this is now a part of their reality, and unfortunately, they’ll see these events as even more likely than they might have before,”…
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is set to terminate its transitional shelter assistance for families impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, effective Tuesday. This decision affects those who FEMA has determined no longer qualify for the program. Details on Affected Individuals: Approximately 47,000 residents of Florida have been residing in hotels and motels since…
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After Hurricane Milton forced the City of St. Petersburg to shut down two major sewer treatment plants proactively, officials have taken steps to strengthen the city’s wastewater infrastructure against future storms. The city has approved a $600,000 investment to purchase an AquaFence to safeguard a critical lift station near Albert Whitted Airport in downtown St.…
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The City of New Port Richey has issued a stop work order on four apartment units for violating city ordinances for repairs done after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. WFTS reporter Michael Paluska first investigated this story following a tip from a tenant. When he initially met with Justin Kearns at his apartment, they noticed buckets…
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St. Petersburg is set to commence repairs on Albert Whitted Airport, over three months after Hurricane Milton caused significant damage to the publicly owned facility. On January 9, City Council members unanimously approved a $1.2 million contract to start the demolition and removal of damaged hangars. Crews are scheduled to begin constructing the 2025 Firestone…
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Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-Tampa) is urging the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to expedite the reopening of two post office locations in her district that have remained closed for months following damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, Rep. Castor called for action to restore operations at the Ruskin…
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Thousands of families remain displaced following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. To help these residents secure temporary or permanent housing, the city of St. Petersburg is partnering with the Bay Area Apartment Association (BAAA) to host a Hurricane Recovery Rental Housing Fair. This event will serve as a one-stop resource, connecting families with local housing providers.…
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Kim Zetta claims she received only $52,000 for her insurance claim, despite a public adjuster estimating the damages to exceed $300,000. The struggle to return home after Hurricanes Helene and Milton continues for many in the Tampa Bay area, including a St. Petersburg resident who feels her insurance company has underpaid her claim. She contacted…
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St. Petersburg is set to receive over $160 million to bolster its resilience against future storms, aid local businesses, and assist residents still recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. However, Amy Foster, the city’s housing and neighborhood services administrator, indicated during a city council committee meeting on Thursday that the disbursement of these funds could…
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Aid might soon be available for Tampa residents still reeling from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. During Thursday’s meeting, the Tampa City Council is set to discuss updates on funding that could assist with mortgage payments, insurance deductibles, and other recovery expenses. Councilman Luis Viera highlighted that this aid would be particularly beneficial for residents in…
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This week, a major Florida citrus grower announced it will discontinue its citrus operations, highlighting the challenges faced by the state’s iconic crops due to hurricanes and tree diseases. Alico Inc. revealed on Monday that it plans to wind down its citrus operations after harvesting the current crop later this year. Approximately 3,400 acres (1,376…
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When Hurricane Milton struck Palm Harbor, it damaged 15 screens at Dave Hoffmann’s home. In early December, he and his wife hired Steve Bourget Rescreening to fix the damage, with assurances the work would be completed the following week. However, they were required to pay a 50% deposit upfront, totaling $750, which Hoffmann paid by…
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Thousands of Tampa Bay area residents are still navigating the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, grappling with significant challenges, including confusion over damage assessment letters issued by local municipalities. These letters are critical because if a home is deemed more than 50% damaged, the homeowner is typically required to either demolish or elevate the…
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Families hit hard by the storms face yet another major setback. Many have not been able to return to their homes, and now a looming deadline could force them to pack their bags once again. Hurricanes Helene and Milton’s surge left several Treasure Island communities in shambles. The City of Treasure Island is dealing with…
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The deadline to apply for FEMA aid for hurricane relief is today, January 7. Residents affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton need to submit their applications before the end of the day. FEMA representatives have been assisting residents through the application process for months. According to FEMA representative Belinda Borrero, Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) offer…
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Tampa Bay Rays officials now state they “support and expect” the City of St. Petersburg to complete repairs to the hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field in time for Opening Day of the 2026 season. In a letter to City Administrator Robert Gerdes, Rays President Matthew Silverman outlined the organization’s revised stance, emphasizing the importance of the city…
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The deadline to apply for FEMA aid is fast approaching. Applications for assistance from hurricanes Helene and Milton are due by Tuesday, January 7. FEMA representatives have been assisting residents for months. According to FEMA representative Belinda Borrero, Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) offer personalized assistance. “Since we have so many survivors, that’s why we have…
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After dealing with flooding fatigue, a Madeira Beach couple, Phillip Ragan and Mary Barker, have become experts on raising their house to mitigate the constant threat of flooding. The couple moved into their dream home in 2002, but after years of dealing with flooding, they decided to explore raising their house in 2020. They began…
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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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As the new year begins, Treasure Island residents continue grappling with challenges left in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Months after the storms, many homeowners are still awaiting permits to repair their damaged properties, while others face an even more frustrating hurdle: inaccurate damage assessments. Residents have raised concerns about substantial discrepancies in…
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