Tag: hurricanes
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Nearly six months after hurricanes Helene and Milton struck the Florida Gulf Coast, Pinellas County has sent out substantial damage letters to hundreds of mobile home park residents, notifying them that their properties exceed FEMA’s 50% damage threshold. This designation means homeowners must either elevate or replace their homes to meet FEMA compliance standards. At…
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Eddie Powers is putting the finishing touches on the two vacation rentals he owns with his wife, Jen, on Manasota Key. This week marks a major milestone for the couple, as they prepare to welcome their first renters following the devastating hurricanes of 2024, Helene and Milton. “We restored them exactly as they were when…
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Treasure Island has revised several ordinances to allow residents to elevate their homes, offering a new option to protect against flooding as part of a terrain modification program set to begin on May 1. The use of fill material in this process remains entirely optional, according to city officials. Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused widespread…
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Hurricane victims in Tampa are grappling with confusion over who qualifies for relief funds and when they might receive assistance, prompting city leaders to call for patience. Recently, some homeowners received emails informing them that they won’t be getting financial help in the immediate phase. Marilyn Menendez-Arnett, whose husband Wendal passed away in June 2023,…
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Following last year’s unprecedented hurricane season, the City of Tampa has intensified its efforts to clear storm drains and regrade drainage ditches throughout the city. The heavy rainfall preceding Hurricanes Helene and Milton put significant strain on the city’s stormwater system, resulting in coastal flooding during Helene and rare street-level flooding in parts of Tampa…
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A Florida-based insurance company will pay over $30 million to the state’s hurricane fund after accusations of submitting multiple ineligible claims for reimbursement, the attorney general’s office announced. Attorney General James Uthmeier revealed on Tuesday that Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPCIC) will return the funds to the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF). The…
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Nearly six months after Hurricane Milton tore through the Tampa Bay area, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has officially classified it as one of the most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record. According to the NHC’s final storm report released Monday, Milton’s central pressure dropped as low as 895 mb, while its winds peaked at 178…
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This week marks six months since the Island began recovering from Hurricane Helene’s severe flooding—just days before it was struck again by Hurricane Milton. On September 26, Helene’s storm surge inundated much of the Island with four feet of water, damaging or destroying homes and businesses across its three cities. Bradenton Beach was hit particularly…
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St. Petersburg is set to launch a groundbreaking seagrass restoration project along its coastline this summer, a decade-long effort that the city believes may be the first of its kind in the United States. The initiative, centered off North Shore Park, has city officials buzzing with excitement. “This is probably the first of its kind…
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Heather Wendt’s father-in-law built their two-story home in Crystal Beach, Pinellas County, over 50 years ago. Despite being situated along Sutherland Bayou, floodwaters had never reached the doorstep—until last year. Now, the blue carpet that once lined her staircase is torn from the first three steps, and remnants of spray-foam sealant cling to the front…
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As our coastal communities continue rebuilding after last fall’s storms, two beloved beachside favorites are welcoming guests once again. The Helm Provisions & Coastal Fare (7736 Blind Pass Road) and Ricky T’s Bar & Grille (10601 Gulf Boulevard) have officially reopened, marking a joyful milestone in their recovery. Both establishments faced a challenging road back,…
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More than $100 million in state grants remain unclaimed by applicants of the My Safe Florida Home program. Homeowners are urged to act quickly to secure up to $10,000 for home-hardening projects. According to a memo released last week by Senate President Ben Albritton, these funds were originally allocated to homeowners who completed inspections and…
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The St. Petersburg City Council has greenlit potential remedies for the exorbitant water bills that have plagued numerous residents. The issue of sky-high water bills emerged in the wake of last year’s hurricanes, with some residents reporting bills ranging from $1,000 to a staggering $10,000. At a public hearing, frustrated residents voiced their exasperation over…
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Six months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck, many residents are still grappling with the aftermath of these storms, compounded by unresolved damage from earlier ones. Among them is Tanya Morales, who continues to wait for insurance funds to address worsening roof issues. Morales frequently climbs onto her roof with a ladder to clear leaves…
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The first City Hall on Tour event of 2025 introduced Sunrise St. Pete, a $160 million storm recovery initiative, providing residents with a direct platform to connect with city officials. Mayor Ken Welch praised the community’s resilience in the wake of consecutive hurricanes, noting that while some initially expressed frustration, many are now appreciative of…
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According to FEMA, the 2024 hurricanes—Debby, Helene, and Milton—resulted in over 72,000 national flood insurance claims. Specifically, Hurricane Helene alone prompted more than 54,000 claims within a month of its impact. FEMA data from 2003 to 2023 also reveals that 99% of U.S. counties have experienced a flood event, underscoring the widespread risk. In response…
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The historic Don Cesar Hotel in St. Pete welcomed guests back yesterday in a limited capacity, more than six months after sustaining significant damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. The 1920s Gatsby-Era building suffered extensive harm, prompting the hotel’s management to opt for a gradual reopening. As of yesterday, guests can access the…
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Hillsborough County officials are organizing eight community meetings in April and May as part of a regional stormwater evaluation. These meetings come in response to the historic flooding caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton last year. “A third of the entire Tampa Bay’s volume was dropped on the region during Hurricane Milton, leading to widespread…
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Florida dominates the list of America’s “most dangerous” beaches, with ten locations earning this label according to a study by Tideschart. The researchers analyzed 528 U.S. beaches, evaluating them based on surf zone fatalities, shark attacks, and hurricanes. Each beach received a score out of 100 to reflect its overall risk level. New Smyrna Beach…
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Pinellas County has secured over $813 million in federal funding to aid long-term recovery efforts from recent hurricanes—and officials want your input on how to allocate the funds. The funding, provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will support recovery efforts following Hurricane Idalia (2023) and Hurricanes Helene and Milton (2024).…
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The City of Tampa has initiated pre-applications for a hurricane assistance program aimed at supporting homeowners affected by last year’s storms, Helene and Milton. Funded through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), the city is providing three forms of disaster relief. Eligible households earning under $133,700 annually can apply. The assistance includes up to $5,000…
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For Kathy Kaestner, the list of home repairs seems never-ending. “We had to rip out all the floors, all the drywall four feet and under, the cabinets,” Kaestner said. “I lost all my appliances.” Local news station, WFTS previously shared Kaestner’s story. Living in Tampa’s Forest Hills neighborhood, she suffered severe flood damage after Hurricane…
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Resilience defines Pinellas County’s tourism industry, which has bounced back impressively after the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In January, visitors contributed a record $8.29 million to local tax revenue, just three months post-storm. With over 1,400 rooms set to reopen by summer, officials expect further growth. St. Petersburg played a vital role in…
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Florida legislators are advancing a proposal aimed at addressing challenges that arose during the destructive 2024 hurricane season. The Florida House took steps on Tuesday to push forward new measures, including property tax relief for rebuilt homes and updated election procedures in post-storm conditions. The House Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee unanimously approved HB 1535,…
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The City of St. Petersburg is allocating $7 million to upgrade two wastewater treatment facilities after severe flooding during the 2024 hurricane season forced their shutdowns. Hurricanes Helene and Milton inundated the Maximo Moorings neighborhood in South St. Pete, leading to the closure of the Southwest Wastewater Treatment Facility. Floodwaters in the area were contaminated…
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St. Pete is in the final phase of repairing its parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, and city-owned buildings battered by the consecutive hurricanes of 2024. Mike Jefferis, the city’s Community Enrichment Administrator, reports that the Lake Vista Recreation Center in South St. Pete endured some of the heaviest destruction. A bustling hub, the center has been…
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Florida lawmakers grilled the state’s current and former insurance commissioners for three hours last Friday, demanding answers about why they failed to disclose a 2022 report exposing massive financial transfers from Florida insurers to out-of-state affiliates. Property insurers were pleading for legislative relief at the time, citing financial strain from major storms and excessive litigation.…
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As Treasure Island continues to rebuild after last year’s devastating hurricanes, both visitors and local businesses are adjusting to the first spring break since the storms. Many tourists anticipated some changes, but they were still taken aback by how much the area has transformed. Meanwhile, business owners are working to recover, hoping for a boost…
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As three new city commissioners take office in Treasure Island Tuesday night, city leaders will decide whether to advance the proposed Terrain Modification Program. The newly elected commissioners—Tammy Vasquez, Chris Clark, and Arthur Czyszczon—join Mayor John Doctor, who secured re-election. City officials describe the Terrain Modification Program as a long-term strategy to address rising sea…
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Spring breakers are once again flocking to the barrier islands, months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated the area, leaving homes and businesses struggling to rebuild. Monday marked the start of spring break for many Tampa Bay students. “Crabby’s on the Pass, gone,” Landis Wilson told WFLA. “PCI’s gone.” “It just feels really different,” she…
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As spring break kicks off, students and families are flocking to the beaches of Tampa Bay for the next few weeks, with Treasure Island among the destinations eager to receive them. While some local beaches are still bouncing back from the recent hurricane season, Treasure Island is prepared to host guests once again. City officials…
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Nearly six months after hurricanes Helene and Milton caused widespread destruction, five Parks and Recreation facilities across Tampa are on track to reopen by May. The storms left significant damage in their wake—submerged HVAC units, downed light poles, toppled fences, uprooted trees, and shingles torn from roofs. Among the affected sites, the DeSoto Community Center…
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Nearly six months ago, 98-year-old Regina May watched in disbelief as waves crashed outside her South Pasadena home when Hurricane Helene struck the Tampa Bay area. “All the water came here like a waterfall—it was rushing in so fast,” May recalled to WTVT. Floodwaters surged into her first floor, destroying many of her belongings. Her…
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Tampa is introducing a fresh effort to revive its tree canopy, focusing on underserved areas. Dubbed “Plant Your Heart Out,” the initiative is a collaboration among the city, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, and Suncoast Credit Union, which contributed $50,000. It takes inspiration from Tampa’s “Paint Your Heart Out” program, where citizens, businesses, clubs, and groups…
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As the 2025 hurricane season approaches, organizations across the region are seeking innovative ways to support their communities. In Lakewood Ranch, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is elevating its preparedness efforts with the launch of a groundbreaking initiative—The Drone Program. David Esslinger, a member of the new CERT drone team, will pilot drones to…
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Every year, thousands of families flock to Pinellas County’s beaches for spring break, making it the busiest season for local businesses. At Larry’s Ice Cream and Gelato, owner Alison Herman showcases an array of sweet treats, but business has been sluggish since hurricanes Helene and Milton hit. “Being closed for weeks took a big financial…
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Numerous hurricane survivors remain in limbo, dependent on FEMA’s temporary housing aid. Caught in a permit backlog, many are still unable to start rebuilding their homes. Yet, they now face an unexpected deadline that has taken them by surprise. With spring break underway, Plaza Beach Hotel’s rooms are fully booked, leaving dozens of guests uncertain…
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Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, FEMA has disbursed over $1.5 billion to assist Floridians. Yet, nearly six months later, WTSP reports that some survivors, expecting ongoing temporary housing payments, are suddenly finding that important support cut off. Terri Orr of St. Pete Beach is among them. In a single night, he lost his home, car,…
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Since October, Plaza Beach Resorts in St. Pete Beach has opened its doors exclusively to storm survivors, a commitment owner Rob Czyszczon plans to maintain even through the profitable spring break season. “Every guest here was impacted by the hurricanes,” Czyszczon told Bay News 9. “We’re doing what’s right for our community—providing shelter to those…
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What seemed like a negotiating tactic has become a reality: the Tampa Bay Rays have abandoned a $1.37 billion stadium deal in downtown St. Petersburg after years of talks. The team’s partner, Hines, has scrapped plans to convert Tropicana Field’s sprawling lots into a lively mixed-use area honoring the displaced Black community. Still, Rays owner…
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Homeowners facing storm damage are left with a tough choice: elevate their homes or tear them down. Many residents affected by recent hurricanes are struggling to comply with federal rebuilding requirements, and the decision isn’t getting any easier. This week, the Florida Department of Emergency Management is holding meetings to discuss the new Elevate Florida…
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With spring break on the horizon, businesses in Holmes Beach and Anna Maria Island are steadily rebuilding after last year’s destructive hurricanes. Mayor Judy Titsworth of Holmes Beach recounted the severe impact: “Flooding wiped out about 95% of our businesses. We had water three feet deep almost everywhere.” Since October, local business owners have been…
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Following the devastation caused by recent hurricanes, officials in St. Petersburg and local maritime businesses are intensifying efforts to mitigate storm surge impacts and safeguard the city’s future. Saildrone, a maritime defense and oceanographic survey company headquartered at the Maritime Defense and Technology Hub in the Innovation District, has launched two 10-meter, solar-powered Saildrone Voyager…
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The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is hosting workshops this week in Pinellas County to help residents navigate ‘Elevate Florida,’ a pioneering statewide residential mitigation program. Designed to accelerate property protection efforts, the program aims to minimize damage from natural disasters such as hurricanes and flooding. The first workshop takes place on Wednesday at…
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