Tag: hurricanes
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Treasure Island’s beach is primed for spring break, but the hurricanes’ aftermath lingers. Many hotels, bars, restaurants, and shops remain in shambles, still reeling from storms Helene and Milton. Jason Beisel, a city official, explains that a 10-foot storm surge engulfed the island, leaving no building unscathed. “Recovery isn’t quick—it could take years,” he says.…
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After last year’s hurricanes, coastal residents faced confusion and frustration due to permitting and recovery delays. With a new hurricane season looming, Tampa Bay lawmakers are proposing legislation to cut through bureaucratic obstacles and help Floridians return to their homes. State Senator Nick Diceglie, R-Indian Rocks Island, emphasized the ongoing struggle: “Even now, some residents…
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St. Petersburg remains under a local state of emergency, even five months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck, as Mayor Ken Welch’s declaration has been extended through June 30. This extension grants the mayor the authority to bypass typical city procedures when necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare. It also allows him to…
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Pinellas County officials are pushing ahead with the Sand Key Beach Nourishment initiative, aimed at replenishing sand to form dunes and planting seagrass to stabilize it. According to the county, the Army Corps of Engineers mandates that all property owners grant easements for public access and use in areas where sand is deposited. Local authorities…
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As the peak of spring break approaches, tens of thousands of visitors are expected to flock to local beaches, even as communities continue to recover from last year’s hurricanes. In Clearwater Beach, the historic Palm Pavilion has undergone significant renovations, with new floors, chairs, tables, and other upgrades after being gutted by recent storms. “We’ve…
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The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, spanning from June 1 to November 30, is predicted to be “near-average,” according to Colorado State University meteorologist Philip Klotzbach. Forecasts from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather suggest a total of 12 named storms and five hurricanes this year. Klotzbach, an expert in Atlantic basin seasonal hurricane forecasting, noted…
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Manatee County Commissioners have voted to demolish a 70-year-old bait and tackle shop in Cortez Village, paving the way for a new two-story shop and marina. Bruce Shearer, the owner of Annie’s Bait and Tackle, had hoped to save the building, believing it was still salvageable. However, the county, which recently acquired the property, decided…
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Fire Station 22 in Pass-a-Grille, vacant since Hurricane Helene flooded it last September, is slated for demolition, according to St. Pete Beach Fire Chief Jim Kilpatrick. “We’d already planned to tear it down,” Kilpatrick told Bay News 9. “The storm just sped up the timeline.” Constructed in 1974, the station has faced mounting issues. A…
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Governor Ron DeSantis aims to extend the benefits of the “My Safe Florida Home” program, which helps homeowners strengthen their properties against storms. As the 2025 legislative session begins in Tallahassee, discussions around securing additional funding for the program have resurfaced. “We recently proposed in the special session for the legislature to fund the folks…
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The City of St. Pete has introduced Sunrise St. Pete, a new initiative to guide the use of $159.8 million awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funds, part of the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, will support the city’s long-term recovery from Hurricane Idalia (August 2023) and…
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Hurricane Milton devastated coastal communities across the greater Tampa Bay region, but inland areas were hit just as hard. Tracy Boyette has lived near Lakeland for 17 years—but her home, or what’s left of it, is almost unrecognizable. “Everything was damaged,” Boyette told WUSF. “I’ve never seen mold grow so fast, spreading up the walls.…
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Months after being battered by back-to-back hurricanes, several beach businesses—including the Don CeSar hotel, Ricky T’s, and Caddy’s Treasure Island—are reopening or preparing to welcome guests once again. The historic Don CeSar will begin a phased reopening in March, with overnight stays available starting April 1, according to a news release. The nearly century-old resort,…
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Caddy’s in Treasure Island has reopened after months of closure due to the extensive damage caused by the 2024 hurricanes, which left its main building unusable. Thanks to a recently approved city ordinance, the restaurant has found a new way to operate. “We have just about the same amount of tables that we did outside,…
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As storm recovery efforts continue across Tampa Bay, the city of St. Petersburg has shared updates on key initiatives, including the commencement of repairs at Tropicana Field. Under the terms of the residency agreement with the Tampa Bay Rays, the city is responsible for the repairs, which are projected to cost approximately $56 million. The…
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Spring breakers and vacationers are once again heading to Florida’s Gulf Coast, bringing a much-needed boost for local businesses still recovering from last year’s hurricanes. March, the peak month for tourism revenue, couldn’t come at a better time. While some vacation rentals, restaurants, and tourism-dependent businesses are still struggling to reopen, most are ready to…
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A cherished Hernando Beach staple is making a resilient return after facing back-to-back challenges. Brian’s Place, a beloved local restaurant, was forced to close temporarily following severe damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Just as recovery efforts were nearing completion, a fire dealt another blow. But through it all, the restaurant’s spirit—and its team—emerged stronger…
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In October, Hurricane Milton battered the Tampa Bay area, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Now, nearly six months later, some Zephyrhills residents continue to grapple with persistent flooding, lacking access to basic necessities like running water and electricity. Don Ferguson, a resident of nearly 20 years, saw his entire home inundated during…
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Between 2017 and 2019, Florida-based insurers reported losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars, yet their affiliate companies raked in billions over the same period. This turbulent time coincided with Hurricanes Irma and Michael, which devastated the state and signaled the start of a new financial crisis for the insurance industry. A 2022 report…
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Local officials made a final plea to beachfront property owners to sign construction easements before a Feb. 28 deadline, but their efforts fell short of gaining enough support. Pinellas County is now moving forward with the Sand Key Beach Nourishment project, despite missing over 150 signed easements. At a Feb. 27 event, Commission Chair Brian…
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Real estate agent Bettina Geel is showcasing a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Brandon, spanning over 2,600 square feet. “This is it! Welcome to your new home,” she greets potential buyers. Listed at $450,000, the home faces increased competition as Florida’s housing market reaches an all-time high. “Right now, there are a lot of houses on…
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During the Feb. 26 Madeira Beach workshop meeting, the city’s parks took center stage, signaling a shift to a more stable phase of hurricane recovery. Discussions highlighted beachfront Archibald Park’s new restrooms, the proposed “Honor Court” at Patriot Park, and fresh designs for neighborhood pocket parks. Archibald Park, located at Tom Stuart Causeway, serves as…
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A new state bill is in the works to streamline the permitting process, aiming to help storm-affected residents rebuild and recover more efficiently. This issue has been especially persistent in the Bay Area following hurricanes Helene and Milton, leaving homeowners like Sean Bryan in limbo as they wait to repair their properties in St. Pete…
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Governor Ron DeSantis’ proposed budget includes $600 million for the My Safe Florida Home and Condo grant programs, aimed at strengthening homes against hurricanes and reducing property insurance costs. Of the nearly $600 million allocated for homeowners, $480 million would assist approximately 45,000 homeowners who have completed inspections and are awaiting funding to move forward…
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Six months after Hurricane Helene inundated Redington Shores with floodwaters, some residents are just now obtaining detailed damage assessments. Kellie Sipos received a report indicating her home sustained less than 49% damage. She’s now in a frantic rush to reconstruct before the next storm season. “There’s widespread panic,” Sipos told Bay News 9. “Our greatest…
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Two proposed constitutional amendments are targeting the same goal: reducing home insurance costs. Both require approval from Florida voters. Property insurance costs are a major concern for many Floridians. Two different efforts aim to address this issue by amending the state’s constitution. One initiative, led by a group that launched a citizens’ petition campaign, seeks…
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As the March 31 deadline approaches, the Tampa Bay Rays face a critical decision about their proposed $1.3 billion stadium and the surrounding $6.5 billion Historic Gas Plant District development in St. Petersburg. Despite prior agreements and enthusiasm, recent events have created significant obstacles that may derail the project. The Current Situation The Rays must…
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St. Petersburg originally planned $960 million in stormwater projects over five years. However, Mayor Ken Welch’s push to tackle growing climate threats has increased the total to $1.5 billion. City council members received their first in-depth briefing on the St. Pete Agile Resilience (SPAR) program Thursday. Launched after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, SPAR aims to…
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St. Petersburg’s booming development has resulted in a backlog of construction permits, further aggravated by an unprecedented hurricane season. Although officials believe a new platform will help address the issue, persistent staffing challenges remain a significant concern. A 2024 independent study echoed local developers’ sentiments: the understaffed permitting department needs more personnel. Elizabeth “Liz” Abernethy,…
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Some St. Petersburg residents can soon receive a full reimbursement to fix faulty sewer laterals, which officials say contribute significantly to flooding and sewage overflows. Private laterals connect a home’s plumbing to public sewer systems, and a new initiative will eventually offer up to $5,000 rebates citywide. Administrators believe the program could reduce inflow from…
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Bradenton Beach officials have reached a consensus on demolishing 16 structures severely damaged by the 2024 hurricanes. During a Feb. 20 commission meeting, Police Chief John Cosby, who leads the city’s emergency management team, reported that he had notified property owners on Feb. 10 about the need for demolition. According to FEMA guidelines, if a…
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One of Manatee County’s major employers, Tropicana, faces potential bankruptcy amid a struggling citrus industry. Sales for Tropicana brands have declined, leading to reduced profits. The company grapples with rising prices, intensifying competition, and shifting market trends. A notable example of Tropicana’s financial difficulties: CNN reports that a European private equity firm recently extended a…
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Generac, a top generator manufacturer, anticipates growing residential demand in storm-prone regions and is expanding its workforce by hiring hundreds to meet the need as hurricane season approaches. In the Tampa Bay area, local companies and Pinellas County building officials report a 50% jump in approved residential permits for generators in 2024 compared to the…
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A St. Petersburg lawmaker is proposing a bill to tackle wastewater and sewage spill concerns. This is because Floridians are all too familiar with the devastating impacts of storm surge and flood waters. Now, a new piece of legislation aims to address sewage and wastewater needs across the state. With the legislative session just around…
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The Pinecrest-Leto community is one of several North Tampa neighborhoods that, despite not being designated as FEMA flood zones, suffered extensive flood damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Many homeowners in the area lack flood insurance and are relying on federal assistance—some of which, they claim, has yet to arrive. Codie Parkinson has already spent…
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Hurricane Helene’s storm surge last September severely damaged critical infrastructure in Pass-a-Grille, including a beach wall, roadway, and seawall—necessitating costly emergency repairs, according to St. Pete Beach Public Services Director Camden Mills. “This is a top priority project for us, and we are actively investigating solutions,” Mills said. “These infrastructure repairs are crucial for public…
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A legal battle over the presidential administration’s pause and review of federal funding has created uncertainty for the City of St. Petersburg at a critical time. City officials are awaiting approximately $200 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and an additional $160 million in hurricane recovery funds for residents. Frustrated city council members…
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Pinellas County is exploring a plan to ease the burden on hurricane victims by eliminating permit fees for rebuilding efforts. For families in parts of Pinellas County, the aftermath of recent storms lingers, with homes still in disrepair months later. County commissioners are looking at a proposal to waive building permit fees for repair and…
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Sarasota County is confident that hurricane recovery funds will continue to flow despite shakeups in the federal bureaucracy. Local officials are depending on the U.S. government’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to address the housing and infrastructure needs caused by the trio of hurricanes—Debby, Helene, and Milton—that struck the area in 2024. This program…
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U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (FL-14) has introduced the Rebuild & Save Act, a bill designed to ease the financial burden on homeowners and small businesses rebuilding after hurricanes and other natural disasters. The legislation proposes increasing the Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan mitigation assistance cap from 20% to 30%, potentially providing up to an…
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When Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck the Sarasota area, Longboat Key was among the hardest-hit islands. The devastation forced many businesses to close, including the beloved SeaHorse Beach Resort. After months of repairs, the resort fully reopened earlier this week, and eager visitors wasted no time returning. Paul Will, a longtime guest, was relieved to…
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Four months after Hurricane Milton devastated the Lake Bonny area, residents continue to face significant challenges with insurance denials, elevated water levels, and slow recovery progress. Ongoing Water Level Concerns Residents around Lake Bonny and Little Lake Bonny are anxiously monitoring water levels as they attempt to rebuild their storm-damaged homes. Many fear that the…
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The St. Petersburg City Council continues to investigate why some residents’ water bills skyrocketed to as much as six times the normal amount following last year’s hurricanes. After Hurricanes Helene and Milton subsided, several St. Petersburg residents were left with astonishingly high water bills. “Imagine my shock when I received my December utility bill for…
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Felix Figueruelo keeps what remains of his parents’ possessions in a pod on their front porch. “They’re eager to return home,” he told Bay News 9. It’s been four months since Hurricane Milton flooded their house. “I promised them, ‘I’ll pick you up in the morning,’” he recalled. “‘You’ve got nothing to worry about.’ I…
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