Tag: hurricanes
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Hernando County Government, Development Services, and Emergency Management are notifying residents that damage assessment teams will be visiting homes affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Assessments are already underway, with additional teams deployed starting Monday, February 24, 2025. These teams, composed of County-hired contractors, will conduct substantial damage evaluations to determine the storms’ impact on…
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St. Petersburg residents, small business owners, and city employees affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton will soon receive aid. Starting in March, officials will distribute over $800,000 from the We Are St. Pete Fund, which was approved unanimously by the city council. The fund allocates $400,000 for resident grants, $200,000 for small businesses, and $200,000…
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Homeowners in Pinellas County whose homes sustained major hurricane damage last year and were uninhabitable for at least 30 days may be eligible for a partial property tax refund. This marks the second year that Pinellas County has been able to offer tax relief for significant hurricane damage. The deadline to apply for a Property…
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While some businesses have managed to rebuild after hurricane damage, others have faced the difficult decision of whether to reopen. Joe Lalond, owner of Frost Oasis, an ice cream shop offering various desserts, made the tough choice to close his beloved store. “Scooping ice cream isn’t as easy as it looks. Anyone who works in…
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Two lawsuits have been filed against the City of St. Petersburg over unexpectedly high water bills, following complaints from thousands of residents who received charges hundreds or even thousands of dollars above their usual amounts. On Thursday, the St. Petersburg City Council took steps to assist affected homeowners, including eliminating the requirement to hire a…
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Driving along the Tampa Bay area coast, the devastation from last year’s hurricanes is unmistakable, with billions of dollars in damages. To better grasp the full extent of this impact, new data reveals over 329,000 residential property insurance claims statewide since the storms hit. However, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (FLOIR) reports that less…
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The University of South Florida, in collaboration with Neptune Flood, the largest private flood insurance provider in the U.S., has unveiled the results of the 2024 Neptune Consumer Survey of Flood Awareness. This annual survey provides valuable insights into national perceptions of flood risks and insurance coverage. Led by Philip Trocchia, a marketing professor at…
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Treasure Island leaders are making strides toward aiding local businesses in hurricane recovery. City officials have unanimously advanced an ordinance designed to support restaurants and bars impacted by recent storms. With beachgoers returning, commissioners acknowledge the need for ample dining and leisure options. Mayor John Doctor emphasized, “Without our hotels, without our restaurants, without the…
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Officials in Treasure Island are requesting additional information as they deliberate on waiving permit fees for residents looking to elevate or demolish homes post-Hurricane Helene. A workshop was convened Tuesday evening where city commissioners instructed City Manager Chuck Anderson to compile data on the number of permits already issued. The next session is set for…
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Stakeholders in Tampa Bay’s development industry predict service demand and construction will cool down in 2025, owing to the impacts of an unprecedented hurricane season and rising costs. Nonetheless, they believe even modest growth highlights the region’s resilience to building challenges. Will Conroy, president of St. Petersburg-based Backstreets Capital, and Jonathan Moore, president of Tampa’s…
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Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, over 10 million cubic yards of debris were cleared from Tampa Bay, with Hillsborough County alone contributing nearly 5 million cubic yards – enough to fill over 1,400 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Residents waited patiently for months as piles of vegetative debris were removed from their street corners. Now, that same…
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Treasure Island leaders could take a step forward on Tuesday in supporting business owners still struggling to rebuild months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. City officials plan to discuss a proposal that would allow businesses to apply for “special event permits” to set up tents, temporary bars, food trucks, or trailers for an extended period…
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The City of Treasure Island is set to explore the possibility of waiving additional permit fees for residents rebuilding homes damaged by hurricanes. At a workshop scheduled for Tuesday evening, city commissioners will deliberate on the proposal to eliminate permit fees for both elevating existing homes and for new constructions aimed at replacing hurricane-affected properties.…
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A couple in Gulfport, Becky McCoy and Jim Newman, faced a significant setback in their recovery efforts after waiting nearly five months for a permit from city officials to repair their roof and the damage left by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Initially, a substantial damage determination letter from November indicated that their home suffered less…
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Sarasota County is engaging its community to shape a $210 million hurricane recovery plan, involving input from residents affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and Tropical Storm Debby in 2024. The county has initiated the “Resilient SRQ Unmet Needs Survey” and is hosting public meetings to gather this crucial feedback. The next scheduled public meeting…
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The tourism industry in Pinellas County is on the mend after the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Local business owners and employees are eager to welcome back snowbirds and vacationers. The effects on tourism trends will become clearer in the coming months and years, particularly during the peak season. Sean Green,…
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Driving through Mini Park in the Shore Acres neighborhood of St. Petersburg, you might spot the lush greenery and playground equipment, but there’s also a wooden stake to see. Perched atop this stake is a bat house. If you look closely during the day, you might even catch a glimpse of a few bats inside.…
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After five months of restoration, the popular beach at Pinellas County’s largest public park is set to reopen on Presidents’ Day. Fort De Soto Park sustained significant damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. While most of the 1,136-acre park reopened weeks ago, North Beach remained one of the final areas under repair. Park Ranger Marina…
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New state data reveals that sky-high deductibles are a major reason for insurance claim denials. After enduring years of high insurance premiums, the recent hurricane season has tested insurance companies. However, many Tampa Bay area homeowners feel let down by their insurance providers. Local news WFTS is delving deeper into why numerous hurricane claims are…
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Residents of storm-battered St. Petersburg, along with several real estate agents, have voiced worries after city officials initiated nearly 11,000 code enforcement cases on properties potentially affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Many residents argue that their properties do not exhibit significant damage, while others worry that open cases could tarnish property reputations, complicating sales. …
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After being closed for months due to significant damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton, local favorite, Fort DeSoto Park in Pinellas County, is set to fully reopen. The park has been gradually reopening in phases, with dedicated crews and volunteers working tirelessly to clean up and repair the damage caused by Helene’s powerful surge and…
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When Hurricane Helene struck, it was just another chapter in the history of flooding for the home recently acquired by Melanie Cook and her partner Shawn, months before last year’s relentless storms. Realizing the home’s recurrent flooding issues, the couple felt they had no choice but to elevate their house. “Until we elevate, the threat…
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In the state of Georgia, Augusta’s storm cleanup efforts have made significant progress over four months, but completing the work quickly has become increasingly urgent for the city’s finances. “We’ve been working every day to clear this debris. Fortunately, FEMA initially extended our deadline from 90 to 120 days,” said Mayor Pro-Tem Wayne Guilfoyle. Though…
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As St. Petersburg residents continue rebuilding after last year’s Hurricanes Helene and Milton, many are encountering code enforcement violations for making repairs without the required permits. The city currently has nearly 11,000 open code enforcement cases, primarily focused on homes that may not have obtained proper permits for storm-related repairs. Officials say this effort is…
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As spring break nears, several major beach parking lots remain closed. Visitors hoping to park at Madeira Beach and Treasure Island sections report difficulties finding available spots due to the closure of large lots. With improving weather drawing more visitors to southwest Florida, securing beach parking is becoming increasingly challenging. In regions hit hard by…
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Some St. Petersburg residents have reported unusually high water bills that are more than double their typical amount. Last week, the city council accelerated discussions on the issue, scheduling it for further examination on Feb. 20. If you’ve received a significantly high water bill, you’re not alone. Residents’ Complaints Many residents have reached out to…
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Several homeowners continue to grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which submerged entire residential areas last fall. Among those affected are Kim and Michael Barnes, who have lived on their property for two decades. “We couldn’t even reach our home because of the flooding,” Kim Barnes explained. “We had to use my son’s canoe…
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At a special meeting on Feb. 7, Treasure Island commissioners unanimously approved extending a temporary waiver of permit fees for specific storm-related repairs. However, many residents will need to wait for further discussion in a work session and another regular hearing to see if relief will be expanded to include more costly permits for raising…
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Pinellas County officials are making a fresh attempt to secure easements for critical beach renourishment projects, following devastating damage from two Category 3 hurricanes last fall. The situation has become increasingly urgent after Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck the area in September, effectively erasing previous shoreline restoration efforts. The county’s coastline was already facing severe…
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The Florida Division of Emergency Management is currently evaluating the flooding situation in Pasco County, a persistent issue for families since Hurricane Milton struck four months ago. State Senator Danny Burgess, R-Pasco County, informed WTVT that the Division recently visited the Hickory Hills neighborhood in Dade City, where numerous homeowners are still grappling with flooding.…
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Pinellas County has been awarded $512,36 in federal funds to rapidly rehouse residents affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. County commissioners will now approve grant recipients to prevent potential controversies. Initially, staff intended to rank and award applicants without commission oversight. However, Commissioner Vince Nowicki raised concerns about the Homeless Leadership Alliance (HLA) of Pinellas…
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The Sandcastle Resort, a beloved landmark on Lido Beach, will soon be demolished following extensive damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. While the owner had previously planned to redevelop the property, the severe storm damage has accelerated the timeline for demolition. For many visitors, the news marks the end of an era. Among them are…
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Hurricanes Helene and Milton have left many homeowners grappling with challenges from flooding to extensive cleanups. Now, a federal regulation may add to their financial woes. The FEMA 50% rule, a complex regulation, could cost affected homeowners hundreds of thousands of dollars, catching many off guard. Homeowners in flood zones with substantial damage may not…
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Thousands of homeowners in St. Petersburg are dealing with open city code cases on their properties. City officials explain that these cases were initiated after damage assessments to ensure properties comply with city codes and FEMA regulations. However, this initiative has sparked frustration among homeowners, including Kevin Batdorf. He argues that these open cases might…
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St. Petersburg officials have pledged not to cut off water service or impose additional late fees on residents hit with unexpectedly high utility bills following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. During a tense meeting Thursday, city council members pressed administrators for answers but received little clarity on how many customers were affected or why bills had…
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The beloved Citrus County beach remains closed months after Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage. Storm surge wiped out the small beach and its facilities, prompting a major restoration effort to make the area accessible again for residents and visitors. “This is one of the few places where you can spend time right on the Gulf,”…
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Florida’s agricultural community will soon have access to more state financial assistance for recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton’s devastating impact. Governor Ron DeSantis announced the expansion of the state’s Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program during a recent meeting at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. The program will offer interest-free…
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Thousands of homeowners in St. Petersburg are dealing with pending code violation cases, which the city says are not violations yet. The city initiated these cases to ensure that permits for storm damage repairs are in place, that proper inspections occur, and to safeguard potential buyers of homes affected by hurricanes, according to city spokesperson…
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The Funky Flamingo, a Gulfport-based store offering produce, deli items, and more, is urgently requesting food donations to support families displaced by last year’s hurricanes. Approximately two years ago, the store’s owners established a food pantry to aid the community following the closure of several other pantries. Recent hurricanes have shifted the pantry’s focus from…
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Late last year, Florida was battered by not one but two highly destructive hurricanes, Helene and Milton, within a short span, leading to a cascade of damages and financial losses across various sectors, including a notable impact on Disney’s operations. Overview of Hurricanes Helene and Milton Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region…
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Local officials anticipate record-breaking attendance, viewership, and economic impact from the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The surge in visitors and financial boost comes at a crucial time as the community continues recovering from the devastating 2024 hurricane season. The four-day festival kicks off on Feb. 27, with Visit St. Pete-Clearwater CEO Brian Lowack…
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The Tampa City Council has unanimously approved $3.2 million in State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP) funds to aid homeowners affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This funding will help residents with mortgage payments, home repairs, and insurance deductible costs. Relief Package Details Supporting Homeowners “We have to remember that some residents are still displaced,…
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Since Hurricane Helene devastated their public safety building, Treasure Island Fire Rescue and the Police Department have been operating out of portable units in City Hall’s parking lot. The storm flooded their facility on 108th Avenue with three feet of water, rendering it unusable. “Our lockers were underwater,” said Police Chief John Barkley. “We had…
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