Tag: hurricanes
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Following weeks of residents in St. Petersburg receiving unexpectedly high water bills, some amounting to thousands of dollars, an attorney has demanded an audit and hinted at potential legal action against the city. “As our community, my neighborhood, has been working to recover, these bills are just incredibly disheartening,” remarked attorney Matt Weidner. Weidner, whose…
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Lorraine Anderson, a spokesperson for the City of Venice, has stated that although some progress has been made, the South Jetty’s recovery from the damages inflicted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton will be a prolonged effort. The city’s insurance contractor has finished demolishing and clearing the debris of the concession building at Humphris Park on…
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Employees at two popular Gulf Boulevard hotels are facing an even longer wait to return to work than expected. The Bellwether Beach Resort and The Beachcomber, both severely damaged by Hurricane Helene, are now projected to remain closed until summer. “It’s pretty devastating,” said Bill Pruitt, a longtime bartender at Jimmy B’s, the Beachcomber’s bar,…
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On Tuesday, citrus growers appealed to state lawmakers to continue funding research and advertising as the industry’s production has plummeted by over 90% in less than thirty years. Without this support, many of the 1,500 remaining citrus growers in Florida may abandon the industry. During a session with the Senate Agriculture Committee, Matt Joyner, CEO…
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On Tuesday, a cherished restaurant in Cortez Village welcomed customers back after being closed for four months due to the onslaught of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Slicker’s Eatery, which opened during the height of the COVID-19 crisis, has weathered numerous challenges, including red tide and now these recent hurricanes. “The first storm brought three feet…
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In an effort to mitigate the impact on Tampa Electric Co. customers, state regulators on Tuesday approved plans for Tampa Electric and Duke Energy Florida to recover more than $1.55 billion for hurricane-related expenses and to refill storm reserves. Starting in March, customers of both utilities will face higher bills as Tampa Electric and Duke…
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As many Bay Area beach communities race to rebuild ahead of the lucrative spring break season, two well-known St. Pete Beach hotels have announced they will remain closed until summer, dealing a blow to both workers and tourists. The Bellwether Beach Resort and The Beachcomber—home to the popular Jimmy B’s Beach Bar—will not reopen until…
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Hillsborough County is offering a course on hurricane preparedness for homeowners. It’s only been a few months since the Bay Area endured the wrath of back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton, which caused significant damage to Florida’s trees. Although the 2025 hurricane season doesn’t officially begin until June, now is the ideal time to assess the…
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The Public Service Commission is scheduled to vote today regarding rate increases for Tampa Electric Company (TECO) and Duke Energy. On December 27, 2024, both TECO and Duke Energy submitted a petition for a limited proceeding, seeking approval to implement an interim storm restoration recovery charge. Reports indicate that TECO aims to recover $463.6 million…
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Hurricane Helene struck over 125 days ago. And 10 small towns across Pinellas County beaches have seen significant delays in rebuilding efforts, with many homeowners only recently learning if they can reconstruct their homes. Barb Adams, a Treasure Island resident, finally received a permit to elevate her house last week after applying two-and-a-half months ago…
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Leaders from the Barrier Islands have reached out to President Donald Trump for assistance in the wake of two devastating hurricanes: Helene and Milton. They are collectively drafting a letter to support their communities’ recovery efforts. “It’s been an incredibly tough four months,” said St. Pete Beach Mayor Adrian Petrila. Mayor Petrila noted that over…
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Pinellas County and the City of St. Petersburg are set to receive a combined $973.7 million in federal storm recovery funding, contingent on meeting strict criteria and a tight deadline. On January 27, St. Petersburg issued a request for proposals (RFP) to companies with the expertise to develop and write a Community Development Block Grant…
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If you’ve never visited Cedar Key, Florida, you’re missing out on one of the state’s most breathtaking coastal spots. Surrounded by sandbars and towering mangroves, its waterways are a true natural gem. However, in recent years, hurricanes have devastated this small community and the aquaculture farms in the Gulf of Mexico. Now, a major cleanup…
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There are visible signs of recovery in Madeira Beach, with live music at the Saltwater Hippie Beach Bar and restaurants bustling on Thursday nights. While some businesses have reopened, others remain closed and boarded up, as do several homes due to extensive hurricane damage. Many residents, like those in nearby areas, are unable to begin…
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Jason Rule and his girlfriend lost nearly everything when Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated their South Pasadena home—except for a few clothes. “It was absolutely heartbreaking,” Rule said. “My girlfriend had just beaten breast cancer, and her garden was her therapy. It was completely wiped out. Nothing was salvageable.” The owners of their rental home…
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U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna is calling on FEMA to waive its 50% rule, a regulation she says is forcing residents out of their homes. She first shared her plan with WFLA, outlining efforts to involve President Donald Trump. More than four months have passed since Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton devastated Tampa Bay’s coastal…
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As businesses along the beaches of Treasure Island begin to reopen following the devastating hurricanes, the community is organizing events to draw people back to the area. The “Back to the Beach: Sand & Kites & Coastal Delights” festival has been announced, set for March 8th and 9th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each…
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The Clearwater Marine Aquarium has been forced to furlough staff and cut salaries following significant hurricane damage. CEO Joe Handy explained that the drastic cost-cutting measures stem from the low attendance numbers caused by last year’s storms, which heavily impacted the nonprofit’s primary revenue source: ticket sales. If you’re a Tampa Bay resident, you’ve likely…
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This week, the City of Treasure Island is diligently working to clear a backlog of approximately 320 permits before transitioning to a new system during the first week of February. To focus on this task, the City’s Community Development Department will be closed to the public on Tuesday and Thursday of this week. Currently, over…
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Treasure Island’s recovery from recent hurricanes has stalled, prompting Mayor John Doctor to take a decisive step to expedite the process. In a letter addressed directly to President Donald Trump this week, Mayor Doctor requested disaster relief similar to what North Carolina and California received, citing FEMA’s red tape as a significant hindrance. “I don’t…
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Cleanup of debris left by Hurricanes Helene and Milton at Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg started on Monday, over three months following the storms. “This marks the first day of cleanup, primarily involving demolition and debris removal,” Rich Lesniak, the Airport Manager, told Bay News 9r. “Each time I see this, it’s still somewhat…
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After four months of reconstruction, the Coquina Beach Cafe has reopened its doors in Manatee County. The reopening this weekend was a heartfelt moment for many, as diners said it felt like reuniting with an old friend after last year’s hurricane damage. “We’ve waited for this for so long, and it’s so great to see…
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Following last year’s hurricanes, the iconic “crown jewel” of Florida’s Gulf Coast is preparing to welcome guests back to its luxurious and timeless retreat. Just days after celebrating its 97th anniversary, the Don CeSar — famously known as the “Pink Palace” — announced on Facebook that it plans to reopen in late Q1 this year,…
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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded more than $800 million to Pinellas County for long-term hurricane recovery efforts. This federal grant is aimed at enhancing prolonged hurricane resilience and addressing the unmet needs of residents. St. Petersburg, within Pinellas County, was also granted $159.9 million, making it the only city…
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Signs are already on the horizon and pointing to an unsettling reality. As unpleasant as it may be to think about, Tampa Bay residents are indeed facing the prospect of higher auto and homeowners insurance rates in 2025 due to the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Here’s a detailed breakdown of why auto insurance…
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A man from St. Petersburg is baffled by receiving a water bill amounting to hundreds of dollars for a Shore Acres home he hasn’t occupied since Hurricane Helene. When he contacted the city for clarification, he received no response. According to a city spokesperson speaking to WTSP, the billing department is currently working extra hours…
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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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A proposed bill could grant municipalities the authority to prohibit wakes caused by vehicles on flooded streets. This initiative stems from a collaboration between the St. Pete City Council and state legislators. The resolution highlights examples from Louisiana and South Carolina, where local governments have restricted motor vehicles and watercraft to speeds under 5 mph…
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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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A workshop held Tuesday by the Sarasota County Commission marked the beginning of a series of discussions and meetings planned for 2025. These events aim to review and potentially revamp the county’s $27 million stormwater department and its policies. Key concerns include the buildup of sediment in Phillippi Creek, which some residents believe should be…
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On Wednesday, community members without access to transportation received E-Bikes to aid their mobility. The University Area CDC, along with other partners, organized an initiative to support hurricane victims in the community. Six residents from the University Area were provided with E-bikes, which they’ve described as their new primary means of transport. The aim of…
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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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