ReportWire

Tag: Hurricane Milton

  • Hurricane Milton: One Year Later

    [ad_1]

    Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida one year ago today. Look back on Milton’s impacts and the damage it left behind.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida one year ago

    • It moved inland near Siesta Key on Oct. 9, 2024

    • More than 20 inches of rain fell in St. Petersburg
    • More Hurricane Milton stories

    MILTON STATS

    Milton was one of the strongest hurricanes on record in the Atlantic basin, reaching Category 5 intensity in the Gulf on Oct. 7, 2024 with peak winds 180 mph.

    The pressure is estimated to have been 895 mb at the time of peak intensity. This ties Hurricane Rita of 2005 for the fourth-lowest minimum central pressure in the Atlantic basin. The lower central pressures include 882 mb in Wilma in 2005, 888 mb in Gilbert in 1988 and 892 mb in the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935.

    Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, Fla. on Oct. 9, 2024 at 8:30 p.m. as a Category 3 hurricane with max winds of 115 mph.


    The NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) estimates that Milton caused $34.3 billion in damage in the United States, almost exclusively in Florida.

    One prominent building damaged by the hurricane was Tropicana Field, where the fabric roof was ripped off by high winds followed by water damage from rain falling into the stadium.

    The report notes that the west coast most affected by Hurricane Milton had also been affected by Hurricane Helene two weeks before, which complicated damage assessments.

    In Florida, Milton caused hurricane conditions along the west coast from Clearwater Beach and Tampa southward across Sarasota to near Venice. Tropical storm conditions occurred elsewhere across the Florida Peninsula south of a Cedar Key – Fernandina Beach line, with hurricane-force wind gusts reported in central Florida near the track of the center.

    STORM SURGE

    The highest storm surge was reported between Venice southward to Boca Grande, with up to 6 to 9 feet inundation. An isolated peak of up to 10 feet was estimated near Manasota Key.

    NOAA’s final report on Milton notes that the same area had a significant storm surge from Hurricane Helene two weeks prior, and the erosion and debris from its aftermath compounded the damages incurred during Milton.

    Here are the storm surge numbers from around Florida:

    Analyzed storm surge inundation (feet above ground level) along the coast of Florida from Hurricane Milton. Milton’s track is overlaid (black line). (Courtesy: NOAA/NHC)

    Analyzed storm surge inundation (feet above ground level) along the coast of Florida from Hurricane Milton. Milton’s track is overlaid (black line). (Courtesy: NOAA/NHC)

    WINDS

    Peak winds exceeded 100 mph in Manatee and Pinellas County. The strongest winds were recorded in Egmont Key with a 105 mph gust.

    Here are the maximum wind gusts reported around Florida during Hurricane Milton:


    RAINFALL AND FLOODING

    Milton produced a large area of heavy rain across portions of the central and northern Florida Peninsula, including 10 to 20 inches of rain in Tampa Bay.

    The highest reported storm total rainfall was 20.40 inches at a Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) site near St. Petersburg.

    Here’s an interactive rainfall map from around Florida.


    TORNADOES

    Milton caused a significant tornado outbreak over the southern and central portions of the Florida Peninsula on Oct. 9, including 45 confirmed tornadoes. There were 3 EF3 tornadoes, 6 EF2 tornadoes, 25 EF1 tornadoes and 7 EF0 tornadoes.

    Here is an interactive map of the tornadoes produced by Hurricane Milton.


    IMPACTS

    Milton was responsible for 15 direct deaths – 12 in the United States (all in Florida) and 3 in Mexico.

    • Six people died due to the tornado near Fort Pierce and Vero Beach.
    • Four people were killed by falling trees, while there were two deaths due to freshwater flooding.

    Milton caused 27 indirect deaths in the United States, all in Florida.

    Most of the deaths were due to health issues during storm preparations or post-storm clean-up or due to falls related to storm preparations, clean-up, or power failures.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • After Milton, hurricane debris removal tops 128K tons in Treasure Island

    [ad_1]

    TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — As Hurricane Milton approached one year ago, city officials in Treasure Island looked at the stories-high pile of debris at the park just outside city hall and hoped for the best.

    Assistant Public Works Director Jeffrey Agrall said while the city worked in conjunction with Pinellas County as quickly as possible to clear out storm debris from Hurricane Helene, the storms were too close together to be able to haul everything off the island. As Milton approached, machinery worked to compact the debris that reached 3- and 4-stories tall at the community park.

    What You Need To Know

    • After hurricanes, a total of 128,000 tons of debris removed from Treasure Island 
    • Cost of debris removal topped $2 million in Treasure Island 
    • City now submitting for reimbursement from FEMA 
    • Removal process took approximately six months 

    The park was used as a FEMA-designated debris management site, similar to Egan Park in St. Pete Beach.

    “Because the storm continued into the Carolinas, the crews were spread thin,” Agrall said. “It was very slim pickings on crews.”

    Agrall said in order to get the park completely cleared of storm debris, it took about six months. In all, the total amount of debris removed from just Treasure Island alone topped 128,000 tons.

    He said part of the reason was trips to waste management sites were so far away. Contracted haulers had to move debris to the county’s waste management site in St. Pete, or to one of two private sites in Clearwater.

    “If a traffic light was out in St. Pete, that would cause problems,” Agrall said. “We’d have to think on the go like… hey do we change the route we’re hauling?”

    The State of Florida stepped in to help get Treasure Island’s debris removal process over the finish line.

    “Within two days we had 50 dump trucks all rolling in a huge line,” Agrall said.

    After everything was cleared, a big part of the process Agrall recalled was turning the soil to remove shards and pieces of glass. He says that was a larger project than expected, but ultimately the city was given the green light to replace the grass and reopen the park.

    Besides the pavilion being torn down, one year later the park is almost back to its former glory.

    “To see where it is today, compared to what it was is unbelievable,” said resident Paula Murphy.

    Agrall says the cost of debris removal was $136,544.12 after Helene and an additional $1,962,407.32 after Milton, bringing the total to just over $2 million.

    In St. Pete Beach, the total cost of removal was roughly $4.6 million. To date, 84% of that cost has been reimbursed by FEMA. The city expects 100% reimbursement in the months to come.

    [ad_2]

    Angie Angers

    Source link

  • Flood tracking app and number of users grow one year later

    [ad_1]

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Oct. 9 marks exactly one year since Hurricane Milton hit the Tampa Bay area. Several coastal communities felt the impacts of the storm, but so did a lot of inland areas. 

    Many areas flooded that had never flooded before.

    What You Need To Know

    • Barnali Dixon is a professor at USF St. Pete’s School of Geo Sciences. Her team developed the CRIS-HAZARD app

    • The app uses flood cameras that look a lot like bird feeding boxes, mounted on trees or posts in flood-prone areas

    • Dixon and her team have launched even more cameras since soft launching the app last year before Hurricane Helene


    Researchers with the University of South Florida were paying close attention, using their flood monitoring app that uses user-submitted pictures along with AI to help calculate the depth of floodwater in some areas. The app, CRIS-HAZARD, launched right before Helene and Milton hit back-to back.

    Barnali Dixon is a professor at USF St. Pete’s School of Geo Sciences. Her team developed the app to be better prepared for storms like the ones last year. They also wanted emergency officials to have their data as a source.

    “Different depth of water will require different types of rescue vehicles. So if you know what’s the depth of the water in that area, then you can send the appropriate rescue vehicle,” Dixon said.

    The CRIS-HAZARD app uses flood cameras that look a lot like bird feeding boxes, mounted on trees or posts in flood-prone areas, as well as inland areas of Pinellas County. The cameras and the app soft launched two weeks before Helene last year. It allows users to report flooding using pictures and location information.

    “If you have a way to tell your neighbors or other people, then they can know how to route themselves. This is what I call Waze for flooding,” Dixon said, referencing the popular traffic app.

    Researchers want everyone in Pinellas County to use their app. They said if you want to provide some useful data, use something as a reference like a fire hydrant, to demonstrate just how deep floodwaters are.

    Dixon’s research assistant, Micheal Licea, can’t build them fast enough.

    “It’s like a decoy low key. It’s not gonna draw a lot of attention. People aren’t going to go messing with it if they think it’s a bird box or something for research,” Licea said.

    Dixon and her team launched even more cameras since launching last year.

    They started with eight cameras — now they have 31 camera and counting.

    “We selected these sites based on collaboration with the flood plain managers,” Dixon said.

    After last year’s storm season, having a bird’s-eye view of rising water with the help of CRIS-HAZARD app users — Dixon is hoping the data they collect will be a go-to for those impacted and those looking to mitigate flooding.

    Outreach for the flood reporting app is ongoing in underserved communities that are often overlooked, according to Dixon. She is encouraging people living or visiting Pinellas County to download the app since even an afternoon thunderstorm can easily become a flood event.

    [ad_2]

    Saundra Weathers

    Source link

  • One year since hurricanes, Largo residents concerns about damaged gas station

    [ad_1]

    LARGO, Fla. — The owners of a Largo gas station damaged during Hurricanes Helene and Milton face a daily fine of $850 for violating several city codes.

    What You Need To Know

    • Some Largo residents are concerned hurricane-damaged property is a safety hazard one year later

    • Property owners face $850 daily fine for violating several city codes

    • Code violations include: property maintenance, unsafe structure, unsafe equipment, accessory structure in disrepair, overhang extension in disrepair


    People who live near the property on Indian Rocks Road say they are concerned the collapsed canopy and dilapidated state of the site are a safety hazard.

    “Just catastrophe, I’m so blown away that something hasn’t happened already,” said Carl Galler who lives nearby.

    While the homeowner says he recognizes the recovery process is ongoing across the community, he’s worried about potential dangers of the abandoned space.

    “It’s not just an eyesore, it was electrified, the lights came on overnight with that awning sitting sideways, it was left unfenced,” said Galler.

    The Largo officials say a fence was installed in April and electricity was turned off in March. They say Code Enforcement went before the Largo’s Special Magistrate in June and September, when they say the property owner was found in violation of several city codes, including: property maintenance, unsafe structure, unsafe equipment, accessory structure in disrepair and overhang extension in disrepair. A daily fine of $850 has been adding up since Aug. 7.

    The disrepair concerns Galler. He posted about it online and has received a variety of responses.

    “If you don’t like it just look away or it’s fenced,” said Galler.

    “I think of my 14-year-old self, 50 years ago and I would have been all over that. Would have been like the biggest, coolest, and the fence would have made it even more attractive,” said the concerned resident, who believes someone should be held accountable soon.

    “At the very least, just remediate it, basic remediation, get rid of that awning,” said Galler.

    Largo officials say the property owners did apply for a repair permit in July but did not supply all the required documents. A permit was eventually issued in September, but the city officials say there has been no movement on repairs. That permit expires in March.

    Officials say they are looking into additional repair and abatement options they can take, since a permit has been issued.

    Spectrum Bay News 9 attempted to reach the property owner, but got no response.

    A Largo official responded saying, “The city of Largo is taking all necessary steps to bring the property at 1737 Indian Rocks Road South into compliance with the City Codes as well as the Florida Building Code. We understand and share residents’ concerns and remain committed to ensuring public safety and neighborhood quality.” 

    [ad_2]

    Melissa Eichman

    Source link

  • Morton’s Siesta Market recalls Hurricane Milton 1 year later

    [ad_1]

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — It has been one year since Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key on Oct. 9, 2024.

    What You Need To Know

    • It’s been one year since Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key
    • The market’s managers said Hurricane Helene’s storm surge sent about two feet of water into the building, destroying equipment
    • Then it was Milton’s winds that blew away their awning and left the store without power for four days

    Many businesses, including Morton’s Siesta Market, still haven’t fully recovered yet.

    Morton’s Siesta Market deli manager Dana Benton feels right at home at the beach market, which is less than half a mile from the Gulf.

    “It’s always a joy when I come in here, to be honest with you. Like, I feel like they are 100% my family,” she said.

    She says the business has become like a family to her — it’s supported her, and she’s been there for it, too, especially in the aftermath of last year’s hurricanes.

    “I came to help with the cleanup in the deli and the store,” she said. “Last year was the first time since I’ve lived in Florida I’ve experienced a bad hurricane,” she said.

    The market’s managers said Hurricane Helene’s storm surge sent about two feet of water into the building, destroying equipment. Then it was Milton’s winds that blew away their awning and left the store without power for four days.

    Benton says the effects of the storm are still being felt to this day.

    “This year has been kind of slow, and I think it’s because of the hurricane. A lot of people are not wanting to come down. I think in fear that the hurricane is going to come again, or another one’s going to come during this time of year — because it was this time last year,” she said.

    Benton says last year’s storms were scary, and while the store still has work to do to recover, she’s thankful she’s found a second home at Morton’s Siesta Market.

    “They have helped me grow. They have helped me learn to be productive again. They have helped me learn to love myself,” she said.

    The store manager says they are going to wait to make the renovations they haven’t completed — like installing a new awning — until this hurricane season is over.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Holmes Beach business sees success in hurricane recovery

    [ad_1]

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Tomorrow marks one year since Hurricane Milton hit our area. The storm took a toll on Manatee County’s barrier islands — especially the businesses.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hurricane Milton took a toll on Manatee County’s barrier islands — especially the businesses

    • Manager Joey Garbus says Island Lumber and Hardware looks a little different after last year’s storms

    • Island Lumber and Hardware has seen an uptick in customers during recovery and is looking to a brighter future

    The storm took a toll on Manatee County’s barrier islands — especially the businesses.

    One of those businesses is Island Lumber and Hardware in Holmes Beach.

    Mold grew on their wooden floors because their power was out, leaving behind serious damage.

    Joey Garbus, manager of Island Lumber and Hardware, says the business has looked a little different after last year’s storms.

    “This business has been extremely great for us, definitely. The rush of everybody trying to rebuild their homes has definitely slowed down. But now we’re in the process of helping them rebuild. A lot of people lost houses and had to tear everything down,” he said.

    Their business was flooded by Hurricane Helene — and suffered more damage from Hurricane Milton. The building was without power for two weeks. Rebuilding and returning to normal took some time.

    But as their business grew in the aftermath of the hurricanes, new opportunities came. Island Lumber and Hardware now has a showroom.

    “Since the flood came in, we were able to revamp everything and give the whole store a facelift,” said Garbus.

    And inside, there are new products — like hurricane windows for storm season.

    “There’s a lot of demand right now for windows, especially out here after the storm, Garbus said. “We finally found someone who would take us on as a buyer.”

    Garbus says the company has invested in new software that helps clients visualize their projects. Investments like this all stem from the exposure the business received while helping the community recover.

    “Ever since the storm, we’ve seen an uptick in customers saying, ‘Wow, I’ve been here for 20 years and just realized you guys are here. I’ve been going into town this whole time.’ It’s nice to hear more of that,” Garbus said.

    He is inspired by this new growth. The help Island Lumber and Hardware provided after last year’s storms has now led to a brighter future for the business.


    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Gulfport restauranteur grateful after year of hurricane rebuilding

    [ad_1]

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — More than a year after Hurricane Helene ravaged the Bay area, one Gulfport restaurant can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

    The Neptune Grill recently reopened with a staff just as resilient as the newly renovated building.

    What You Need To Know

    • More than a year after Hurricane Helene ravaged the Bay area, one Gulfport restaurant can see the light at the end of the tunnel

    • It’s been almost 15 years since Dia Vartsakis, and her father Gus, opened the Neptune Grill in Gulfport 

    • The Vartsakis’ dream turned into a nightmare when Helene and Milton swept across the region, all but destroying their restaurant 
    • Flood insurance did help out some. But Dia and her dad have dipped into their savings, taken out loans and swiped their credit cards just to survive. Now, the place is open a few days a week
    • Location: 5501 Shore Blvd S., Gulfport, FL 33707

    It’s been almost 15 years since Dia Vartsakis, and her father, Gus, opened their Greek restaurant right in the heart of downtown Gulfport.

    But when Helene came to the Neptune Grill, the Roman god of the sea was no protection from the damage of the hurricane.

    “When I walked in that day…the countertop, which was quartz, was on the ground,” she said. “And I pretty much walked into (the) patio and it was just a complete, open, blank nothing.” 

    The Vartsakis’ dream turned into a nightmare overnight. Not only was their restaurant destroyed, they own the building that houses three other shops. All faced similar damage.

    It’s been almost 15 years since Dia Vartsakis, and her father Gus, opened their Greek restaurant right in the heart of downtown Gulfport. She said it was tough seeing the business heavily damaged. (Spectrum News image)

    “I basically, at that point, thought to myself, ‘Well, I guess [you should] go to bed, because tomorrow is going to be a long day,” Vartsakis said.

    She was right. Dia says it took weeks to clean up and months before they received their first building permits.

    Once they were approved in February, construction started almost immediately.

    Flood insurance did help out some. But Dia and her dad have dipped into their savings, taken out loans and swiped their credit cards just to survive.

    “Every piece of equipment is brand new, Vartaskis said. “From refrigeration to cooking equipment. Everything had to be replaced.”

    That includes new booths, tables and décor in the dining room. And the walls they’re now reinforced, along with the large hurricane proof windows.

    “To know that the structure is sound, and that the weak spots we had are no longer there makes us a little more confident going into the future,” she said. “Hopefully never dealing with a Helene again.”

    For now, Neptune is only open a few days a week, running a limited menu. Many of the core staff have returned and so have customers’ appetites.

     Despite all the pain, all the hard work, Vartsakis said she can still see the glass half full.

    “I got to spend a lot of quality time with my dad,” she said of time they spent together during the rebuild. “And even though a lot of it was what we had to do to get Neptune Grill open, to get the structure put back together, that 30-minute lunch or coffee or whatever was quality time I probably would’ve never had.”

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Historic Anna Maria church shines bright despite hurricane damage

    [ad_1]

    ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fla. — Nearly one year after Hurricane Milton made landfall just south of Anna Maria Island, the three cities that make up the barrier island are still working to recover. 

    In the heart of Anna Maria, the City Pier still sits closed. The state budget has allocated more than $1.5 million to rebuild the pier, which will cost anywhere from $6 million to $9 million.

    What You Need To Know

    • The chapel at Roser Church was closed for nearly eight months after sustaining water damage

    • Church leaders and parishioners worked together to restore historic church

    • The chapel was built in 1913 and has a long history 

    • Anna Maria City Pier will likely be closed until late 2026


    The city’s mayor says they are working with FEMA and Manatee County to secure additional funding to finish the project. Their goal is to reopen the pier by fall 2026.

    In Bradenton Beach, the large yellow house that sits facing the beach on Gulf Drive that was infamously blown over during Hurricane Milton still sits in the same spot. While power has been disconnected and fencing erected on the property, the house itself sits almost untouched, pulling the eyes of drivers and pedestrians.


    Roser Church, which sits on Pine Ave in Anna Maria, is back open following months of renovations.

    Parishioner and church leader Bill Marini says that as soon as the bridges reopened following the hurricanes, he rushed to the church before checking on his own home.

    “I just had to get here… and my wife said, ‘That’s fine – we’ll go!’” he recalled. “God was just leading me to come… he wanted me to come here to see.”

    Marini says he discovered water had come up through the original wood floors of the chapel, and much of the electrical system had fried. He worked quickly to get contractors and a remediation company to the church, which saved some of the century-old wood and fixtures.

    While Marini re-painted each of the church’s 17 rooms, a team of church leaders and congregation members assisted with other projects to help bring the historic building back to life.

    Pastor Dirk Rodgers also felt the responsibility that comes with leading such a historic church. Pastor Dirk says the church has always been non-denominational, long before that was a popular term. So after the hurricanes, he knew he had to keep the spirit of his community strong.

    “Really my burden was… how can we continue to give people hope?,” he said.

    In the days following the storm, Pastor Dirk led a church service outside for hundreds of people.

    “It’s just great to be a part of that organization that refuses to go down… we’re gonna be here,” he said.


     

    [ad_2]

    Angie Angers

    Source link

  • Raising Hope: A record number of homeowners are elevating

    [ad_1]

    Pinellas County, Fla. — The look and feel of hurricane recovery and rebuilding started changing dramatically in 2005 after the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Hurricane recovery and rebuilding has changed dramatically since 2005 after Hurricane Katrina

    •  After Hurricanes Helene and Milton, homeowners on the coast are opting to elevate their hurricane-damaged homes in record numbers

    • St. Petersburg-based JAS Builders has nearly 100 projects approved in Pinellas County primarily, but also in Citrus and Manatee

    • The entire process of lifting a home takes 10 to 12 months, and the total price can range from $200,000 to $2 million depending on several factors


    The house lifting industry gained national visibility in the years that followed and expanded further following other major storms, including Superstorm Sandy, that devastated the northeast in 2012, and the historic flooding in Texas after Hurricane Harvey’s landfall in 2017.

    “Once Katrina hit, we started learning about the whole industry, and there really wasn’t an industry before that hurricane,” said JAS Builders Co-owner and CEO Jeff Trosclair.

    “When Superstorm Sandy hit New Jersey and Long Island, the industry started migrating in that direction and lifting homes up there, but it really has not been something we’ve seen in these numbers here in Florida until recently,” Trosclair continued.

    Over the past 12 months since Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Bay Area homeowners in coastal communities and beyond have been opting to elevate their hurricane-damaged homes in record numbers, according to building officials.

    “Before the hurricanes, we may have only received calls for a few houses a year, but following Helene and Milton, we received thousands of calls for help from homeowners wanting to protect their property from future storms,” said JAS Builders Founder and Co-Owner Albert Jasuan.

    “Now, we’re transforming communities. It’s not just one or two houses per neighborhood. We’re transforming whole neighborhoods and whole streets. Everyone is calling us because they see what their neighbors are doing to stay connected to their communities, and they want to do it as well,” Jasuan added.

    Currently, St. Petersburg-based JAS Builders has nearly 100 projects approved in Pinellas County primarily, but also in Citrus and Manatee. The entire process to lift a home takes 10 to 12 months, and the total price can range from $200,000 to $2 million depending on several factors, including the size of the home, structural upgrades and plumbing and electrical modifications.

    “Some of these homes have flooded multiple times, and people are tired of dealing with extensive damage and ready to get them up to mitigate their risks,” said Jasuan standing in front of a Treasure Island home where JAS crews are almost done elevating the structure 14-feet high.

    “We don’t just lift the home. We get it out of harm’s way forever for the lifetime of the home and the lifetime of the person that wants to be there,” Jasuan continued.

    Every project is deeply personal for his co-owner, whose childhood home in New Orleans, where his mother still lives, flooded four times and was eventually elevated with help from FEMA after Hurricane Katrina in 2006.

    “Each storm left scars: favorite toys that were lost, family treasures ruined, and my parents shouldering the crushing stress of starting over again. So, this type of work really hits home for me,” said Trosclair.

    With a mission of building community resiliency, the co-owners of JAS Builders, along with nearly 200 employees, strive to bring safety, peace of mind and hope to hurricane-damaged communities.

    [ad_2]

    Erica Riggins

    Source link

  • Helene and Milton: Faces of Recovery

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. – A major hurricane had not struck the Tampa Bay area directly in more than a century. That streak ended abruptly last year with back-to-back storms, leaving behind destruction from which the region is still recovering today.

    In this special report, we’re back in the height of another hurricane season. So, we’re taking you to different communities around west Florida and over on the east coast to assess the ongoing recovery and reveal the lessons learned.

    One year ago, Hurricane Helene made landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm in the Big Bend region of our state. Even though the Tampa Bay area didn’t take a direct hit, the region still sustained major impacts.

    Storm surge would reach heights of six to eight feet in some areas, more than we have seen in decades and maybe more than some Floridians have seen in their whole lives.

    Then, just 13 days later, Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, just five miles from Sarasota, as a Category 3 storm. It brought heavy rainfall and damaging winds to our area, further wrecking communities that were already struggling to recover from Helene. The winds even ripped the roof off Tropicana Field, damage that is still being repaired today. 

    The storm would continue to move through the state, producing an outbreak of tornadoes — the most in Florida — in a single day.

    After the storms last year, a drive down the streets of a South Pasadena neighborhood revealed countless people picking up the pieces of what was left. Now, the neighbors who are left describe it as a ghost town. A couple who lost their home right after the storm — then again, more recently — and those raw emotions are still there. 

    Connie Winkler standing in front of their pool this year and last year.

    One thing that has become more popular in beach towns is seeing more elevated homes. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the house-lifting industry gained national visibility. It expanded more through the years after other major storms hit the United States. Locally, you used to see one or two elevated homes in an entire neighborhood, but now you will see entire communities transformed.  

    Crews from JAS Builders in the final stages of elevation for a Treasure Island home (Erica Riggins/Spectrum News)

    Crews from JAS Builders in the final stages of elevation for a Treasure Island home (Erica Riggins/Spectrum News)

    On the east coast of Florida, Earl Wischmeier’s home flooded in 2022 from both Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. He has now opted to raise his home to avoid future floodwaters and opt out of coverage to insure it. Here’s what his recovery looks like and how he feels about the process. 

    Earl Wischmeier's elevated home. (Spectrum News/Asher Wildman)

    Earl Wischmeier’s elevated home. (Spectrum News/Asher Wildman)

    In Manatee County, there are some homes that look almost untouched one year later. One house was completely knocked off its stilts, and another that was pushed completely off its foundation. Those houses are pretty much in the same condition as they were left after the storm. There are signs around the property warning people to stay away, as well as part of a trailer that was crushed under the home that was next to it.  

     

    Fifteen minutes up the coast, and one Anna Maria icon is looking to make a comeback. The city is in the process of restoring the city pier. The state budget allocated more than $1 million in funding to rebuild the pier. City leaders believe it will cost between $6 – $9 million to repair the entire pier, including the restaurant. The mayor of Anna Maria says they are working with FEMA and the county to seek extra funding. The city has set a goal of reopening the pier by late fall of next year.

    But, overall, the three cities that make up Anna Maria Island — Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach — have come a long way and for some residents, it’s been a full-time job. Here’s a look at how the recovery effort for the centerpiece of the city of Anna Maria rushed to get back open.

    While Hurricane Helene caused major storm surge, Hurricane Milton dropped a record amount of rain. In St. Petersburg, 18 inches of rain fell in 24 hours. Tampa also saw about one foot of rain in one day. And just like we saw with Helene, many water rescues were performed after Milton. 

    In Clearwater, first responders rescued more than 500 people from the Standard Apartments when it flooded. In some areas, the water was neck-deep. It was Pinellas County’s largest water rescue on record. A manager at the apartment complex said they’re now renting some apartments, but other units are still being repaired.  

    In Tampa, the Forest Hills neighborhood also sustained quite a bit of flood damage, even though the neighborhood is not in a flood zone or near the coast. Nearby retention ponds overflowed, and pump stations couldn’t get the water out fast enough. We spoke to a resident to see how the last 12 months of recovery have been and what the city is doing to make sure this doesn’t happen again.

    Forest Hills, Oct. 2024 (Courtesy: Rob Seal)

    Forest Hills, Oct. 2024 (Courtesy: Rob Seal)

    While Milton caused a lot of damage along Florida’s west coast, its heavy rain also caused major flooding problems to areas inland, including areas along the St. Johns River. If you were to visit the area now, you would see people still repairing flood damage, as well as bracing for what could come next.

    People living along the St. Johns River in Seminole County brace for what could come next, while still repairing flood damage from Hurricane Milton one year ago. (Philip Petersen, Spectrum News staff)

    People living along the St. Johns River in Seminole County brace for what could come next, while still repairing flood damage from Hurricane Milton one year ago. (Philip Petersen, Spectrum News staff)

    One popular beach destination in Hernando County is back open to the public. For many, Pine Island Beach Park is a beloved slice of paradise for visitors to unwind and soak in the Florida sun, but the park was forced to close after damage sustained from the hurricanes. Here, we take a look at the newly reopened park and how it is back to helping people create new, lasting memories.

    For many, like Gabriella Schianodicola, Pine Island Beach Park is a beloved slice of paradise for visitors to unwind and enjoy the Florida sun. But the park was forced to close after damage sustained from hurricanes Helene and Milton. (Spectrum News)

    For many, like Gabriella Schianodicola, Pine Island Beach Park is a beloved slice of paradise for visitors to unwind and enjoy the Florida sun. But the park was forced to close after damage sustained from hurricanes Helene and Milton. (Spectrum News)

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • 130 seniors left with few options one year after hurricanes

    [ad_1]

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Hundreds of seniors say they’re in a bind and could end up with nowhere to go, because of the way their storm-damaged mobile homes have been assessed.

    In March, 235 homeowners in the Gateway Mobile Home Community off 4th Street received substantial damage letters. The letters from Pinellas County gave the affected homeowners the options of moving their mobile home to higher ground, building a new home up to current flood standards, or elevating their current home. A fourth option would be to pay for home demolition and vacate the community entirely.

    The community is restricted to residents 55 and older.

    What You Need To Know

    •  130 seniors in 55+ community still affected one year later

    •  Residents given options to lift or rebuild homes or move out of community entirely 

    •  Many who recieved substantial damage letters say their homes were minimally damaged 

    • Owners of Gateway advocating for residents 


    Bonnie Sisco, who has lived in her home in the Gateway community for the past 15 years, received one of the substantial damage letters. She says her front porch and part of her roof was damaged, but flood water never made it inside of her home. Her home was repaired before she received the letter in March.

    Her inspection and assessment, she says, claims water intrusion and valued her home at $16,000.

    “My air conditioner never even went out. The flood water never made it inside,” she Sisco said.

    Sisco says due to the age of her home, it can’t be lifted or moved. Her only options would be to demolish her home, which she says is in great condition.

     


    “I put all my money into this. So if our options are to buy another place… I don’t have money to go and buy another house or pay to have this demolished,” she said. “They’re going to have a lot of homeless seniors.”

    Darna Lopez, regional sales manager for Gateway Mobile Homes, says she understands that Pinellas County needs to make things safer for the future but hopes it can be done reasonably.

    “We call on Pinellas County to reconsider its approach and adopt a more reasonable and compassionate valuation process—one that takes into account the real costs of repairs, the true condition of the homes, and the residents’ desire to remain in their homes and the community they love. We also want the County recognize the true fair market value of the homes, as they do for other types of residential dwellings, instead of valuing manufactured homes more like used cars. Our residents should not be forced out of their homes due to impractical demands or unfair assessments,” she said in a written statement.

    Lopez estimates about 130 homes are still affected. The remainder of the residents who received the letters have either moved or successfully appealed.

    Pinellas County Public Information Coordinator John Carkeet says the inspections were done under FEMA guidelines, and referred homeowners to apply for disaster recovery money that will become available in the coming months.

    “Pinellas County conducted substantial damage inspections at Gateway Mobile Home Park and other storm-impacted areas under FEMA’s federally mandated guidelines. Residents had the opportunity to request reassessments and appeals, and we continue to provide guidance on next steps. Our focus is on helping homeowners pursue  recovery plans and connecting them with resources such as the upcoming Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, which will provide financial assistance for eligible residents. For more information, residents may visit recovery.pinellas.gov for recovery resources or pinellas.gov/stormpermits for storm damage permitting,” he wrote in a statement to Spectrum Bay News 9.

    Sisco has appealed to a special magistrate and has a hearing scheduled for early October.

    [ad_2]

    Angie Angers

    Source link

  • Gulfport seeking a commitment from residents to evacuate ahead of a major storm

    [ad_1]

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Nearly a year after hurricanes Helene and Milton, the City of Gulfport is still deep in hurricane recovery and rebuilding, with more than 500 homes and businesses being reviewed for substantial damage. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Nearly a year after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the City of Gulfport is still deep in hurricane recovery and rebuilding

    • Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic storm surge and flooding remain vivid in the minds of residents and Gulfport City Council member Marlene Shaw

    • City leaders describe the process as transitioning from reactive to proactive by encouraging neighbors to prioritize safety during hurricanes


    Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic storm surge and flooding remain vivid in the minds of residents and Gulfport City Council member Marlene Shaw.

    “I’ve lived in Florida and Pinellas County for 43-years, and then I’ve lived in Gulfport for 31 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this, whether it be the flash floods or the hurricanes,” said Shaw who represents Ward 2 in the coastal community.

    “One of the takeaways I had from the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council’s Summit on Resiliency wasn’t only the Pledge to Evacuate, but it was also that we need to learn to live with water, and so it’s not only a resource that we need to be aware of to conserve, but we also need to prepare for the impacts of it. Weather is completely unpredictable,” Shaw added.

    She recently spearheaded the effort to implement the Pledge to Evacuate for Gulfport residents with an online resource that helps inform residents how to prepare for storm season and requires them to formally acknowledge hurricane preparedness criteria with their signature and personal contact information.

    City leaders describe the process as transitioning from reactive to proactive by encouraging neighbors to prioritize safety.

    “We see our neighbors commit to things and then we become more open to committing to that as well. We need that culture of preparedness and to encourage each other. I’ve worked with communities for a number of decades now, and people are very inclined to say, ‘Well, I want to stay in my own home,’ and yet they don’t realize afterwards when we’re without power that there’s there is no way for the first responders to be able to help, and of course, we don’t want to endanger them,” Shaw said.

    It’s a situation that Gulfport resident Jimmy Pagani lived through last fall when he decided to ride out the storm in his home that sits across the street from the beach.

    Fearing for his life with floodwaters up to his neck, he says he’ll never forget the night of Sept. 26 last year when the water and waves from Boca Ciega Bay were banging on his front window. He had to walk several blocks to safety while holding his cell phone high in the air, which prevented him from swimming.

    “I have lived in Florida 40 years and never evacuated a storm ever, and I’ll probably never sit through one again,” said Pagani.

    “Do whatever you can to secure your house and make it as watertight as possible, and then go on, leave the area and come back later,” he added.

    Pagani agrees wholeheartedly with city leaders’ efforts to urge residents to get out of harm’s way.

    “Storm surge and evacuate zones are based upon storm surge elevation,” said city spokesperson Justin Shea. “For example, if A, B and C zones order to evacuate, you just have to get to a D zone to be safe from the surge. Know where you’re going to go. Know what you’re going to do with your pets. Know what shelters are available in the area. Get all those tools together, and the pledge is another way to activate that process,” Shea continued.

    In addition to the online pledge, the city has a comprehensive list of resources on its recently launched Hurricane Center website.

    “By making the pledge, residents and businesses commit to developing and evacuation plan, understanding their evacuation zone, packing a personal go-bag, and following instructions of local emergency officials,” said Shea.

    [ad_2]

    Erica Riggins

    Source link

  • Flagler Beach receives nearly $9 million for restoration efforts

    [ad_1]

    Flagler County has received millions of dollars in federal funds to help fortify its coast by rebuilding dunes lost during Hurricane Milton.Flagler Beach received nearly $9 million in federal funds. The new dunes will stand about 14 feet tall, much larger than before. Construction will start in the Malacompra area and move north toward Marineland. The county’s coastal engineer stated that, because a similar project is already underway to the south, they were able to move quickly and are working to amend the current contract to retain the same contractors. She said it took a while to get these funds approved, but she is excited to have the engineers finally design these new dunes. Construction is scheduled to start on November 1 and is expected to take approximately three to four months to complete. The hope is that once this project is completed, the dunes will be able to withstand a Category 2 hurricane.

    Flagler County has received millions of dollars in federal funds to help fortify its coast by rebuilding dunes lost during Hurricane Milton.

    Flagler Beach received nearly $9 million in federal funds.

    The new dunes will stand about 14 feet tall, much larger than before. Construction will start in the Malacompra area and move north toward Marineland.

    The county’s coastal engineer stated that, because a similar project is already underway to the south, they were able to move quickly and are working to amend the current contract to retain the same contractors.

    She said it took a while to get these funds approved, but she is excited to have the engineers finally design these new dunes.

    Construction is scheduled to start on November 1 and is expected to take approximately three to four months to complete.

    The hope is that once this project is completed, the dunes will be able to withstand a Category 2 hurricane.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Tropical Storm Fernand pulls away from US

    [ad_1]

    Tropical Storm Fernand pulls away from US

    Tropical Storm Fernand is now rumbling through the Atlantic

    >> JUST GETTING IN THE LATEST INFORMATION FROM THE 05:00AM ADVISORY ON TROPICAL STORM FAIR. NOT NOW. THIS IS REALLY JUST MAINTAINING STRENGTH, BUT IT’S OVER 300 MILES NOW EAST-NORTHEAST OF EVEN BERMUDA. SO THIS IS JUST OVER THE OPEN ATLANTIC AND IT IS MOVING TO THE NORTH-NORTHEAST AT 12 MILES PER HOUR. SO NOT LOOKING ALL TOO IMPRESSIVE. AND WITH THE LATEST SPAGHETTI PLOTS, WE DO HAVE A REALLY GOOD CONSENSUS THAT HIGH PUNCHING THAT THIS CONTINUES TO TRACK NORTHEAST HEADING TOWARD THE FAR NORTHERN SUBTROPICAL ATLANTIC WHERE I DO EXPECT IT TO EVENTUALLY DISSIPATE BY THE END OF THE WEEK. SO THE LATEST FORECAST CONE SHOWING THAT WHAT WE COULD SEE SOME WOBBLES IN INTENSITY, PERHAPS SOME OCCASIONAL STRENGTHENING, NOT FOR LONG. WE DO NOT EXPECT THIS TO REACH HURRICANE STATUS OF HER. AND WE EXPECT THIS TO EVENTUALLY ON WEDNESDAY TRANSITION TO A POST-TROPICAL CYCLONE MEETING. IT WILL HAVE LOST ALL OF ITS TROPICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND IT POSES NO THREAT TO THE U.S.. THAT IS, OF COURSE NOT. THE ONLY THING I’M MONITORING THIS MORNING ON TOP OF TROPICAL STORM FAIR NON-LOCAL INTO THE SOUTH OVER THE WINDWARD ISLANDS THIS MORNING. A DISTURBANCE WITH LOW ODDS FOR DEVELOPMENT. WE’RE TALKING HAD DECREASED OVER THE WEEKEND TO JUST 10%. SO OVER THE NEXT 2 DAYS, EVEN THE NEXT WEEK, LOW ODDS TO SEE SOME SORT OF TROPICAL DEVELOPMENT. HOWEVER, REGARDLESS OF DEVELOPMENT, THIS IS STILL PRODUCING DISORGANIZED SHOWERS AND STORMS. EVEN THOUGH THE COVERAGE IS DECREASING A BIT THIS MORNING AND FOR THE WINDWARD ISLANDS, AT LEAST SOME GUSTY WINDS AND HEAVY RAIN POSSIBLE THROUGHOUT E DAY TODAY, EVEN INTO TOMORROW AS THIS TROPICAL WAVE MOVES WEST. SO AS OF NOW, NOT SEEING HIGH LIKELIHOOD THAT THIS EVER ACTUALLY DEVELOPS. BUT WE’RE GOING TO BE STAYING ON TOP OF IT, OF COURSE, AT THIS POINT IN HURRICANE SEASON. WE’RE ALSO 3RD THROUGH OUR STORM NAMES LIST. THE NEXT NAME ON THE LIST. GABRIEL AND THEN UMBERTO. SO WE’RE GONNA BE WATCHING FOR THAT. AND KEEP IN MIND, WE’RE JUST ABOUT 2 WEEKS OUT FROM THE STATISTICAL PEAK OF HURRICANE SEASON. ALL RIGHT, LIVE RADAR, SWEEPING, CLEAR WATCHING SOME OF THOSE SPOTTY SHOWERS JUST OFF THE COAST OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY. BUT MOST OF US IN GREAT SHAPE AFTER A VERY SOGGY WEEKEND, HOWEVER, WITH EVEN SOME FLOODING CONCERNS FOR PARTS OF LEE COUNTY. SO WHO IS FAVORED TO SEE THE RAIN AGAIN TODAY? WHILE COASTAL SPOTS, SOME SPOTTY SHOWERS AND STORMS INTO THE MORNING HOURS. AND WE’RE LOOKING AT THAT POSSIBLE HEADING INTO THE AFTERNOON. SCATTERED STORM. SO WE DO NOT EXPECT THE COVERAGE TO BE NEARLY AS HIGH AS WHAT WE SAW SATURDAY OR SUNDAY. HOWEVER, YOU ARE STILL GOING TO WANT THE UMBRELLA HANDY. WE’RE LOOKING AT A RINSE AND REPEAT PATTERN STILL EVERY SINGLE DAY OVER THE NEXT WEEK. SO NOT SEEING THE RAINY SEASON WEAKENING ANYTIME SOON. IN FACT, THE RAINY SEASON DOESN’T COME TO AN END UNTIL USUALLY THE MIDDLE OF OCTOBER. SO WE STILL HAVE QUITE A WAYS TO GO TEMPERATURE NO RELIEF THERE. LOW TO MID 90’S EVERY SINGLE DAY MORNINGS WILL BE IN THE MID TO UPPER 70’S. SO PRETTY SEASONAL. I DON’T EXPECT RECORD HEAT, BUT WE’RE ALSO NOT GETTING IN ON ANY SORT OF COOL DOW

    Tropical Storm Fernand pulls away from US

    Tropical Storm Fernand is now rumbling through the Atlantic

    Updated: 2:28 AM PDT Aug 25, 2025

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    The Atlantic Basin remains active as Tropical Storm Fernand spins over the open Atlantic and a disturbance near the Windward Islands has a low chance for development.Tropical Storm Fernand At 5 a.m. Monday, Tropical Storm Fernand maintained strength with sustained winds at 50 mph. It’s currently 360 miles east-northeast of Bermuda and moving north-northeast at 12 mph.It is forecast to head toward cooler sea surface temperatures and high wind shear, making a transition to post-tropical by Wednesday.Fernand poses no threat to the U.S. and is expected to dissipate by Thursday.Invest 99LNear the Windward Islands, the National Hurricane Center has designated a tropical wave as Invest 99L in the region highlighted in yellow. Chances for development have decreased to only 10% as the system tracks west. Regardless of development, heavy rainfall and gusty winds are the main threats in the Windward Islands over the next two days.As 99L pushes deeper into the Caribbean, there is potential that it could reach an area of more favorable development conditions later this week. Count on the Gulf Coast Storm Team to keep you informed.

    FORT MYERS, Fla. —

    The Atlantic Basin remains active as Tropical Storm Fernand spins over the open Atlantic and a disturbance near the Windward Islands has a low chance for development.

    Tropical Storm Fernand

    At 5 a.m. Monday, Tropical Storm Fernand maintained strength with sustained winds at 50 mph. It’s currently 360 miles east-northeast of Bermuda and moving north-northeast at 12 mph.

    Tracking the tropics

    hurricane

    It is forecast to head toward cooler sea surface temperatures and high wind shear, making a transition to post-tropical by Wednesday.

    Fernand poses no threat to the U.S. and is expected to dissipate by Thursday.

    Invest 99L

    Near the Windward Islands, the National Hurricane Center has designated a tropical wave as Invest 99L in the region highlighted in yellow.

    Area of Interest

    Chances for development have decreased to only 10% as the system tracks west. Regardless of development, heavy rainfall and gusty winds are the main threats in the Windward Islands over the next two days.

    As 99L pushes deeper into the Caribbean, there is potential that it could reach an area of more favorable development conditions later this week. Count on the Gulf Coast Storm Team to keep you informed.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • New study finds Lake Bonny’s infrastructure ‘insufficient’ following Milton

    [ad_1]

    LAKELAND, Fla. — Lake Bonny residents received some answers after the city recently released a new watershed study. 

    The report analyzed what went wrong during Hurricane Milton and offered ways to prevent future flooding.

    Each person Spectrum Bay News 9 spoke to living on the shore of Lake Bonny shared a similar reaction to the report. Resident Diana Hoagland said the findings confirmed what they’ve suspected since October.

    What You Need To Know

    • A new watershed study found Lake Bonny’s infrastructure is inadequate to handle flooding like what occurred during Hurricane Milton

    • Lakeland officials say they’re reviewing the report’s findings and working with partner agencies to assess potential flood prevention solutions.

    • Residents want immediate action from the city, but fear leaders may not follow through on the report’s recommendations.
    • BELOW: Read the full study


    “We knew the pumping system was inadequate just by virtue of the Army Corps of Engineers having to stay here for 41 days,” she said.

    The Army Corps of Engineers brought in three additional pumps after homes near Lake Bonny and Little Lake Bonny flooded during Hurricane Milton. While many homes were flooded, Hoagland said water didn’t enter her home. But it did flood her crawl space, causing damage to her floors.

    “They needed to be completely replaced,” Hoagland said. “So, we’re in the process of doing that now, still, even though we’re getting pretty close to the one-year anniversary of Milton.

    For months, she and others have pointed to the lake’s pumping system as the cause of the flooding. According to the study by AECOM, the current infrastructure is “insufficient” for extreme events.

    “It’s not terribly surprising, but we’re more concerned about with next steps. How do we fix it?” Hoagland said.

    The study provides a few ways to improve the system, including taking necessary steps to pump water to Lake Parker at a higher rate.

    In a statement, Kevin Cook, spokesperson for the city of Lakeland, said:

    “The report has just been finalized, and we are now entering the next phase of the process. This will involve a thorough evaluation of the report’s findings in collaboration with our partner agencies. We are committed to carefully assessing the feasibility of each scenario presented. There is no straightforward solution. Each option outlined in the report involves complex considerations and will require coordinated decisions from multiple jurisdictions and agencies, including the City of Lakeland, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners, the State of Florida, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

    It is important to note that at least one of the proposed scenarios will involve property acquisition and wetland mitigation, underscoring the importance of a collaborative and strategic approach moving forward. Polk County has taken the lead on mitigation and has submitted a grant application to the Florida Department of Emergency Management for $11.9 million to help implement flood relief projects around Lake Bonny as recommended by the report.”

    However, Hoagland is concerned that leaders may not follow through on their efforts.

    “That’s something that we cannot afford to allow to happen. So we need change, we need action. I don’t know what that looks like and I don’t know how long it takes but we need help,” she said.

    [ad_2]

    Alexis Jones

    Source link

  • Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge reopens after storms

    [ad_1]

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — The largest moose lodge in the country is back open, welcoming members to a completely renovated building.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge was closed for months after Hurricane Helene, but fully reopened its doors earlier this month

    • Debra Snook described the damage caused by Helene, with Milton happening two weeks later

    • The last step in the rebuilding process will be completing the parking lot

    The Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge was closed for months after Hurricane Helene, but fully reopened its doors earlier this month.

    “Kind of like losing part of your home… part of your family,” said Debra Snook, who has worked there since 2007.

    Now the family is back together.

    “We are all family. We help each other out,” she explained. 

    Snook described the damage caused by Helene, with Milton happening two weeks later.

    “The water shoved the wall. That all got shoved out. And tables and chairs were piled up with about five feet of sand on the floor,” she said.

    The entire building needed to be renovated — almost everything was replaced.

    “New beer lines, new water lines, new everything,” Snook said.

    The last step in the rebuilding process will be completing the parking lot, which is expected to be open Friday.

    “They came in yesterday, and they are here today,” she said.

    The patio area opened for the first time Thursday. The staff thinks that will have a positive impact.

    “I think that limited our business a little. Not a lot, but it is a slow time of year. But it’s still going pretty good,” she said.

    Now that the entire lodge is open, Snook has her eyes set on one mission.

    “And I hope this year that we can manage to donate and help out as many people as we did the year before the hurricane, because last year was a little rough. You know, we were closed, what, seven, eight months?” she said.

    Overcoming everything Helene and Milton threw at the Moose Lodge was a challenge — but Snook knows that now the customers and employees have returned, that family feeling is back for good.

    The Moose Lodge says the Queen of Hearts game is back on.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Manatee nonprofit helps veterans, families recover after 2024 hurricanes

    [ad_1]

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A Manatee County nonprofit dedicated to assisting veterans and their families redirected its focus after last year’s hurricanes.

    What You Need To Know

    • Our Next Mission spent the last several months helping those families repair the homes they already lived in

    • The nonprofit was formed about six years ago

    • Peggy Brown, whose home was damaged by last year’s storms, had high praise for the nonprofit’s work

    Instead of renovating trailers and providing them to needy families, Our Next Mission spent the last several months helping those families repair the homes they already lived in.

    Peggy Brown was one of the many to have their home damaged.

    Her roof and floors were damaged by all three storms — Debby, Helene and Milton.

    “When they brought me home, it was, oh my God, devastating,” Brown said. “This was a mess. The roof was leaking more. I mean, half of it was gone. The carport part of it was gone,” she said.

    While Brown was able to fix her roof with the money she received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), repairing everything else was going to be an expense that she couldn’t afford.

    “Like one Social Security check, and it’s very small. You have to pinch pennies to make it,” she said.

    That’s when Our Next Mission stepped in. While Brown purchased the materials, Our Next Mission provided free labor — repairing her floor, all of the kitchen cabinets and other areas of the trailer. She qualified for the assistance because her spouse was a military veteran.

    “He was such a loving person. I miss him, miss him a lot.””He would always come home and tell me how much he loved me,” she said, holding a photo in her hand.

    Our Next Mission was founded around six years ago. Its typical work consisted of renovating old trailers and then giving them to disabled and at-risk veterans.

    But after last year’s storms, the nonprofit decided to stop that work and redirect its volunteers to make repairs to the current homes of veterans and their families.

    “So over the last six or seven months after the storms, we replaced eight carports, two Florida rooms, helped people get two roofs put on their homes,” said Greg Kisela, President of Our Next Mission.

    Brown has lived in her trailer in Bradenton for more than 10 years, and said if she didn’t get help from the nonprofit, she would be homeless.

    “So good, them people are. They have done so much for me,” she said.

    It was a helping hand provided during a time of need.

    Our Next Mission does have one trailer available for a veteran who qualifies. The nonprofit anticipates finishing two more trailers before the end of the year.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Year-round hurricane supply kit tax exempt status begins today

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — Florida’s new state budget goes in to effect today, but the new budget does not include a sales tax holiday for hurricane supply kit items.

    Instead, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed in to law a new, permanent, year-round tax exempt rule for many items that families would include in hurricane supply kits.

    What You Need To Know

    • New budget does not include a sales tax holiday for hurricane supply kit items

    • Instead, Gov. DeSantis signed in to law a new, permanent, year-round tax exempt rule for hurricane supplies

    • MORE INFORMATION: Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay

    According to Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay, many residents did not include batteries and cell phone power banks in their supply kits last year, causing big problems for some after storms passed.

    “One of the things that we noticed is the lack of communication by many of the homeowners, because they ran out of batteries in their cell phones.,” said Rebuilding Together Greater Florida CEO Jose Garcia.  “And this year we are going to include the additional external batteries so they can charge it and ready to use it in case they run out of batteries because there is now power in their house.”

    Rebuilding Together is currently helping hundreds of homeowners with financial and work assistance that are still making repairs to their homes after Helene and Milton last year.

    At the same time, RTTB is working to stockpile supply kit items, that would be distributed to impacted area’s after any potential storms later this year.

    It says batteries, flashlights and a way to charge your cell phone for at least two days is crucial if you choose to ride a storm out.

    Millions lost power during hurricanes last fall, and it took 2-3 days for relief sites to be setup for residents to visit.

    Florida has now declared the following items tax-exempt year round in order for Floridians to prepare for an incoming storm or other disaster:

    AA-cell, AAA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, or 9-volt batteries

    Smoke detection devices

    Carbon monoxide alarms

    Fire extinguishers

    Portable generators

    Waterproof tarps and other flexible waterproof sheeting (1,000 square feet or less)

    Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits

    Portable gas or diesel fuel cans (5 gallons or less)

    Life jackets

    Bicycle helmets

    Sunscreen

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • Parrish family invests in new equipment and techniques to prevent flooding

    [ad_1]

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Some residents who are in a low flood risk areas, or maybe not in a flood zone at all, had major flooding problems last year. 

    We spoke to a Manatee County resident who is installing pumps on his property to move the water out and prevent issues in the future.

    What You Need To Know

    • Bradley Anderson and his family live in a low-risk flood zone in Parrish 

    • Their property flooded for the first time last storm season

    • Now Anderson and his family have invested in new equipment and techniques to hopefully prevent another flood

    Heavy lifting is part of Bradley Anderson’s new plan.

    “Right now we are starting the process of being proactive,” he said.

    In this case, he’s creating a drainage path by moving dirt.

    “And moving a lot of dirt to raise certain portions of the property to drain water where we need it to,” he said.

    Bradley Anderson’s property flooded property. (Courtesy: Bradley Anderson)

    This new approach comes after his family’s Parrish property flooded multiple times during last year’s hurricane season.

    “I don’t want to become a statistic. Seeing so many folks that assume that what they’re doing is going to be enough. I need to control the part that I can,” he said.

    But no one can control the force of a storm. Anderson sent us video of flooding on his property.

    It’s in Flood Zone X, considered to be low-risk, yet flooded in Debby, Helene, and Milton.

    “We would be sloshing through water and it ran up all the way to the front of the home,” he said.

    Bradley Anderson's property flooded property. (Courtesy: Bradley Anderson)

    Bradley Anderson’s property flooded property. (Courtesy: Bradley Anderson)

    Our weather experts shared data from an Ellenton rain gauge for those three storms.

    The total from both Debby – 14.6 inches – and Milton – 6.2 inches – exceeded the monthly averages, while Helene also dropped nearly 2.5 inches of rain in central Manatee County.

    If the property floods again, Anderson says he will use a pump to drain the water.

    “As the water starts to rise, the pump kicks in. This provides a lot more peace of mind,” he said.

    And there’s more than 500 feet of pipe that he will run to the front of their land.

    “We’re just taking all necessary precautions because you never know when one storm or the surrounding impact is going to come through,” he said.

    Bradley Anderson's property flooded property. (Courtesy: Bradley Anderson)

    Bradley Anderson’s property flooded property. (Courtesy: Bradley Anderson)

    The water will then dump out here into a culvert.

    “Our hope is that the utilities work the way they are designed to,” he said.

    From priming the pipes on his property, to preparing a large hole for excess waste, it will take weeks to complete everything. And even then, the homeowners tell me they are worried it won’t be enough.

    “This is a lot of labor — a labor of love,” he said.

    But it’s also been a large financial investment for his family.

    “The pumps alone, we’re in the low thousands. The equipment rental itself — I mean, you’re talking hundreds of dollars per day,” he said.

    Each day, as Anderson continues to prepare, he is counting on this project to safeguard the property for future storm seasons.

    Anderson tells us it will take a month to complete moving the dirt to elevate part of his property.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Pasco County to receive $585.7 million to help with storm relief

    [ad_1]

    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A little more than $585 million is coming to Pasco County in the form of storm relief.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pasco County will be receiving $585.7 million in federal grants to help with storm relief efforts throughout the county

    • Money is coming through the Community Development Block grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
    • County officials say last fall, more than 800 homes were destroyed by hurricanes in Pasco County
    • The county will be holding public meetings, starting Tuesday in Zephyrhills, for residents to voice their opinions on where else the money should go


    It’s through the Community Development Block grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funds will help areas throughout Pasco recover from Hurricanes Idalia, Helene and Milton.

    Some homeowners are still building back after the storms.

    For six months, Ralph Cramton has been hard at work building back his home, making all sorts of repairs and trims at his saw table.

    “We lost all of our furniture, so it’s a matter of replacing,” says Cramton.

    Spectrum News first told you about Cramton and his wife’s story in December, as he was repairing their home while he was battling leukemia. Now, progress is being made.

    “This is my next project today,” says Cramton, standing next to a windowsill. “I’ve already got this part of the window.”

    Walls have been repaired and entire rooms brought back to life.

    “I think we’re probably a month or 45 days away from being able to get rid of all the boxes and the plastics and stuff like that,” Cramton said. “Have paint on all of the rooms and kind of be at a point where I can say, ‘I’m going to take the week off and not do any more repair work.’”

    County officials say last fall, more than 800 homes were destroyed by hurricanes in Pasco County, prompting the county to apply for a federal grant. The grant goes toward housing, infrastructure, economic revitalization, public services and planning.

    “Under infrastructure, we could really work with storm water, water, and different parts of our system that failed during the hurricanes to repair and make them stronger as well as help with critical public facilities,” said Marcy Esbjerg, senior program administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery Resources.

    It’s a boost, Cramton says, for those homeowners who are far more behind in their recovery efforts.

    “From a homeowner’s side, there’s a lot of people that I think need a lot of help and so I’d be all for that.”

    Seeing the progress that has been made on his home is bringing a new meaning of life to Cramton, too.

    “It’s a day at a time,” he says. “Nobody gets more than that and so I just try to make the best and the most.”

    Making the most of their situation day-by-day.

    The county will be holding public meetings, starting Tuesday in Zephyrhills, for residents to voice their opinions on where the money should go. An action plan needs to be published by the county, outlining how they are going to spend that money. That action plan comes out Monday.

    [ad_2]

    Calvin Lewis

    Source link