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Tag: Hurricane Milton

  • Odessa farm celebrates the Christmas season after Milton damage

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    ODESSA, Fla. — It’s not all that often you can see gingerbread houses next to a massive pig.

    What You Need To Know

    • Raprager Family Farms is celebrating its annual Christmas Festival; hours below

    • The festival comes following a difficult fall because of damage from Hurricane Milton

    • According to officials with the farm, that storm and the closure that came from it resulted in the farm losing about 40 percent of expected revenue

    • Despite that setback, things are in full swing for the Christmas season, and folks at the farm are optimistic about this event and future holidays


    But Raprager Family Farms is combining their love of the holidays with their love of farm life in their annual festival.

    “There’s really nothing more you could ask for,” said Kendall Rickert, operations manager for the farm.

    They’re in full swing right now, celebrating Christmas the only way a farm can — with lots of lights and animals and holly hay bales abound.

    But it’s been quite a journey to get to this celebratory mindset.

    “We’re definitely still kind of picking up pieces,” Rickert said. “You know, if you walk around the property, some pieces around kind of look like, you know, they’ve had some damage and things like that.”

    Rickert was talking about the damage they got from Hurricane Milton.

    While the Christmas festivities are going off without a hitch, their fall festival dealt with a lot of problems.

    “The property definitely took on some damage,” Rickert said, “especially the animal enclosures and things like that.”

    They also lost power, forcing them to cancel several nights in October.

    Halloween is their busiest time of year. According to folks at the farm, they lost 40 percent of their expected revenue because of Milton.

    “It was very difficult for everybody,” Rickert said. “But again, you know, we have an awesome staff, and everybody was just ready to come pick up and keep moving along.”

    Even though there are still some reminders of Milton at the farm, the Christmas spirit is still here with a mixture of the country and Kris Kringle.

    When night falls, the lights and the joy are all you see and Rickert wouldn’t have it any other way.

    “It just really gives you the freedom to kind of, you know, dress it up and dress it down and do whatever you want with it,” she said.

    And no storm is going to take that away.

    This is the farm’s last weekend of its Christmas event before Christmas Day.

    It is open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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    Nick Popham

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  • After storms, Ozello residents face dilemma to build back or leave

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    OZELLO, Fla. — Citrus County residents are still feeling the effects from hurricanes Helene and Milton.

    In areas along the coast, like Ozello, recovery has taken longer than other parts of the county.

    What You Need To Know

    • Residents in Ozello are still picking up after hurricanes Helene and Milton

    • With insurance claims taking time to settle and mounting pressure from FEMA’s 50% Rule, some homeowners are questioning whether to build back or move out
    • Despite frustrations, some residents say they’re not giving up on their community


    With insurance claims taking time to settle and mounting pressure from FEMA’s 50% Rule, some homeowners are questioning whether to build back or move out.

    Despite frustrations, some residents say they’re not giving up on their community.

    On the ground floor of his business, Ozello Keys Marina, owner Gary Bartell, sands a couple of pieces of plywood. Boards that will serve as new trimming for his business.

    “It’s definitely one of those things that you do not want to take any shortcuts whatsoever,” said Bartell.

    Bartell has had his marina in Ozello for the last seven years. In that time, he, just like many in the area, has seen his fair share of hurricanes.

    “Exactly one year later, after Idalia, we had Hurricane Debby,” Bartell said. “Just a few inches. Nothing crazy. That one took us a couple of weeks to get back open and get all of the moisture out of here. And then we had Hurricane Helene. Five-foot and-a-half inch, exactly.”

    As he works away, repairing his shop, Bartell says not everyone has been as fortunate. With some residents being told they cannot build back because of FEMA’s 50% Rule.

    “When people purchase in these island communities, they understand the risk and the flood risk,” says Bartell. “They should also understand that flood insurance is very valuable, and it can really protect your assets.”

    Bartell says his shop has flood insurance, however, he is still waiting on reimbursement. A minor inconvenience, he says, knowing the risk that lies with his shop’s location.

    “It’s something if you live anywhere in a flood zone or close to a flood zone, trust me on this one and take my word, it is worth every single penny,” said Bartell. “We all complain when we have to pay that annual premium but, after the unknown happens, it’s what insurance is for.”

    In the meantime, Bartell says he’s thankful to be able to start some repairs. With sights set on re-opening in the new year.

    “We miss seeing everyone come through here,” he said. “We miss all of our regulars; we miss meeting new people. You’re kind of going stir crazy not seeing everybody. By January 1, we will be open back up. We might not be fully open with all of the services we offer, but we’ll be open.”

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Hurricane debris pick-up deadline set for Zephyrhills

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    ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — It’s been more than two months since Hurricane Milton struck Tampa Bay. Since it hit, crews have been working non-stop to pick up debris. 

    In some areas like Zephyrhills, communities are setting deadlines.

    What You Need To Know

    • In the weeks since Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida, city crews and contractors in Zephyrhills have been busy working to restore the community to what it looked like before

    • Sunday, Dec. 15 is the last day of debris pickup in Zephyrhills

    •  Pasco County residents can also drop off debris at the West Pasco Resource Recovery Center in Spring Hill and the East Pasco Transfer Station in Dade City if they miss the deadline


    From piles of furniture to bundles of tree limbs, Zephyrhills Public Works Director Shane LeBlanc said picking up debris has been a priority.

    “A lot of the issues that we’ve had after Hurricane Milton was flooding and wind damage,” he said. “The combination of both have kept us busy with flooding, and also debris management and debris pickup.”

    The weeks since Hurricane Milton have kept city crews and contractors busy, working hard to restore the community to what it looked like pre-hurricane.

    Sunday, Dec. 15 is the last day of debris pickup in Zephyrhills.

    “We can kind of draw a line in the sand. We don’t want to be doing this forever, but we want to give the residents an opportunity to get their debris curbside so we can come through one last time, pick everything up, and try to restore the city back to its natural beauty,” LeBlanc said.

    LeBlanc also said they chose Dec. 15 to match Pasco County. And with few piles of debris remaining in the community, LeBlanc said this is the right time to move forward.

    “We’ve been doing it for over two months, and at some point, we have to have everything picked up, he said. “Also, we’re under FEMA deadline for 90 days post-hurricane.”

    If you miss the pickup deadline, there are also two locations where you can drop off debris: the West Pasco Resource Recovery Center in Spring Hill and the East Pasco Transfer Station in Dade City. These are only for Pasco County residents.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Hudson mobile homeowners without power since Helene sent eviction notices

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    HUDSON, Fla. — Some residents of mobile home parks who have been without power since Hurricane Helene say they are now facing possible evictions.

    What You Need To Know

    • At Lantern Travel Park, outdated electrical boxes are causing a delay in restoring electricity

    • Some residents of mobile home parks who have been without power since Hurricane Helene say they are now facing possible evictions

    • Several homes display “Unsafe” signs placed by the Pasco County building inspector

    • Charles Carson, the owner of the mobile home park, says he intends to collaborate with tenants, telling Spectrum News he will not pursue evictions as long as the tenants upgrade their homes


    At Lantern Travel Park, outdated electrical boxes are causing a delay in restoring electricity.  

    Several homes display “Unsafe” signs placed by the Pasco County building inspector indicating they should not be occupied due to electrical damage incurred during Hurricane Helene.

    “I’m a blue-collar worker, and I work hard for everything I have. It’s not much, but I work hard,” said one homeowner named Brad.

    Since Hurricane Helene flooded his property, he has received more and more bad news, including an eviction notice.

    Brad, a resident of Lantern Travel Park, reads a notice to vacate his mobile home in 30 days. (Spectrum News)

    Asked what his biggest fear right now is, he said, “not having a home to live in and a place to put all the things that I’ve worked hard for.”

    Several other mobile homes received notices saying their leases would end in 30 days.

    Landlord and owner Charles Carson informed Spectrum News that management is currently updating the electric meters and that he sent notices to mobile homes that needed electrical repairs and had failed inspections.

    Carson added some of the properties are vacant, which is also slowing down power restoration for the entire park.

    With limited finances and time, Brad feels his hands are tied.

    “He (the landlord) says that since this has happened, he’s not even allowing us to renew the place because he’s not renewing the leases for this entire side for the homeowners,” he said. “I worked hard for what I have; now it’s being thrown away?”

    Brad wants to rebuild, but if he is pushed out, he believes starting over entirely would be equally devastating.

    Carson says he intends to collaborate with tenants and will not pursue evictions as long as the tenants upgrade their homes.

    According to Withlacoochee River Electric, the electric company has restored power to units that were approved by the Pasco County building inspector.

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    Fadia Patterson

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  • Metropolitan Ministries reports 20% increase in demand during holidays

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    HUDSON, Fla. — After back-to-back hurricanes heading into the holiday season, officials with Metropolitan Ministries say there are about 20% more families needing help this year with finances, food and toys for their children.

    And considering how many families were effected, they say donations are currently down about 23%. Both figures are compared to one year ago.

    What You Need To Know

    • While Metropolitan Ministries is stepping up donation drives for others, it also has some of its own families struggling too.

    •  It reports that need is up since the hurricanes, and that donations are down

    • Susan Neff oversees the “Neighbor Hope Project,” working with people who are on the verge of homelessness; she says these last couple of months have been especially challenging

    • Would you like to help? Click here


    While Metropolitan Ministries is stepping up donation drives for others, it also has some of its own families struggling too.

    Susan Neff oversees the “Neighbor Hope Project,” working with people who are on the verge of homelessness. She says these last couple of months have been especially challenging.

    “What we see in Hudson and Shady Hills is a lot of people who temporarily lost employment because of the storms, or had minimal damage, but it was enough to really make it challenging for them going into the holidays,” Neff said. “So it’s kind of a difficult holiday.”

    It’s an especially difficult Christmas season for Neff, as well.

    “I too lost everything that we owned due to hurricane Helene, and then was impacted by Milton only emotionally, and mentally, which was very challenging,” she said. “We didn’t lose anything more — well there wasn’t anything more to lose.”

    Neff said when she returned home after evacuating for Hurricane Helene, she had more than 4 feet of water in her home.  She still doesn’t have walls, or electricity or water, and she’s living in a trailer in front of her house.

    “Seeing what homelessness really feels like and what it really means, and I’m only on the edge of that, it’s very eye opening,” she said. “And the thing of it is, for most people in that situation, they haven’t necessarily done anything to put themselves there. It’s just circumstances.”

    Neff said many of the people Metropolitan Ministries served before the hurricanes hit are now further displaced, but she has faith in the community, and if everyone comes together, there can still be Christmas miracles. 

    Metropolitan Ministries is collecting donations in person, and online. Neff said the number of volunteers also declined after the hurricanes, because many needed to tend to their own homes.

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    Fallon Silcox

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  • Homeowners seeking public adjusters to help level hurricane damage estimates

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Some homeowners filing claims with their FEMA National Flood Insurance Policies (NFIP) are finding out they may not get enough financial assistance to cover all their damage. 

    Andrew Knox with Altieri Insurance Consultants said NFIP Insurance adjusters determine how much the agency will pay for damage based on computer software that sometimes won’t calculate repair costs to industry standards.  

    What You Need To Know

    • Some homeowners filing claims with their FEMA National Flood Insurance Policies (NFIP) are finding out they may not get enough financial assistance to cover all their damage

    • Insurance adjusters determine how much the agency will pay for damage based on computer software

    • Low damage estimates from NFIP adjusters could leave some homeowners stuck in the middle
    • National Flood Insurance Program
    • FEMA

    That estimate determines the insurance payout for damage, and could leave homeowners short-changed should contractors say the damage will cost more to repair.

    “There are times that money is enough to do the job, but there are a lot of times, as people are finding out, that it isn’t enough money to do the job,” said Knox.

    Low damage estimates from NFIP adjusters could leave some homeowners stuck in the middle, either covering the remaining cost of repairs on their own or fighting it out with the insurance company to cover the difference.

    Knox says some homeowners are now hiring their own public adjusters, bringing them in as an independent third-party to determine damage estimates and to work with FEMA, contractors and insurance companies to make sure repairs that are funded can move forward.

    “As a policyholder, the burden of proof is on you the insured to prove your loss to the insurance company,” Knox said. “So you have to prove to them why your loss is underpaid. And if there are items missed, it is your job to show them what was missed. If there are costs that are below the market cost, it is your job to do that.”

    Knox says public adjusters are very busy right now across Florida and some have wait lists.

    But hiring an adjuster and patience could help save homeowners thousands of dollars.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Crystal River businesses along Citrus Avenue reopening

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — Small businesses along Citrus Avenue are reopening their doors to shoppers.

    What You Need To Know

    • Small businesses along Citrus Avenue are re-opening their doors to shoppers after having to make repairs from Hurricane Helene

    • Much of downtown Crystal River sat underwater for a period as a result of the hurricane

    • Store owners, like Deanna Boyer of Salty Girls Beach Shop, have ‘soft launched’ their re-opening, allowing customers to shop

    • Boyer says she is looking to have a grand reopening of her store in January


    Stores along the road were damaged just two months ago by Hurricane Helene, with plenty left to pick up. Now, with the holiday shopping season upon us, store owners are opening up their doors.

    Standing at the counter inside her store Salty Girls Beach Shop, Deanna Boyer helps a customer. A typical activity that may feel a little surreal these days.

    “We’ve been slowly trying to get everything back together, back in place,” said Boyer. “We’re at about 75%. Hopefully, by the end of December, we’ll be ready and full force by then. I’m hoping!”

    It’s taken some time — and elbow grease — to get the shop spruced up in time for the holiday season. An experience they did not have to go thru alone.

    “We’re tough as nails!” said Boyer. “We have a really good community and, I know I’ve said this before, we all fight like siblings and we trash each other but when we have a disaster- and we always do- we all come together. The community comes together. There is, really, no better place to live than Crystal River.”

    If Boyer’s tone isn’t enough of an incentive to visit, maybe the area’s natural residents will help sway peoples’ minds, as manatee season is now in full-swing across the city.

    “Come down to Crystal River!” says Boyer. “The manatees are in, the shops are open, there are great places to eat and swim. Come on and see us.”

    Boyer says she is looking to have a grand reopening of her store in January.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • As applications deadline extended, FEMA OKs millions more, mostly for Bay area

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The deadline for Floridians to apply for FEMA assistance after Hurricanes Milton and Helene has been extended to Jan. 7, 2025.

    Homeowners and renters with losses from Hurricanes Milton and Helene may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance for displacement, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses.

    What You Need To Know

    • FEMA announced Tuesday an additional $76 million in aid funding for debris removal and other emergency protective measures for Bay area and Central Florida residents
    • Deadline for Floridians to apply for FEMA assistance after Hurricanes Milton and Helene has been extended to Jan. 7, 2025

    • Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362

    And just as the deadline has been extended, FEMA announced Tuesday an additional $76 million in aid funding for debris removal and other emergency protective measures for Bay area and Central Florida residents.

    Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362.

    To date, FEMA Public Assistance has provided $820.9 million for Hurricane Milton, $370.4 million for Hurricane Helene and $102.2 million for Hurricane Debby.

    The money reimburses the state and local governments, as well as certain nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures and debris removal. 

    FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides reimbursement to local and state government agencies for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster damaged public facilities and infrastructure. Houses of worship and other nonprofit organizations may also be eligible for FEMA Public Assistance.

    The additional funds made available for aid include:

    • $2,833,717 for the city of Oldsmar for debris removal
    • $29,176,400 for the city of Tampa for debris removal
    • $2,907,349 for the city of Holmes Beach for debris removal 
    • $1,038,219 for the city of Bradenton Beach for debris removal 
    • $2,331,111 for the city of Dunedin for debris removal
    • $2,872,284 for the city of Largo for debris removal
    • $1,357,200 for the city of Daytona Beach for debris removal
    • $2,494,914 for Lake County for debris removal
    • $31,188,560 for the Florida Division of Emergency Management to reimburse the state for its non-congregate sheltering program

    If you had damage from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, you will need to apply separately for both disasters and provide the dates of your damage for each.

    For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834.

    For Hurricane Helene recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806.

    Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362.

    Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

    For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance, go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance – YouTube.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Pasco business cooks 500 Thanksgiving meals for hurricane victims

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    HOLIDAY, Fla. — Robert’s Smokin’ BBQ is preparing Thanksgiving meals for 500 families impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

    It comes after the restaurant’s first location was destroyed in floodwaters during Helene.

    What You Need To Know

    • Robert’s Smokin’ BBQ in Holiday is preparing 500 Thanksgiving meals for people impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton

    • They’re doing it with the help of a donation from Lantern Specialty Care

    • The restaurant’s original location in Port Richey was destroyed by floodwaters during Helene

    • Owner Robert Luke said he wants to reopen in a new location in Port Richey


    “I’ll tell you, that probably was the hardest three days after that for me, as a person. I was devastated mentally, psychologically, emotionally. I was destroyed,” said owner Robert Luke.

    Luke opened his original location in 2016, but he said he’s been perfecting his barbecue recipe since 1972.

    “Since I was a little kid, following behind Mr. Pretty, my granddaddy. You know, trying to get in his way, never knowing that this would be my way,” said Luke.

    He’s tried to foster that same close-knit environment in his restaurants. Luke works with a number of his actual family members, but he refers even to those not related to him as family.

    “I don’t have any employees,” he said.

    That extends to some customers, too.

    “He treats everybody as though they are family, and how can you not support a local business that’s like that?” said Ryan Burke. “Plus, he makes the best barbecue I’ve ever had, so that makes it easy.”

    Burke is someone Luke calls a brother. They got to know each other after Luke catered events for him. Now, they’ve teamed up to get meals to those in need.

    “This is the only holiday that is really centered around family,” said Luke. “I’m a family-style restaurant. Family first.”

    Burke said it was his 11-year-old daughter, Calleigh’s, idea: give people impacted by the storms a Thanksgiving dinner. He said his employer, Lantern Specialty Care, donated $50,000. Luke’s team is donating their time and skills to barbecue 500 turkeys. They’re part of a full meal that will be picked up or delivered in time for the big day.

    “They’re going to families that may not be able to have a normal Thanksgiving because they lost their appliances, they don’t have a kitchen, they’re living in a temporary space, an RV,” Burke said. 

    They’re circumstances that hold a special place in Luke’s heart.

    “When you talk about devastation to a small business, this is devastation,” Luke can be heard saying on a video he took of the inside of his Port Richey location after floodwaters receded.

    “We lost every piece of equipment we had,” Luke told Spectrum News. “We had every reason to give up, too. It ain’t in me.”

    Luke and his team have kept going at their holiday location, Robert’s Smokin’ BBQ 2. That’s where they’re barbecuing for this epic undertaking.

    “I think when you do anything, except you do it with your heart and you’re really doing it, then it’s not work. So, it becomes a very easy task,” said Luke.

    Luke said he wants to find a new location in Port Richey. For now, he’s focused on the task at hand: giving families who’ve lost so much a reason to give thanks.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Residents left with questions as pumping relieves Lake Seward flooding

    Residents left with questions as pumping relieves Lake Seward flooding

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Residents living on Oakmont Lane are starting to see some relief Friday as Polk County continues to pump floodwater from their homes.

    The water is from Lake Seward’s basin, which residents say was dry until September.

    What You Need To Know

    • Residents near Lake Seward face unprecedented flooding due to recent hurricanes

    • Polk County had previous feasibility reports since the 1990s that outlined possible flood mitigation strategies

    • A pumping operation is underway to manage floodwaters, but residents seek clarity on recovery options


    Hillsborough County firefighter Jarrod Smith, who moved to the area in 2015, said drainage from nearby neighborhoods started to fill the basin around the time of Hurricane Helene. Then the water rose much higher when Hurricane Milton hit the area.

    “What we have now is record-setting. People who have lived here for 45 years have never seen this,” Smith said. “And to see it like this is definitely defeating and frustrating.”

    To make matters worse, Smith says the damage to his and his neighbors’ homes was avoidable. Feasibility reports by Polk County dating from the 1990s detail ways the county could have reduced flooding in the area.

    “From my knowledge and everything that I’ve seen, and heard from the neighbors and residents, and paperwork from the Polk County website, they’ve chosen to do none of them,” he said.

    Polk County’s Roads and Drainage Director Jay Jarvis said plans for a permanent pumping station were placed on the county’s unfunded projects list because the area experienced a dry period without major flooding. Jarvis assures that Lake Seward is now a top priority, and officials are searching for a permanent solution.

    As part of the county’s relief plan with the Southwest Florida Water Management District, contractors started pumping water from Lake Seward’s basin to the Banana Lake system, under U.S. Highway 98 and into Lake Hancock. Once the water reaches Lake Hancock, it becomes part of the larger volume of the lake and will ultimately flow through the P-11 control structure into Saddle Creek and beyond into the Peace River.

    “Maybe it was a little late, but better late than never, is the saying. We’re happy that’s going on and we thank them for that. We’re very appreciative,” Smith said.

    However, Smith says he and his neighbors are left with more questions.

    “What’s the next step? What can we tell all these families here? Should they start rebuilding? Should they expect to get an offer from Polk County to buy their house?” he said.

    Residents will have the opportunity to get answers during the Polk County Commission meeting on Nov. 5.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Report: More than 700 properties in Brevard County damaged by Hurricane Milton

    Report: More than 700 properties in Brevard County damaged by Hurricane Milton

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    It’s been almost a month since Hurricane Milton battered Florida, and some homeowners in Brevard County are still in the middle of cleanup and repairs.”Sometimes people come, and they don’t have all the equipment they need, and they’re not prepared,” said a Cocoa Beach homeowner. “If it hadn’t been for the tornado, I don’t think this area at least wouldn’t have the damage that it had.”The county’s public information officer Rachel Horst said the damage assessment report shows at least 723 properties were impacted by the storm. Thirty-two of them received major damage, with most being in the Cocoa Beach area. Homeowners said that while they are trying to stay patient, getting repair help is taking longer than expected. “Obviously dealing with insurance and getting builders and contractors in,” said Gary Sorohan, a homeowner in Cocoa Beach. “Although we’ve got quite a lot of damage there are people worse off than us, so I don’t think some of our neighbors will be back to normal before four or six months at least. I’m hoping we get done by Christmas.”The county said, so far, FEMA has set aside $2 million to help 650 households. It may cover temporary housing, hotel stays and some repairs. “We just got to stay as patient as we can even though it’s frustrating and hope that things move on relatively quickly,” Sorohan said.Owners of properties that suffered damage from Milton are encouraged to register for FEMA assistance.

    BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. —

    It’s been almost a month since Hurricane Milton battered Florida, and some homeowners in Brevard County are still in the middle of cleanup and repairs.

    “Sometimes people come, and they don’t have all the equipment they need, and they’re not prepared,” said a Cocoa Beach homeowner. “If it hadn’t been for the tornado, I don’t think this area at least wouldn’t have the damage that it had.”

    The county’s public information officer Rachel Horst said the damage assessment report shows at least 723 properties were impacted by the storm. Thirty-two of them received major damage, with most being in the Cocoa Beach area.

    Homeowners said that while they are trying to stay patient, getting repair help is taking longer than expected.

    “Obviously dealing with insurance and getting builders and contractors in,” said Gary Sorohan, a homeowner in Cocoa Beach. “Although we’ve got quite a lot of damage there are people worse off than us, so I don’t think some of our neighbors will be back to normal before four or six months at least. I’m hoping we get done by Christmas.”

    The county said, so far, FEMA has set aside $2 million to help 650 households. It may cover temporary housing, hotel stays and some repairs.

    “We just got to stay as patient as we can even though it’s frustrating and hope that things move on relatively quickly,” Sorohan said.

    Owners of properties that suffered damage from Milton are encouraged to register for FEMA assistance.

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  • St. Pete temporarily waives utility late fees in wake of hurricanes

    St. Pete temporarily waives utility late fees in wake of hurricanes

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Mayor Ken Welch on Friday announced a temporary waiver of late fees and notice fees for utility accounts in the wake of the recent hurricanes.

    He also announced a temporary suspension of water meter lock-offs caused by non-payment.

    The suspension of fees will remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2024, though the city said that date could change.

    Additionally, lien filings and business tax late fees have been suspended temporarily.

    City leaders said the goal of the decisions was to help residents recover from Helene and Milton.

    “The damage and destruction from back-to-back hurricanes has caused a variety of challenges to citizens and businesses citywide,” said Mayor Welch. “When the city is able to do so, we strive to lessen the economic hardship facing our utility customers.

    “Waiving late fees and suspending water meter lock-offs for those unable to make timely payments on their utility bills is one way we can provide financial relief during this difficult time,” he said.

    According to a news release from the city:

    • The waiver of fees and lock-offs applies to any utility bill for which payment is due on or after Sept. 25, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024.
    • If able, utility customers are encouraged to continue paying their bills to prevent their accounts from falling behind.
    • Utility customers having trouble paying their bills are encouraged to call the Utility Customer Service Call Center at 727-893-7341 to make payment arrangements. The Utility Customer Service Call Center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Hurricane recovery involves a job search for some hospitality workers

    Hurricane recovery involves a job search for some hospitality workers

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    LARGO, Fla. — A number of Tampa Bay restaurants were left shuttered after Hurricanes Helene and Milton — some temporarily, and others longer term.

    That left employees wondering what was next.

    Jonathan Hewett, founder and owner of Service Station, said many turned to his website.

    What You Need To Know

    • The founder of Service Station said the website saw a jump in people looking for hospitality jobs after Hurricanes Helene and Milton

    • Owner Jonathan Hewett said there were about 1,500 job seekers on the site in October, compared to the usual 1,000

    • According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor, statewide unemployment claims jumped by more than 4,000 the week after Helene and by more than 4,500 the week after Milton

    • Hewett said the storms came at the end of the slow season, making it an even tougher time for workers


    “Two or three days following the storm, I mean, my phone was just ringing every two minutes. A job seeker — ‘Hey, my restaurant’s been shut down.’ They’re sending me pictures of the bar that’s just, like, completely ruined and not even there anymore,” said Hewett.

    Hewett created Service Station in 2021. The website connects job seekers and employers in the hospitality industry. He said he was inspired by his family’s business — his wife and father-in-law own Finley’s Irish Pub — and the challenges restaurants faced during the pandemic. Hewett said this latest blow comes at a particularly bad time for workers.

    “They have bills to pay, they have kids to feed, and because those storms happened towards the end of the slow season and we are getting into the busy season now, a few weeks out from the storm, but there weren’t really many jobs open,” he said.

    Data from the U.S. Dept. of Labor shows unemployment claims statewide jumped by more than 4,000 the week after Hurricane Helene and by more than 4,500 the week after Milton. That’s not broken down by industry, but Hewett said traffic on Service Station’s website saw a big increase after the storms. While a normal month would involve about 1,000 job seekers looking for work, he said this month saw about 1,500.

    “I’ve been trying my best to get in contact with employers all over Tampa Bay to either make room to employ one extra person, bring them on part time, or find those places that are getting ready for the busy season,” Hewett said.

    Finley’s hired two full-time employees from storm damaged businesses Caddy’s and Frenchy’s.

    Hewett said Service Station is always free for people looking for work, but he offered the site’s platform to employers at no cost during October. He said Nov. 1 is the last day to take advantage of that. Hewett estimates he and his team helped as many as 300 people get interviews since the storms. While demand has slowed down on the site, he said there’s still work to be done to help those suddenly without a job get back on their feet.

    Visit St. Pete-Clearwater launched its “Still Shining” campaign this week to get the word out to visitors that the destination, and many of its shops and restaurants, are open for business.

    Director of Public Relations Jason Latimer said it’s estimated 80% of the area’s hotels, attractions and restaurants are up and running and welcoming guests.

    He said roughly one in ten jobs in Pinellas County is tourism-related.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • SCUBAnauts clean up around the Bay area after hurricanes

    SCUBAnauts clean up around the Bay area after hurricanes

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A group of eco-friendly teens is putting in extra work to help clean up after hurricanes Helene and Milton.

    The SCUBAnauts International Marine Science Education Program already concentrates on conservation.

    But recent storms and extra debris have the young members out in their communities more often.

    What You Need To Know

    • SCUBAnauts International Marine Science Education Program concentrates on conservation, but lately has been cleaning up river garbage after the hurricanes

    • Recent storms and more debris have the young members out in their communities more often
    • They recently cleared trash out of the Anclote River using a WaterGoat, a device that uses nets and buoys to capture trash from storm drains and waterways
    • SCUBAnauts Annual Fundraising Gala 2024

    “We’re out here monthly, but we added a cleanup this month after the last two hurricanes that we had been expecting to see a lot more trash and a lot more runoff,” said Katie Cooper, Chief Operating Officer of SCUBAnauts International.

    “It’s heartbreaking,” said SCUBAnaut Swara Patel. “There’s so much trash.”

    SCUBAnaut John Humphreys said the impact on the environment is especially problematic.

    “It’s really disappointing to see,” he said. “Especially when you look more into the devastating effects of plastics.”

    The teens were out in Pasco County as they cleared trash out of the Anclote River using a WaterGoat, a device that uses nets and buoys to capture trash from storm drains and waterways.

    “It’s a device that catches debris in a small waterway before it gets out to the ocean,” Cooper said.

    The group picked up everything from plastic bottles and bags to clothing in the water, in the trees and on the ground.

    “Today we’re noticing how high the water must have come during the storm,” Cooper said. “Because we’re even seeing trash in the trees, we’re seeing plastic bags caught on high up branches and things like that.”

    The SCUBAnauts are passionate about protecting the environment.

    “Even if it’s a small impact, I still want to make an impact on ocean conservation,” Patel said. “And help restore at least a part of our oceans.”

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • Disabled Sunny Shores Park resident receives special order fridge and supplies

    Disabled Sunny Shores Park resident receives special order fridge and supplies

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    CORTEZ, Fla. — In the wake of the devastating floods from Hurricane Helene, many were left with nothing inside their homes, including all of their appliances.

    One man is getting a much-needed gift, thanks to the Blessing Bags Project, a nonprofit currently helping hurricane victims in Cortez.

    What You Need To Know

    • Right now, the Blessing Bags Project, a nonprofit, is helping Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton victims in Cortez

    • JD White has cerebral palsy and received a special order fridge from the organization

    • The Blessing Bags Project is also looking for further donations and volunteers

    Betsy Plante is the coordinator for the nonprofit and says most of the people living in Sunny Shores Park are elderly, and need help.

    “I always trying to be a good steward of what’s given to us,” she said. “We have a whole signup list here. So if somebody needs a refrigerator, if they need a dehumidifier, small appliances, toaster, other things like that, they come in and they sign up for it.”

    Recently, Plante was able to deliver a special ordered refrigerator to JD White who is a Sunny Shores Park resident and has cerebral palsy.

    “This is for you, honey. Made just for you; you deserve it,” said Plante as she was delivering the fridge.

    “Oh, thank you, thank you,” said White. “Because of my disability, I don’t drive, so it’s harder for me to get things, harder to get around.”

    White’s home was gutted due to Hurricane Helene.

    “This was the worst storm,” he said. “I didn’t leave because I didn’t think it would be that bad.”

    Items like the refrigerator are what White needs before he can move back home.

    “This house is my world, my sanctuary,” he said.

    Other residents in of need meals, cleaning supplies or hygiene products can head to the clubhouse to the Sunny Shores Park Clubhouse.

    Volunteers will be serving meals every day from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and then will be accepting donations from the community.

    Here is a current list of the most needed donations:

    Location: Sunny Shores Park Club House 36th Ave W & 117th St. W

    • Laundry detergent
    • Dinty Moore meals
    • Hydrogen peroxide
    • Bactine, which is a pain reliever
    • Dish soap
    • Black contractor bags
    • Empty spray bottles

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Lakeland church prepares to help hundreds in Milton recovery event

    Lakeland church prepares to help hundreds in Milton recovery event

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland residents will be able to access many of the resources they need in one location on Wednesday. Combee Connection Ministries and Church is teaming up with several organizations for a community recovery outreach.

    What You Need To Know

    • Combee Connection Church is hosting a Hurricane Milton recovery outreach on Wednesday.

    • The church is teaming up with nearly 20 agencies to provide resources and services.

    • The event will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.


    Church members spent most of Tuesday preparing for the event. With them was Savannah Gary, who has volunteered for Combee Connection several times this year.

    “I just wanted to give back and help people in our community. I grew up here. This is home,” she said.

    Gary lives just a few blocks from the church building. She shared photos of the day after Hurricane Milton made landfall, which severely damaged parts of her home.

    “We got our roof ripped off and our carport,” she said. “We lost power for four days, but as soon as I got power, we came out here and started working. This church actually helped me, so I help back.”

    The church has been connecting people to resources and services since 2017, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. But Pastor Kay Kasser says Wednesday will be their largest outreach yet.

    “It’s been a really big response. We’re looking for overflow parking, if that gives you an indicator,” she said.

    Kasser says they’re teaming up with more than 20 agencies to help community members, including the Red Cross and AmeriCorps.

    Once people sign in, they’ll receive assistance and boxes of food. They’ll also have access to portable laundry rooms and showers, which Pastor Kasser says residents in flooded areas need right now.

    “And when there’s a need, we’re here as a church to meet that need. That’s what we’re called to do,” she said.

    As for Gary, she’s looking forward to being of service, helping others at Combee Connection Church while she searches for some relief herself.

    The community event will run Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you would like to volunteer or make a donation, click here.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Venice Theatre continues rebuilding its main stage following Hurricane Milton

    Venice Theatre continues rebuilding its main stage following Hurricane Milton

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    VENICE, Fla. — In its 75th season, going through a chain-link fence is not exactly what Kristofer Geddie envisioned he would do to showcase the Venice Theatre’s main performance space, the Jervey Theatre.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Venice Theatre continues to rebuild its main stage following the major damage that was dealt from Hurricane Ian
    • A major concern for the theater was that more damage might’ve happened when Hurricane Milton made landfall
    • Kristofer Geddie, the theater’s executive director, says the theater essentially suffered very little damage from the storm and they’re able to still do performances in their two smaller venues
    • According to Geddie, he hopes to reopen their main stage during their 76th season in 2026


    Each time he opens this gate, it’s a reminder of what happened.

    “The trauma, the daily trauma, is something that I can’t deny,” said Geddie, the executive director of the Venice Theatre. “It’s every day.”

    Because through the construction, the site is the empty shell of the Jervey. When Spectrum Bay News 9 visited the space a year ago, there were still some walls here and pieces of memories from shows gone by.

    Now, that’s all gone because of the destruction from Hurricane Ian.

    That major storm destroyed the roof, blanketed the space in water and left the Venice Theatre with a new and unanticipated $14 million project.

    “The walls have been taken out from last year, but the progress is slower than I would like,” Geddie said.

    There were some delays, which Geddie says they anticipated, but the last thing they wanted to see was another hurricane, this time, named “Milton.”

    “We at one point thought it was going to be a direct hit to Venice, and we didn’t think we would have survived that,” Geddie said.

    While storm surge and damage impacted most of Venice, with branches and debris on many street corners, the Jervey, for the most part, made it through unscathed.

    “We didn’t suffer as much as so many folks here in Venice,” Geddie said.

    Even with that minor bright spot, a lot more work is left to be done. Geddie says they need to keep raising money to fund the rebuild.

    One way they’re doing that is by following the number one cliché in theater: “the show must go on.”

    “We use it a lot, but that is the word resilience,” Geddie said. “To know how quickly our team came up with an idea, came up with a plan and executed that plan to make this into a workable space.”

    They’re using a building that was intended for educational courses to hold performances.

    Right now, “9 to 5: The Musical” is in the spotlight, giving folks a reprieve from the trauma outside.

    “Folks are losing their homes,” Geddie said. “People are losing their businesses. We haven’t had that release to laugh.”

    While this space is far smaller than the Jervey, just having a place for art to flourish is what excites Geddie about the future of his theatre.

    Because soon, the chain link will be gone, and the shows will be back in the Venice Theatre’s main house.

    Geddie expects the main stage at the Venice Theatre to reopen in 2026, during the theater’s 76th season.

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    Nick Popham

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  • PSTA drivers transport thousands during back-to-back hurricanes

    PSTA drivers transport thousands during back-to-back hurricanes

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority bus drivers shared firsthand accounts of their lifesaving transportation efforts during Hurricanes Helene and Milton as the agency resumed normal service on Monday.

    What You Need To Know

    • PSTA drivers had 569,853 riders during the pre-storm and post-storm response

    • Pinellas County Emergency Management requested 1,229 targeted evacuation rides 

    • One bus driver lost his possessions when his condo flooded, along with two cars, during Helene  

    • The PSTA fueled up 20 of their oldest buses, which were ready for an immediate response after the storms


    “I’d be driving and having to grit my teeth to keep from crying as I watched,” said Connie Stein, a trolley driver. “I could never have imagined what I was to see on that first day driving that rescue trolley after Helene.” 

    PSTA drivers had 569,853 riders during the pre-storm and post-storm response for the back-to-back hurricanes, which includes 1,229 targeted evacuation rides requested by Pinellas County Emergency Management, according to the agency. Stein estimates she evacuated hundreds of those riders from the beaches who were hit hard by Helene.

    “Their cars were under water and under sand. They basically had nothing but the clothes on their back,” she said. “In some cases, million dollar homes and they lost everything. Some of them looked homeless. They just needed help. They needed to get out of there.” 

    Some drivers are storm victims themselves. Bus driver Leon Smiley said he could not help out during Hurricane Helene because his condo flooded and he lost two cars, but worked around the clock to transport evacuees when Hurricane Milton struck.

    “I got the chance to take my mind off my personal loss and it made me see that there was always somebody in worse shape than you are,” he said. “It made me stop feeling sorry for myself.”

    The largest single relocation operation happened at the Good Samaritan Church in Pinellas Park when Helene knocked out the power and air conditioning. Approximately 300 people had taken refuge in the church with more than 230 who had mobility issues.

    They were transported to a permanent shelter building on higher ground, according to PSTA.

    Dispatcher Chris Blackshear said he volunteered to drive a van to transport people with disabilities after his normal shift ended and it was hard to see all the suffering.

    “I got a heart for people and the stories, it just weighed in on me,” he said. “I felt like I was helping the community and I felt better at the end.” 

    The PSTA said they fueled up 20 of their oldest buses which were ready for an immediate response after the storms to transport people to shelters and for lifesaving kidney dialysis treatments. They moved the fleet of newer buses to higher ground.

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    Josh Rojas

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  • The Alianza Center is helping Hispanics post hurricane

    The Alianza Center is helping Hispanics post hurricane

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — While families continue to look for resources to recover from the recent hurricanes, the Alianza Center, which serves the Puerto Rican and Hispanic communities in Florida, is looking to help.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Alianza Center is helping hurricane-affected Hispanics with resources

    • Eliseo Santana, the Gulf Coast Region manager for the Alianza Center, has collected hygiene products to give out

    • The items Santana has collected will be distributed at a local church along with warm food


    Eliseo Santana’s living room is a couch full of hygiene products.

    “We are going to be giving this to the impacted families that are there because we’re just spreading the love of the community,” he said.

    He’s the Gulf Coast Region manager for Alianza Center and also part of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Florida. 

    Santana says the recent hurricanes have meant the organizations have had to step up their efforts.

    He says some Hispanics are hesitant to ask for help or may not qualify for FEMA assistance, while others are afraid to look for a new place to live even after losing their homes or lodging.

    “Many of them could not process it because of the shock,” said Santana. “And they refuse to go out of that area thinking of how they are going to get their children to school, how are they going to get to work while many of them do not have transportation.”

    Whether it’s in person or making calls, Santana wants people to know it’s ok to ask for help.

    “Trust, education, teaching them how to be resilient,” he said. “I’m blessed and I’m trying to give that blessing to others.”

    While the challenges of getting assistance to non-English-speaking communities remain steep, organizations like the Alianza Center are rushing in to help bridge the gap.

    The items Santana has collected will be distributed at a local church along with warm food.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Eckerd College reopens to students for first time since Helene

    Eckerd College reopens to students for first time since Helene

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — In-person classes resumed at Eckerd College on Monday morning for the first time since the campus was evacuated prior to Hurricane Helene in September.

    Tonya Womack, the college’s Executive Director of Risk Management and Safety, says the campus sustained some damage in the back-to-back hurricanes.

    What You Need To Know

    • Flooding impacted some academic buildings during Hurricane Helene 

    • Wind damaged some structures and trees during Hurricane Milton

    • More than 80% of Eckerd students are from out of state

    • Just shy of 90% of undergrads live on campus 
    • View more Hurricane Milton coverage


    During Hurricane Helene, storm surge brought water from Boca Ciega Bay into some of the academic buildings and residence halls. The hurricane also affected power, air conditioning units, and the school’s network. A remediation company worked to clean the affected buildings and as the campus was almost ready to reopen they were hit with Hurricane Milton.

    “After we got back from Helene, we knew about 70% of our buildings were up online but then Milton happened and kind of knocked us back down,” Womack said. “So we’re still trying to get it all back on, we have power across campus except one or two buildings but that doesn’t delay us from reopening our campus.”

    Hurricane Milton brought wind damage and some water intrusion from wind-swept rain. The school’s iconic ‘teaching tree’ lost a major limb and one of the dining halls had damage to its outdoor structure.

    Students were told they had to be off campus by mid-day on September 25 to prepare for Hurricane Helene and were welcomed to move back to campus on October 26, just over one month later. Remote instruction and classes continued as the campus remained closed.

    Only 17% of Eckerd’s roughly 1,900 students are residents of Florida, which Womack says poses some unique challenges when an evacuation order is in place. Almost 90% of students live on campus.

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    Angie Angers

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