Beach mayors reflect on challenges – and recovery

Six months after hurricanes Helene and Milton left Pinellas County beaches devastated, mayors from across the region came together at an Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions town hall to reflect on progress, ongoing challenges, and lessons learned.

At the April 24 event, Treasure Island Mayor John Doctor underscored the extensive damage, noting his city bore 10% of Pinellas County’s residential damage despite making up less than 1% of its population. The town lost critical infrastructure, including police and fire stations, which now operate from trailers. Yet Hendricks highlighted resilience, noting businesses are reopening and tourism returning.

Madeira Beach Mayor Anne-Marie Brooks recalled residents pulling belongings into streets after storm surge flooding. “They lost everything but were still smiling,” she noted, emphasizing community spirit. Madeira Beach issued more permits in two months post-storm than typically in a year, illustrating the scale of rebuilding.

Indian Shores Mayor Diantha Schear described different struggles, primarily involving multi-story condos. Elevator repairs and insurance complexities delayed recovery, yet community events and new businesses indicate optimism. She said condo owners struggled with insurance companies categorizing their homes as commercial properties, complicating claims.

Gulfport Mayor Karen Love detailed multiple disasters: hurricanes, floods, and extensive tree loss. Over 600 homes were damaged, causing substantial permitting delays. FEMA’s slow assessment processes drew criticism from all mayors, but Love emphasized new, younger leadership bringing energy to the town.

Redington Beach Vice Mayor Tim Thompson criticized bureaucratic delays and called for a more streamlined permitting process. He suggested eliminating permit fees during future disasters.

Permitting remains the dominant issue across all communities. FEMA’s complex rules, frequent paperwork errors by contractors and contradictory damage assessments frustrated residents and

Video capture from State of the Beaches town hall event.

local officials alike. Madeira Beach Mayor Brooks argued that permitting should be controlled locally by qualified city personnel rather than federal bureaucracy. “Who better knows how to recover from hurricanes than Florida itself?” she asked.

Economically, cities face budget pressures from lost property tax revenue. However, mayors agreed raising taxes now would burden already struggling residents. Instead, local governments plan belt-tightening measures and emphasizing long-term recovery.

Despite frustrations, praise was unanimous for Pinellas County’s emergency responders. Sheriff, police and fire departments earned high marks for their rapid, coordinated efforts during and after storms.

Looking forward, mayors urged better individual hurricane preparedness, including mandatory evacuation compliance. Residents were reminded of the high stakes: 13 lives lost in Pinellas County during Helen and Milton.

Yet optimism prevails. Madeira Beach hosts events again, Treasure Island businesses reopen, Gulfport’s nightlife thrives and community events resume throughout Pinellas beaches. As hurricane season nears again, these coastal communities lean into their resilience and determination, mindful of past mistakes but focused firmly on the future.

Watch the full video here: