Thrive
New state program will help repair storm-damaged homes
Local leaders eagerly anticipate the launch of a new state program that would help residents left without habitable homes in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
St. Petersburg needs all the outside help it can get after the back-to-back storms damaged roughly 16,000 homes. City Council members discussed the nascent initiative at a Nov. 21 committee meeting.
Angie O’Dell, mitigation planning manager for the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), said the committee members were among the first local officials statewide to learn about the new residential hazard mitigation grant program.
“We are trying to cut out the bureaucracy of having residents come through you guys, and you guys being the ones to administer the grants,” O’Dell explained. “The state is taking that on behalf of municipalities and counties.”
She said the state would also alleviate the administrative burden required to receive federal reimbursements. “So, that is how we are trying to help.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides recovery funding to local governments following presidentially declared disasters. The FDEM administers the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, and O’Dell’s department facilitates approved community mitigation strategies.
City and county officials can use the federal funding to repair critical infrastructure, improve stormwater systems and purchase storm recovery and mitigation equipment, like generators. O’Dell noted they could also funnel the resources to residents rebuilding their homes.
Councilmember Brandi Gabbard said city staff and thousands of affected residents could use the state’s assistance. While FDEM has an implementation plan, O’Dell could not offer “any definitive timelines” for the program’s launch.
“We do not have our vendors secured for the application process,” she added. “However, I know … we have to have applications submitted to FEMA in March. So, we’re really trying to expedite this process as quickly as possible.”
O’Dell said a state vendor would provide the program’s project managers, who will help guide residents through the application process, respond to information requests and compile FEMA-required supporting documentation. Case managers will address problems with construction contractors and offer status updates.
Residents can use grant funding to elevate, demolish and rebuild their homes. Gabbard said the increased demand for local specialty construction companies presents another hurdle for homeowners.
“We’ve got a contractor shortage already,” she continued. “And two, an actual elevation of a property, we know, is kind of a specialty.”
O’Dell said the FDEM would issue a statewide request for vendors. The agency will also “try to find some of these specialty contractors” based outside Florida.
Approved applicants will receive a list of vetted companies. “That is great because that’s always been a challenge,” Gabbard said. “You get your grant, but can you find somebody to actually do the work?”
O’Dell reiterated the state’s focus on expediting the rebuilding process. She said the goal, which may overwhelm contractors, is to complete a typical three-to-four-year project in 12 to 18 months.
Gabbard stressed the need to provide residents with related information updates, particularly those who need FEMA’s temporary housing assistance throughout the rebuilding process. Councilmember Lisset Hanewicz expects an influx of applications and asked how many people could receive grants.
O’Dell could not estimate the number of homeowners FDEM is “looking to see through this.” She said local governments could compile lists of interested residents.
Those in need can also subscribe to receive FDEM email updates through an online portal. O’Dell said the agency will soon issue a mass notification with “some of the things you can start doing to help expedite your application process.”
“I have not been given the okay to just notify counties and municipalities that we’re doing a state-run program,” O’Dell added. “So, this is a lot of word-of-mouth at the current moment.”
To receive FDEM updates, visit the website here.
Lara
December 4, 2024at8:46 am
You’re uninformed. These grants will be given for construction projects that raise the home above base flood elevation. The goal is to mitigate any future damage from storm surge.
tont
December 3, 2024at9:39 am
yes – people know the risk living near the ocean. let them deal with the consequences. And yes I had a place by the water and sold it before all this happened. I didnt want to but felt the risk was too obvious. Who knew I could just just cry to the state and get money to do it again
james gillespie
December 2, 2024at7:46 pm
DOESN’T THIS DEMONSTRATE THE SHORTCOMINGS OF THE PRIVATE INSURANCE MARKET AND THE INABILITY OF THE ELECTED OFFICIALS TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO DO BUSINESS IN THE STATE AND EARN A REASONABLE PROFIT? OR ARE THERE INDIVIDUALS WHO SHUN PRIVATE PROTECTION?
S
December 2, 2024at5:57 pm
So, imagine the government rolling out a shiny new program to fix up your storm-damaged home. Sounds great, right? Except it’s like handing out free Band-Aids to people who keep jumping into shark tanks.
“Moral Hazard”—The Fancy Term for Dumb Decisions
Think of moral hazard as the government’s way of saying, “Don’t worry about planning ahead; we gotcha!” It’s like your buddy who always gets bailed out of bad decisions and keeps borrowing your car to go mudding—knowing you’ll help fix it.
Why This Policy Is Full-Throttle Stupid
1. No Insurance? No Problem!
Why buy expensive insurance when Big Brother will step in? Heck, save that money for a jet ski to park in your flood-prone yard!
2. Flood Zone Living Made Easy!
Want a beachside mansion where the waves hit your living room? Go for it! The government’s got hammers and nails for when the ocean decides to redecorate.
3. Prevention? Nah.
Why board up your windows or raise your home when the state is just a phone call away? Live recklessly—it’s on the taxpayer!
The Price Tag—Shhh, Don’t Ask!
Ever notice how these “virtuous” programs never come with a clear price tag? No total cost upfront. No breakdown of how much each taxpayer—yes, YOU—will be footing the bill, either now or in the future. It’s a blank check, and the ink comes from your wallet.
The Comedy of It All
This policy is like:
• Giving free parachutes to people who build houses on clouds.
• Offering free “Oops” insurance for walking through minefields.
• Saying, “Hey, disasters are hard. Let’s make bad decisions easier!”
The Bottom Line
Sure, it sounds good to help storm victims rebuild. But when you step back, it’s like a reality show titled “Florida Man Rebuilds in a Hurricane Zone”—it’s entertaining for everyone except the people paying for it. Let’s encourage smarter choices, not just more rebuilds in the splash zone. Oh, and let’s demand they at least show us the bill before we start picking up the tab.
James Sparro
December 1, 2024at6:54 am
Totally confusing