St. Pete and FEMA are hosting a joint insurance outreach session

What next with permits?

St. Petersburg was one of the hardest hit areas during Hurricane Milton and Helene. Families had to clean out entire homes due to water and wind damage, and even a month after the storms, many are still figuring out the next steps.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Saint Petersburg was one of the hardest hit areas during hurricanes Milton And Helene.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in the wake of two record-breaking hurricanes.

Homeowners in St. Petersburg are rebuilding, repairing or still weighing their options.

Mayor Ken Welch hosted a recovery meeting with FEMA on November 13 to help people get back on their feet.

Several homeowners told us VOS13 that the meeting was ‘time well spent’ and informative, and that they were able to receive one-on-one attention to their individual circumstances.

St. Pete residents meet with FEMA on November 13.

At the November 13 meeting, they heard directly from FEMA about the various funding sources available.

“I wanted to see what exactly the city is doing to help the residents of St. Pete,” said local contractor Juan Bravo.

Representatives reminded residents that they will need an insurance denial letter to receive FEMA funds. They also told homeowners they could appeal any decisions.

“You have 60 days from the date you receive that letter to appeal. All of our decisions are subject to appeal,” said Millie Diaz with FEMA.

The Small Business Administration shares that the majority of people receiving disaster loans from them are homeowners. It was an option that some didn’t even know was available to them.

Bravo learned more about his role in helping with the recovery, navigating the city’s “49 percent” rule and allowing it to pass.

“I got good information from city officials and the mayor and what their plan is,” Bravo said.

While FEMA has a 50 percent rule for significant damage, the threshold for the city of St. Pete is 49 percent.

Residents heard from St. Pete County and FEMA officials at the event.

The staff said they are here to help people determine their options. They are one of the few offices in the area that handles permits personally.

“Our lines are long, but that’s because we care and want to sit with you and give you the attention you deserve,” said Hannah Rebholz, the city’s floodplain manager.

City staff also made it clear that in St. Pete you don’t need an inspection before getting a permit.

“We want you back in your house as soon as possible,” Rebholz said. “Do not wait for your inspection. As soon as you are able to do so, please come in and revoke your permit,” Rebholz said.

More than 250 residents attended the meeting.

“There should have been more people here, it was so helpful,” a homeowner in St. Pete told FOX13.

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