In a well-attended forum focused on hurricane recovery and rebuilding initiatives, residents of St. Petersburg gathered to engage constructively with local city officials, along with representatives from state and federal agencies and various community organizations. The meeting, held on November 13, was strategically aimed at clarifying the various assistance programs, streamlining permitting processes, and enhancing long-term resilience planning in the wake of the destructive impacts caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton earlier this year.
Mayor Ken Welch inaugurated the forum by sincerely acknowledging the unprecedented severity of the storms that had lashed the region, leading to record-breaking storm surges, rainfall, and wind speeds. He reiterated the city’s unwavering commitment to a sustained recovery, specifically addressing the dual challenges posed by Helene’s catastrophic coastal flooding and Milton’s intense rainfall and destructive winds.
- Helene: Produced a devastating storm surge that reached 7.1 feet above normal, marking the highest levels ever recorded in St. Petersburg’s history. Dramatic flooding impacted thousands of homes, including many that had never previously flooded.
- Milton: Delivered an astounding total of over 18 inches of rainfall within a single day, obliterating prior rainfall records and resulting in extensive freshwater flooding, significant property damage, and prolonged power outages that left many without electricity for several days.
Amber Bolding, the city’s dedicated emergency management manager, referred to the two hurricanes as a “one-two punch,” emphasizing that their simultaneous impacts compounded the challenges faced by the community.
Recovery Assistance Overview
Representatives from FEMA, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and local officials presented a thorough overview of the resources and support available to residents affected by the recent disasters.
FEMA Individual Assistance
- Hurricane Helene: November 27, 2024
- Hurricane Milton: December 11, 2024
Additionally, FEMA provides critical services such as crisis counseling, disaster unemployment assistance, and legal aid to assist in the recovery process.
SBA Disaster Loans
Julie Garrett from the SBA elaborated that homeowners and renters can apply for low-interest loans designed to cover uncompensated losses, with terms extending up to 30 years. These loans can also facilitate mitigation efforts, such as elevating homes or installing sump pumps to protect against future flooding. Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for disaster loans of up to $2 million to address physical and economic injuries sustained due to the storms.
Local Support
The City of St. Petersburg is currently waiving all permitting fees associated with disaster repairs through March 27, 2025. Affected residents can also apply for state-funded grants totaling up to $8,000 and loans, pending legislative approval, that can reach up to $100,000.
Permitting and Compliance
St. Petersburg’s Floodplain Manager Hannah Rebholz discussed the city’s strict enforcement of the 49% rule, which entails that properties suffering substantial damage or undergoing improvement must comply with floodplain regulations. Key details shared included:
- Permits are mandatory for all repairs, including those deemed emergency repairs.
- The city evaluates each repair permit independently and does not refer to prior permits.
- A post-disaster priority system is established to expedite permits, aiming for a targeted turnaround time of one week.
Residents were strongly encouraged to obtain necessary permits promptly, as noncompliance may result in penalties and violations.
Debris Removal Efforts
Debris removal was a prominent topic during the public Q&A session, with residents voicing their frustrations regarding the speed and efficiency of cleanup efforts, particularly in neighborhoods like Northeast St. Petersburg. Mayor Welch acknowledged these challenges while outlining the city’s considerable achievements:
- In just four weeks, over 921,000 cubic yards of debris have been removed, which is more than triple the cumulative total from the last three hurricanes.
- The city has set a target for debris removal completion within 90 days, aiming for January 11, 2025, to secure full federal reimbursement.
Future Resilience and Infrastructure
Experts in climate and marine science, including Dr. Gary Mitcham from the University of South Florida, highlighted the escalating risks related to sea level rise, extreme rainfall events, and increasingly powerful hurricanes. In response, the city is taking proactive measures, which include:
- A comprehensive five-year capital plan that allocates $740 million specifically for stormwater and wastewater infrastructure improvements.
- Elevating wastewater treatment facilities to better withstand anticipated higher storm surges linked to climate change.
- Accelerating the implementation of stormwater infrastructure projects designed to mitigate flooding in particularly vulnerable neighborhoods.
Welch also called for collaborative efforts with county, state, and federal partners, emphasizing the need to secure additional funding for projects aimed at enhancing long-term resilience.
Community Concerns
Residents voiced multiple concerns throughout the forum, addressing issues such as delayed financial assistance, inadequate hotel accommodations for displaced families, and significant infrastructure deficiencies even in areas not directly impacted by flooding. Officials made firm commitments to tackle these challenges and highlighted the critical importance of open communication and feedback from the community.
Resources and Contact Information
Residents are encouraged to visit stpete.org/recovery for regular updates and comprehensive information on available resources to assist in recovery efforts. Essential contact numbers provided include:
- FEMA Helpline: 1-800-621-3362
- SBA Customer Service: 1-800-659-2955
- City Water Dispatch: 727-893-7261
The city also offers resources for mental health support, legal aid, and housing assistance to ensure a well-rounded approach to recovery and rebuilding the community after the storms.
For those interested, the forum and presentations can be viewed on YouTube here.
How is the city of St. Petersburg planning to enhance its infrastructure to better prepare for future hurricanes as discussed by Mayor Ken Welch?
**Interview with Mayor Ken Welch Following Hurricane Recovery Forum**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Welch. The recent forum on hurricane recovery and rebuilding efforts received considerable community engagement. What were your main takeaways from the discussions held on November 13?
**Mayor Ken Welch**: Thank you for having me. The overwhelming attendance at the forum highlights the community’s resilience and concern regarding the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The key takeaway for me was the necessity of open dialogue between residents, city officials, and agencies. It’s clear that our community is eager for clarity on the recovery processes and assistance programs available to them. This forum was crucial in addressing those needs.
**Interviewer**: Absolutely. Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused unprecedented damage. Can you elaborate on the specific challenges residents are facing?
**Mayor Ken Welch**: Certainly. Helene brought a catastrophic storm surge of 7.1 feet, flooding homes that had never flooded before, while Milton’s record rainfall of over 18 inches resulted in extensive freshwater flooding and prolonged power outages. This “one-two punch,” as our emergency management manager Amber Bolding called it, has posed unique challenges in terms of recovery and rebuilding efforts.
**Interviewer**: The city is already implementing various recovery assistance programs, including waiving permitting fees and providing grants and loans. How do you see these initiatives aiding residents in their recovery journey?
**Mayor Ken Welch**: These initiatives are designed to simplify the recovery process and provide financial support to those affected. Waiving permitting fees can significantly alleviate financial burdens during a critical rebuilding phase. The grants and low-interest loans will help cover both immediate repairs and mitigation efforts to prepare for future storms. We want our residents to feel supported during this challenging time.
**Interviewer**: Debris removal was a major concern voiced during the forum. How is the city addressing this issue?
**Mayor Ken Welch**: We recognize that debris cleanup has been slower than we’d like, particularly in certain neighborhoods. However, I’m proud to report that in just four weeks, we’ve removed over 921,000 cubic yards of debris, more than we have after the last three hurricanes combined. We aim to complete the debris removal by January 11, 2025, to ensure we qualify for federal reimbursement, and we are committed to adhering to that timeline.
**Interviewer**: Looking ahead, future resilience is critical. Can you discuss the city’s long-term strategy to mitigate impacts from future hurricanes?
**Mayor Ken Welch**: Our long-term strategy involves significant investments in our infrastructure. With a five-year capital plan allocating $740 million, we aim to enhance stormwater and wastewater facilities, including elevating our wastewater treatment plants. We are also closely collaborating with scientific experts to understand and counter the growing risks of climate change. It’s about not only recovering but ensuring our community is better prepared for the challenges ahead.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Mayor Welch, for your insights and for your commitment to the residents of St. Petersburg during this recovery effort.
**Mayor Ken Welch**: Thank you for the opportunity to share our plans and progress. Together, I believe we can emerge from this stronger and more resilient.
