January 23, 2025

St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce Supports Hurricane Recovery

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News Summary

St. Petersburg is moving towards recovery from the devastating hurricane season, which caused over $2.4 billion in damages. The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a webinar to provide local businesses with vital information for rebuilding. Additionally, the ‘We Are St. Pete Fund’ will soon offer up to $15,000 in financial relief to struggling small businesses, while housing initiatives and mental health programs are also being initiated to support the community.

St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce Takes Steps Toward Hurricane Recovery for Local Businesses

St. Petersburg is on the road to recovery after facing an unprecedented hurricane season that left a significant mark on the community. Over $2.4 billion in damages were incurred, impacting approximately 1,100 businesses and 41,000 homes. To assist local entrepreneurs and workers struggling in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted an informative webinar titled, “Building Resilient Leaders and Sustainable Solutions.”

Insight from Local Experts

During the webinar, eight local experts shared valuable information on crucial topics that can help businesses regain their footing. Key subjects included home appraisals, property valuations, job opportunities, and even the impacts on mental health that many are experiencing post-storm.

Financial Relief is on the Way

Amy Foster, who oversees housing and neighborhood services for St. Petersburg, introduced an exciting initiative. The city will soon launch the We Are St. Pete Fund, which aims to provide financial relief to small businesses hurt by the hurricanes. Notably, businesses will be eligible for reimbursement for expenses they’ve already incurred—expenses that many took on through credit cards just to keep their operations running.

This grant program promises up to $15,000 for things like commercial equipment and storefront repairs, and it’s not just for traditional businesses. Home-based businesses will also qualify, ensuring that a wide range of entrepreneurs can benefit. The launch of this fund is expected no later than March 1, 2025.

Federal and Local Support

St. Petersburg has received $169 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to support storm recovery efforts. However, it’s important to note that getting this money into the hands of those who need it will take time, as the disbursement process is projected to last around two years.

Empowering Homeowners

Local officials have also recognized the importance of supporting homeowners. Pinellas County Property Appraiser Mike Twitty has modified property valuation policies designed to benefit those affected by the storm. By maintaining previous assessed value thresholds, homeowners can find some relief in these challenging times. The Property Appraiser’s office is hosting monthly informational seminars to guide residents through the process.

Additionally, John Barkett, a private appraiser advocate, stressed the value of hiring private appraisers for homeowners seeking accurate estimates of their cash value—crucial for moving forward.

Housing Initiatives and Job Opportunities

In terms of housing recovery, Eric Garduno of the Bay Area Apartment Association led a fantastic initiative with the Hurricane Recovery Rental Housing Fair. This event attracted 50 apartment community representatives, all eager to offer housing opportunities for those displaced by the storms. Attendees received guidance from FEMA, which enables displaced residents to stay in rented units for up to 18 months.

Career opportunities are also taking shape as CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas has been awarded a substantial $600,000 grant aimed at job placements in disaster recovery roles, providing a much-needed boost to the local job market.

Mental Health Matters

Care About Me program, which connects residents with mental health service providers. These trained specialists offer follow-up support post-referral, aiming to create a robust network of care for those affected.

In Closing

As St. Petersburg continues to recover from the storms, the community’s resilience shines bright. Through local initiatives, financial support, and mental health programs, there is a determined effort to restore the city to its former glory and empower its businesses and residents along the way. Together, the community is working hard to rebuild and become even stronger than before.