Community efforts in St. Petersburg for hurricane recovery.
The St. Petersburg City Council has approved a $3.2 million budget for the repairs of Al Lang Field, following the significant damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This decision is part of a larger $50 million recovery effort amidst an estimated $247 million in total damages from the storms. With FEMA expected to cover much of the costs, the city aims to bolster its infrastructure and prepare for future challenges. Local heroes involved in recovery efforts have also been honored for their community spirit during these trying times.
In an exciting move, St. Petersburg’s City Council recently approved a budget of $3.2 million aimed at repairing the beloved Al Lang Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rowdies. This decision couldn’t come at a better time, considering the city has been grappling with massive recovery efforts following the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The financial backing for these repairs comes from a larger $50 million cash flow loan the city has secured specifically for hurricane recovery efforts. The storms wreaked havoc just last fall, causing an eye-popping estimated total of $247 million in damages. This tally accounts for everything from destroying property and requiring significant debris collection to incurring overtime pay for police and firefighters who worked tirelessly during those chaotic times.
Looking ahead, there’s some optimism. Preliminary estimates indicate that FEMA is expected to cover at least $200 million of the recovery costs, pending approval of reimbursement requests. Plus, the state of Florida plans to pitch in too, which leaves the city with an estimated $14 million left to cover on its own.
In a presentation given to the City Council on January 23, officials laid out the extensive damages caused by the two hurricanes that hit St. Petersburg just 13 days apart. Currently, the city is in the process of inspecting various sites affected by the storms as part of the FEMA reimbursement process, aiming to solidify its financial recovery.
Compounding the financial challenges, the city is still waiting on over $3 million in reimbursements for Hurricane Ian (2022) and an additional $1.5 million for Hurricane Idalia (2023). Adding to this, approximately $140,000 is still owed from FEMA for the damages caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017, out of a total claim of $8.5 million.
The debris collection, especially from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, has been another mammoth task, with costs estimated at $125 million. Thankfully, these expenses are expected to be fully eligible for FEMA reimbursement. The city is also weighing the possibility of reimbursing about $1.5 million that was allocated to the Hometown Haulers program, a mission established to assist small businesses and individuals with debris removal.
As for the damage to city buildings, a whopping $113 million estimate has been put on the losses, with Tropicana Field bearing the brunt of the damage. The repairs at Tropicana Field alone are projected to cost around $56 million, with the city anticipating to receive approximately $7.6 million from insurance to help cover those costs.
In the meantime, fans of the Rowdies can expect some changes as the team gears up for a new season. The Rowdies will kick off their season with four away games while repairs are made to Al Lang Field, with a hopeful return for a home opener set for April 12.
Mayor Ken Welch has voiced strong sentiments about the importance of establishing long-term resiliency plans to better prepare the community for future storms. Recognizing the impacts on damaged properties and the strain on the local community, it’s clear that recovery is about more than just fiscal numbers—it’s about rebuilding and reinforcing the very fabric of St. Petersburg.
In a heartwarming gesture, local residents who actively contributed to the post-hurricane recovery have been honored by Congresswoman Kathy Castor as Hurricane Heroes. Their efforts contributed significantly to a cleaner and revitalized St. Petersburg, showcasing what community spirit can achieve in the face of adversity.
As the city continues its journey towards full recovery, it’s a time for optimism and support for one another as St. Petersburg works to mend what nature has interrupted. With repairs unfolding and resilience plans in the pipeline, the community is eager to come back stronger than ever.
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