St. Petersburg Extends Emergency Order for Hurricane Recovery

News Summary

St. Petersburg has extended its state of emergency until June 30 to assist residents recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This order allows the waiving of storm-related fees and eases regulations, including permitting RVs in front yards. The city has waived nearly $1.4 million in fees to date and has received substantial financial assistance for long-term recovery efforts. Support for storm repairs and infrastructure improvements is also being prioritized, ensuring that the community receives the help it needs during this challenging time.

St. Petersburg Extends Emergency Order: A Helping Hand for Hurricane Recovery

St. Petersburg is in recovery mode as the city grapples with the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which have left their mark on homes and lives alike. To help residents bounce back from the storm, the local state of emergency declared by the mayor is being extended through June 30. This decision underscores the city’s commitment to aiding the community during these challenging times.

What’s Included in the Emergency Order?

The emergency order, issued by Mayor Ken Welch, gives officials the ability to waive city procedures related to public works and take necessary steps to protect community welfare. One of the most significant benefits of this order is the waiving of storm-related permitting fees. This initiative aims to ease the burdens faced by the nearly 16,000 homes reported with storm damage in the area.

Parks and Trailers: A Temporary Solution

In an interesting twist, residents with storm-damaged homes can now park RVs or travel trailers in their front yards—something that usually goes against city codes. This temporary rule also extends to domestic equipment like boats and jet skis, with the city choosing to forgo the usual enforcement of regulations related to these items. For anyone who’s faced fines for parking violations in the past, this could be a breath of fresh air, as fines typically start at $100 and can skyrocket to $500.

City Administrator Rob Gerdes mentioned that enforcement waivers will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. This flexibility could prove to be a lifeline for those still reeling from the storm’s impact.

Substantial Financial Support

In a remarkable effort to help storm-impacted residents and businesses, St. Petersburg has waived nearly $1.4 million in permitting fees to date. Since the storms hit, approximately 7,500 emergency permits have been issued, and six additional plan reviewers have been brought on board to help manage the surge in applications.

Future Support on the Horizon

Residents tackling extensive storm repairs, specifically those exceeding 49% of their home’s value, will receive Substantial Damage Letters by April 1. To keep the community in the know, council members will receive monthly updates about the local state of emergency.

The good news doesn’t stop there! St. Petersburg is set to receive a whopping $159.8 million from HUD for long-term recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. City leaders are keen on prioritizing community engagement and input during this recovery program, leading to a community meeting on March 26, where residents can share their thoughts and ideas.

What About Financial Assistance?

The allocated funds are destined for various critical needs, including housing repairs and infrastructure improvements, particularly aimed at helping low- to moderate-income households. The distribution timeline for these funds is already laid out, with action plan development ongoing from March to May 2025 and potential fund accessibility expected within two years.

St. Petersburg is also enhancing its Codes Compliance Assistance Program, increasing the available funding to assist residents with home repairs. Homeowners can now access up to $10,000 for necessary renovations post-storm.

Roof Repair Programs Expanded

Moreover, the Rapid Roof Replacement program has been broadened to help even more residents, with eligibility now extended to those earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income. Property owners in South St. Pete affected by the hurricanes might qualify for up to $20,000 for roof repairs and replacements, a significant boost for those in need.

Keep in mind that these programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are exhausted, so it’s important for residents to act quickly if they need assistance.

Conclusion

St. Petersburg is taking substantial steps to ensure that the community recovers with the support they desperately need. Whether it’s through relaxed regulations, financial assistance programs, or community engagement opportunities, the city is showing that it truly cares about its residents during these tough times.

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Additional Resources

• St. Pete Awards $159.8 Million for Hurricane Recovery
• St. Pete Receives $160 Million for Storm Recovery
• Mayor Addresses Housing and Hurricane Recovery
• St. Petersburg Approves Additional Hurricane Relief
• Wikipedia: Hurricane Recovery
• Google Search: Hurricane Recovery