Applications now open for Pinellas County residents seeking storm relief

CRYSTAL BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) -- Tampa Bay area residents who have been denied FEMA aid or are still seeking much needed relief in the aftermath of this year's hurricanes can now apply for up to $30,000 for repairs in Pinellas County.

Area residents have already taken advantage of the program, with 103 applications on the first day, and more expected to come. The funding can help homeowners with everything from direct repair costs to insurance deductibles.

Eligible Repairs:

Funding is provided by the Florida State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP) and Pinellas County.

The Pinellas County hurricane home repair program is described as "gap funder," which looks to help residents who are still trying to make up the cost difference between repairing their homes after hurricane Helene and Milton.

Sheri Harris, the Housing Section Manager for Pinellas County's Community Development Department, says the program will be open for as long as funds are available and as long as there is a need.

"We've been working on it for probably about a month now, getting it ready to go. We didn't want to get out there too soon because we know that it takes some time with the insurance companies and FEMA to get responses back from them," said Harris.

Harris added that folks who want to take advantage of the relief need to have been in contact with their insurance company and show proof of a denial or award letters from FEMA.

"We want to make sure they go to their insurance company if they're denied there, or if they only receive a partial payment for the repairs then they would go to FEMA for any additional assistance and then beyond there they can apply with us," said Hill.

Areas in Pinellas that are eligible, are homes in unincorporated parts of the county that are outside city limits of St. Pete, Clearwater, and Largo.

WFLA spoke to concerned residents in Crystal Beach, where neighborhoods saw significant water damage after hurricane's Helene and Milton.

"We were worried that when we came back, that my home was not going to be here," said Eric Braun of Crystal Beach.

Braun, was out of town during the hurricanes, unsure of what he was going to come home to, he watched the storm through his ring camera where he saw debris floating away during the storm surge.

"When we did come back, it was heartbreaking to see the amount of actual damage, piles of debris and people's first floor homes out on the streets. It was gut wrenching," said Braun.

Braun's street was engulfed with flooding after the storms, and he shared his support and interest in the program.

"Some people are struggling with how their houses were assesed and the type of coverage they can get," said Braun. "I'm seeing and hearing a lot of frustration out there; this is people's lives. People have lost their houses, and they have, from what I see, very minimal alternatives to take action on. I am 100% supportive of a program like this."

GUIDELINES: Applicants must provide both homeowners insurance information and a FEMA award or denial letter before being considered for approval. It is critical for those interested in the Pinellas County program to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance before the Jan. 7, 2025, deadline if they have not already done so.

Required Documents:

* Social Security cards for all household members