October 8, 2025

St. Petersburg Faces Long Recovery After Hurricane Helene

News Summary

One year after Hurricane Helene devastated the Tampa Bay area, families in St. Petersburg, like Carol Ann Browning’s, continue to reclaim their lives amid ongoing recovery challenges. While some residents seek funding to elevate their homes, many struggle with significant damage and emotional loss. The community works together, yet only a fraction of repair applications receive necessary assistance, highlighting financial hardships across the Shore Acres neighborhood and beyond.

St. Petersburg is facing ongoing challenges one year after Hurricane Helene struck the Tampa Bay area, leaving many families grappling with the aftermath while recovery efforts continue. Families like the Brownings are still working to rebuild their homes, dealing with significant structural damage and emotional loss.

Carol Ann Browning, a single mother and Navy veteran, has been living exclusively on the second floor of her flood-damaged home in the Shore Acres neighborhood of St. Petersburg. The first floor was severely affected by the storm, with water reaching above the stairs during the flooding. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Browning evacuated with her family, but upon returning, they lost cherished items such as children’s photo albums and baby blankets.

Despite the challenges, Browning made the decision to relocate back to her damaged home to offer her children a sense of stability and normalcy. The house has been classified as “substantially damaged,” which restricts major repairs until modifications can be made to raise it above the flood level in compliance with FEMA’s 50% rule. Browning has succeeded in obtaining a permit for partial repairs, yet it remains uncertain when comprehensive renovations can begin, as the cost to elevate the home is around $400,000.

In an effort to secure funding for repairs, Browning applied to the Elevate Florida program, a state initiative that allocates $400 million to aid homeowners in lifting their properties. Although Browning met all eligibility criteria, state engineers eventually denied her application. This denial highlights a broader issue, as hundreds of families in the area find themselves in comparable financial predicaments.

According to the president of the Shore Acres Civic Association, Kevin Batdorf, many families are still navigating the complexities of recovery. Out of over 12,000 families that applied for the Elevate Florida program, only about 2,000 are anticipated to receive assistance. In Shore Acres alone, it is estimated that merely one-fourth of the 480 applicants will secure support for their home elevation projects.

A Congressional Budget Office report emphasizes that lifting homes is often more fiscally responsible than continuously paying flood damage claims, asserting that it costs two-and-a-half to six times less. Faced with these financial hurdles, Browning is working extra hours to amass savings for a home-lifting deposit intended for next summer. Despite numerous challenges, she remains determined to create a better future for her children, stressing the importance of perseverance during these trying times.

To maintain a sense of normality amid the ongoing disruptions, the Browning family engages in activities like family game nights on the floor of their home. They strive to find joy together, despite the circumstances.

At a broader level, recovery efforts are underway throughout Pinellas County, where beach renourishment projects are actively being implemented following the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, known for the highest storm surge recorded in 75 years. City officials have reported that over 1,500 permits have been issued for storm-related repairs, with total property damage exceeding $700 million across Tampa.

In Indian Shores, the mayor has announced substantial recovery progress, with most businesses having reopened and buildings undergoing repairs. As preparations begin for the upcoming 2025 hurricane season, projections indicate 17 named storms could potentially form, of which nine may develop into hurricanes.

Local authorities recommend families prepare eviction guidelines by securing essential documents and assembling emergency kits for both people and pets. They are also advising community members to apply for repair permits and ensure their emergency kits are up to date.

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HERE Resources

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St. Petersburg Mayor to Discuss Recovery Progress Post Hurricane Helene
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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER

ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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