REDINGTON SHORES, Fla. — Neighbors in Redington Shores say they are frustrated with the rebuilding process or lack thereof following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Inspections are needed to approve permits, but one homeowner says after back-to-back storms, she has yet to see an inspector.

“To get two of them that close it has been very surreal,” said Kellie Sipos, who has lived in Redington Shores for 37 years. “It’s a mess everywhere.”

FEMA’s 50% rule prohibits repairs and improvements on damaged homes exceeding 50% of their market value.

“Our house is only assessed at, I believe, $122,000,” she said. “So an 1,800 square foot house. And they're saying the house is only worth $122,000. So if we have more than $61,000 in repairs, then they will make us condemn the house and rebuild.”

It’s a dilemma that she and many of her neighbors are struggling with since the process of getting an inspection and building permit has been slow.

“They’re not used to pulling thousands of permits, which is what’s going to go on now. They’re just they’re overwhelmed,” said Sipos.

Spectrum News reached out to the building department and has yet to get a response.

Sipos has been trying to submit a permit application since Hurricane Helene impacted them.

She fears that if they have to rebuild, her taxes will be reassessed.

“We can go from $6,000 a year to $30,000 a year. Our house is paid for, and we are debt-free,” she said.

Meanwhile, Sipos says she’s running out of patience while waiting on a permit.

“We all would like to know what the big hold-up is as to why they aren’t coming to houses,” said Sipos. “Why are they not getting this moving faster? What do they expect people to do? The holidays are coming? “

She hopes to have some sort of normalcy during what’s expected to be the happiest time of the year.