SEMINOLE, Fla. — It’s been seven weeks since Hurricane Helene made landfall, and that’s how long the Harbour Lights Club mobile home park in Seminole has been without power.

According to residents, turning the lights back on isn’t as simple as the flip of a switch because of outdated electric boxes that were not in compliance with FEMA.

What You Need To Know

  • It’s been seven weeks since Hurricane Helene made landfall, which is how long the Harbour Lights Club mobile home park in Seminole has been without power

  • According to residents, turning the lights back on isn’t as simple as the flip of a switch because of outdated electric boxes that were not in compliance with FEMA

  • Roots Management has also offered concessions on lot rent for residents with severe damage

  • Resident Anne Szabo says the pedestal meters are old and are currently going through an approval process to be updated

FEMA, the city’s inspector, their private electrician Sunstate, and Duke Energy have been working to resolve the issue.

Stephanie Brenner says she has some difficult tasks ahead of her after floodwaters from Hurricane Helene damaged her mobile home. That includes replacing the drywall, floors, and furniture.

All while waiting for her electric box to be fixed.

Some in this 55-plus community have been without power since Helene.

“Very bad for me because health-wise, trying to live a normal life isn’t working,” Brenner said.

Her neighbor, Anne Szabo, says the pedestal meters are old and are currently going through an approval process to be updated.

“They’re (Roots Management) saying we need to rebuild these to FEMA’s specs,” said Szabo.

On Nov. 4, Szabo says she was sent the following update from Roots Management, which says in part:

“The City of Seminole was finally able to give Sunstate and Duke Energy the FEMA specifications for the new pedestals. As of today, Sunstate can now move forward with the installations.”

Roots Management has also offered concessions on lot rent for residents with severe damage. However, neighbors are still struggling to cope and say they don’t feel safe.

Angie Siebert says some homes have had robberies.

“With all the power out, it’s dark at night. It’s kind of scary,” said Siebert.

“We’re tight,” said Szabo. “It’s been heartbreaking, because a lot of people have moved, bought everywhere, totally abandoned their place.”

After two decades here, John Gartlett says he’s moving on.

“That was my dock, I’m too old to go through this again,” he said.

Brenner says she has no other option but to stay. She’s prepared to weather these dark times while being inconvenienced.

“The last time we talked to an inspector, we were told that it’s going to take 2 to 3 months to get everybody done, because they have to build up the platform,” said Brenner.

Harbor Lights Club Mobile Homes is managed by Roots Management, which declined to comment on this story.

Spectrum News has reached out to the city of Seminole and has yet to get a response.

Meanwhile, Duke energy released the following statement:

“During Helene and Milton, many homes and businesses suffered damage to customer-owned equipment. In these situations, an electrician first makes repairs and then obtains verification from the local building inspection authority before power can be restored. We are working very closely with the city of Seminole inspecting authority and our crews stand ready to respond when our customers are able to safely receive power. At this time, all customers who are able to safely receive service at this mobile home park, have been restored. We remain committed to rebuilding alongside the communities we serve.”