INDIAN ROCKS BEACH, Fla. — Both residents and short-term rental owners say red tape and administrative holdups are keeping them from starting the rebuilding process following Hurricane Helene.
Matthew Barrowclough owns five properties, primarily in Indian Rocks Beach, that were all severely damaged by floodwater from Helene.
He says he hasn’t been able to make any type of income for the last 50 days and is at a standstill waiting for the Substantial Damage determination report from FEMA, also known as a Significant Damage letter.
Barrowclough said he and many others are still waiting on the letters and can’t apply for permits or begin rebuilding until they are received. With debris removal complete and contractors on standby, he said his frustrations are growing.
“Every day, I’m fighting to just continue to make it,” he said.
Barrowclough said each day without the letter is one more day that he will be without income. He is continuing to pay property taxes, flood and hazard insurance, and utility bills on each of his properties.
“Everyone is waiting for clarity and consistency and we’re getting cloudiness and an evolving story every day,” Barrowclough said.
Andi Bennett and her family operate roughly 20 rental units in the beachside communities, including a small hotel. She said their income also came to a standstill after the storms, and they’ve done all the work gutting and taking out damaged flooring and walls they can do. They’re also just waiting on the letter.
"It's extremely frustrating, because we were told over two weeks ago that these letters were going to come out and we're still waiting,” she said. “This is our livelihood.”
Bennett said her hope was to get repairs completed by the holidays, which lead into their busy season.
“Unfortunately, even once we get the green light we’re going to then have to fight the city on what we think the value of the property is versus what FEMA says the value is of the property, is because of the 50% rule,” she said.
The Resident’s Guide to Rebuilding was posted to the city’s website in early November and states that the letter will let owners know if their property was substantially damaged. If it wasn't, they can apply for building permits to start repairs. The decision is based on an assessment by Pinellas County.
City Manager Brently Gregg Mims said at last week’s City Commission meeting that Indian Rocks Beach isn't the only community working through this process. Mayor Denise Houseberg said she heard from the county that 95% of substantial damage inspections were complete and that the first batch of letters is expected to be out no later than this week.