SEMINOLE, Fla. — Pinellas County has started distributing damage determination letters to residents in unincorporated areas whose home were affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

These letters are a crucial step for homeowners to begin the process of obtaining permits for repairs.

For many, rebuilding has been slow and frustrating. In Seminole, Ray Kennedy is among those waiting for repairs.

Despite his neighborhood showing signs of recovery, including clean yards and removed debris, some homes still have scars from the storms.

Kennedy’s roof, for instance, remains covered by a blue tarp.

“Helene was a flood event and then Milton came and started knocking things around — it felt like insult to injury,” said Kennedy.

A key issue he says has been waiting for the county’s assessment letters.

These documents are needed to begin applying for permits and claiming storm-related damages.

“Not knowing how we’re going to go about the process of getting things done ... it’s been a big issue,” said Kennedy.

The county has assured residents that letters are on the way, allowing the permitting process to begin.

Kennedy says he is happy to hear that the letters are making their way to residents, but wishes the process could be sped up so repairs can get underway.

“There is still 5 or 6 houses that are completely empty because not only are they stuck waiting to see how long it’s going to take to get the pieces in place to get stuff fix, but because they can’t live in where they are at now, and they are forced to move elsewhere,” he said.

Currently, any resident who has minor damage (less than 12 inches of water) can apply for permits now.