ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It's crunch time for federal officials as we are five days away from a potential government shutdown.
This would have a big impact on those whose homes were damaged during Hurricane Idalia. Some in Shore Acres are receiving assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency as their homes are unlivable.
"The process has been stressful and getting rid of our stuff is hard," Meghan Martin, a Shore Acres resident, said.
It's the second time Martin and her family have lived through severe flooding. Her family of six is receiving FEMA money to stay in a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment because their home flooded.
Martin explained FEMA funding has been tremendously helpful.
"The FEMA assistance helps us with the rent for the apartment while we’re still paying for the mortgage on this house," Martin said.
She’s not alone, several of her neighbors are utilizing federal dollars.
"I would say a pretty significant portion of the neighborhood has applied with FEMA and met with them," Martin explained.
Those with homes impacted by Idalia could be in a tough situation if the government shuts down.
"There’s nothing like the real deal if it were to happen and what the impact would be," Ed Benton, a professor at the University of South Florida, said.
Benton said if the government shuts down, FEMA resources would slim down.
"Anticipating this happening, going back a month or so, FEMA has already canceled 1,000 projects that were designed to repair damages by the various hurricanes," he explained.
Benton said on top of that, FEMA could have 5,000 fewer workers who assist after hurricanes.
As for the rental money some are receiving through FEMA, Benton thinks that "money will evaporate quickly and I don’t think it would be available."
Benton explained to prevent a government shutdown, Democrats and Republicans need to come to a compromise.
"Hope that cooler heads and rationale prevail, but we’re living in a crazy political world."
FEMA sent 10 Tampa Bay a statement explaining, "We will continue to use all currently available funding to help those impacted by Hurricane Idalia. We expect that FEMA will continue to provide assistance through other Individual Assistance programs as well."
10 Tampa Bay reached out to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office for clarity on how the government shutdown would impact disaster response since we are still in hurricane season. We are waiting to hear back. Officials with the federal government have five days to make a decision before a shutdown would take place.