ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — Businesses and homeowners in the city of St. Pete Beach are demanding answers regarding permits following back-to-back storms. Dozens of people were able to voice their concerns at Tuesday’s city commission meeting.
Since the hurricanes, many businesses like Toasted Monkey have not reopened.
“So, my main business is Toasted Monkey. I have a lot of drywall to repair and the bars and walls and plumbing and fixtures,” Matthew Vario said.
Hundreds of employees are out of work.
“Well, I have four businesses all throughout the beaches. I have over 200 employees. Right now, more than half of them are not working. Many of them lost their homes. Many of them lost their businesses,” Vario said.
“I was working at Toasted Monkey previously, but now there’s not much going on there. I also work for a local plumbing company, and we were affected there as well and for us we can’t work unless we can get permits,” Laila Baumanis said.
St. Pete Beach officials said it’s received more than 570 permits since Oct. 1 for storm-related repairs. Right now, around 75 have been issued. Many folks are still waiting for inspections to determine substantial damage.
The city said its goal is to do 75 a day, but it’s hard to make that happen due to staffing issues. During Tuesday’s city commission meeting where the mayor joined in virtually an update was given regarding more staff. 18 additional staff members were requested, but only 11 have started.
“Additional staff requested and not yet are two code enforcement officers, one permit technician, and four building inspectors,” Denise Sanderson with the city of St. Pete Beach said.
The city is asking neighbors to be patient, but homeowners said they are tired of waiting.
“I don’t know what else to do. I just want my house back that my dad owns. It’s not a lot some flooring, drywall, cabinets,” one St. Pete Beach homeowner said.
“Do you realize the average joe right now who has become homeless is not only having to pay mortgage, but now also has to pay rent to be able to have a roof over their head,” one St. Pete Beach homeowner said.
The city said only homeowners can now apply for minimal repair permits for temporary housing. This permit is good for any small repairs like plumbing or electrical damage.