TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — In a tense city commission meeting with every chair filled, residents addressed permits needed to rebuild to the new Mayor John Doctor.
“It was a very exciting meeting. We expected it to be a very lively meeting,” Doctor said.
Doctor said FEMA plays a major part in how they rebuild.
“So, FEMA has a process for assessing damage. If the home's value, the structure on the property, if the home has more than 50 percent damage it may be a home that has to be knocked down,” Doctor said.
“They're just going to hold my permit until we have a substantial damage inspection either by the county or by FEMA,” said Chris Clark, a resident of Treasure Island.
After Hurricane Helene, Clark said there was 28 inches of water in his home.
“We're still able to live down here because we have air-conditioning. We have a water heater. Basically, we're almost in a basic remodel at this point,” Clark said.
Clark believes his home does not have substantial damage.
“All that we're looking at here is some new drywall, flooring, cabinets, baseboards and doors,” Clark said.
He said it is nowhere near 50 percent damage.
“My 50 percent number is 342,000. The bid from my contractor to put my house back the way it was is 131,” Clark said.
Despite this, he said he still sits at a standstill along with many other neighbors who believe waiting on an assessment isn't necessary.
“The city can make substantial damage assessments on their own based on the permits we turn in. Until the new mayor and city council have the courage and leadership to overrule the city staff, nothing's going to happen,” Clark said.
“We want to make sure that we can mobilize all of our folks in getting the permits for everyone and still stay in FEMA regulations,” Doctor said.
On Wednesday, county assessors visited different neighborhoods that were impacted by the storms. Right now, FEMA representatives are meeting with residents at Treasure Island's City Hall.