SARASOTA, Fla. -- These frequent cold fronts with the threat of severe weather are making it difficult for tornado victims in Sarasota to repair their homes.
Home after home, roof tops on Baywinds Lane are covered in blue tarp just in time for more rain and another threat of severe weather.
RELATED STORY: Sarasota Tornado damage on Baywinds Lane
"I don't feel as at ease," says Michelle Pellet, a tornado victim.
The tornado from January 18th shattered Michelle Pellet's windows while she slept, and now every time a storm is forecasted, she braces herself for the worst to come.
"I hope it's not going to happen again," says Pellet.
And every time the wind kicks up, she says, "I don't feel as secure in the house."
With good reason too; when you look around, the inclement weather from this month left one home destroyed and dozens damaged. Sarasota County's storm damage tops $4.3 million, lower then first estimated but still 112 property owners are impacted. Half of those are across Sarasota Bay on Siesta Key at the Excelsior Condominiums.
RELATED STORY: Tornado's winds tear through Excelsior condo tower
"[It's] really crazy and unexpected," is how property manager Dan Watnem described the morning the tornado hit ripping off the roof to Building 5 along the bay.
Watnem says, "six units on the top floor will all be demoed."
The storm also damaged Building 6 on the beach. "Roof damage, A/C damage, a lot of windows and railings," explains Watnem.
The county declared both buildings unsafe. Repairs will take up about 2 months for Building 6 and up to 8 months for Building 5. In the meantime, Watnem says the HOA is moving forward.
"The owners are all on board to do what[ever] improvements we can to mitigate future damage and be prepared if a hurricane hits or something like that," says Watnem.
Even with insurance, these homeowners have out of pocket expenses. They may be getting some help from the federal government.
Sarasota County will soon learn if low interest rates will be available through the Small Business Administration.
