HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — This Thursday marks the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Milton, a storm that unleashed heavy rain, causing localized flooding and swelling creeks and rivers. In response, Hillsborough County leaders are formulating a post-disaster strategy to focus on long-term recovery.
Although it’s a plan they hope never to implement, county officials insist on being ready for whatever Mother Nature may deliver next. Even a year later, Hurricane Milton’s repercussions continue to affect some residents.
“Many still find themselves displaced from the last hurricane season, relying on hotels or staying with relatives or friends,” shared Tramaine Whittey from Hillsborough Housing Services.
Leaders want to partner with agencies to help get back to normal. The post-disaster redevelopment plan will house these recommendations.
Permitting was also a hold up for residents throughout the county.
“We anticipate issuing storm-related permits for up to two years after the hurricane has passed,” noted Travis Minnes of Hillsborough Development Services.
During a meeting on Wednesday, Hal Sparks expressed concerns about a retention pond that led to flooding near his home during Hurricane Milton, seeking further clarification regarding the floodplain issues.
“I thought it was ridiculous that they didn’t have anyone here from Swiftwater or with the water management district,” Sparks said.
County authorities assured attendees that they will work across different departments to devise recommendations tackling flooding in the upcoming plan. They acknowledged the significant concern it presents and reminded the community that each hurricane, including Debby, Helene, and Milton, possessed unique characteristics, with their severity being unpredictable.
“Definitely working with the folks from our water resources division and storm water division to make sure that our lift stations and pump stations and storm water movement were still working,” said CK Moore, the chief of the planning section for Hillsborough County Office of Emergency Management.
Having a plan doesn’t mean the next disaster won’t have a new set of problems. But officials said they aim to learn from what happened last year and build back better.
The plan has to be finalized, approved, and will be posted online. Leaders hope to work with other counties to develop a regional plan as well.
