Roundtable held to discuss takeaways from last year's hurricanes and steps forward
Share this @internewscast.com

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla., (WFLA) — Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck Tampa Bay nearly a year ago.

Since then, the community has gained significant insights, and on Monday, Congresswoman Kathy Castor organized a roundtable to deliberate on the critical lessons learned and outline future actions.

Hurricane survivors from Riviera Bay and Shore Acres attended the roundtable to recount their experiences. They expressed that individuals are still finding it challenging to return to their homes, not only due to last year’s hurricanes but also from storms from previous years.

Residents in Pinellas County said they live with the water, and with that comes a lot of damage during hurricane season.

“We haven’t been home since Idalia caused flooding, which affected us severely. Additionally, we experienced 39 inches of flooding during Helene, so we’re eager to return home, but there’s still some work that needs to be done,” Courtney Stein remarked.

“We’ve faced multiple instances of flooding, specifically three times with Ada, Idalia, and Helene, significantly impacting our entire community,” Dr. Meghan Martin explained.

The Martin and Stein families said they showed up to the roundtable to be a voice for their communities, because so many people still need help.

“The community needs better access to affordable financial assistance, such as financing, loans, and grants, and we’re highlighting the necessity for support since the area needs more aid,” Stein added.

Earlier in the year, President Trump proposed the elimination of FEMA, suggesting its duties be transferred to the state level. He mentioned that this transition would occur post-hurricane season and has an interim plan ready.

“We’re going to give out less money,” Trump said. “We’re going to give it out directly,”

Recently, a review council he appointed focused more on reforms rather than entirely doing away with FEMA.

“Each and every person we heard from today made it clear that they need a clear rulebook, a set of guideposts that require reform for FEMA,” Schultz said.

Local hurricane survivors said that flooding and hurricanes are not going away, and that funding needs to be available, along with outside sources coming in to help.

“I’d hate to see us turn FEMA away. They did a lot of good work, it was hard to get funding at times, but to eliminate it altogether seems like a very bad idea,” Brian Martin said.

The local survivors said access to all available resources is necessary for people to rebuild and survive in hurricane-prone areas, so communities don’t have to experience this time and time again.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Teutopolis Remembers Victims on Second Anniversary of Chemical Spill Tragedy

TEUTOPOLIS, Ill. (WCIA) — It has been two years since a tragic…

The Major Headlines You May Have Missed Over the Weekend

President Donald Trump confirmed during an NBC News interview that he intends…

Pro-European Party Triumphs in Moldova’s Parliamentary Elections Amid Allegations of Russian Interference

CHISINAU – Moldova’s pro-Western governing party secured a definitive parliamentary majority, surpassing…

Eric Adams Withdraws from NYC Mayor Race

Internet Explorer 11 is not compatible with our site. For the best…

Celebrating 40 Years of Good Samaritan Ministries: A Journey of Compassion

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WHL) — A prominent non-profit organization in the area…

SCDOT and Beaufort collaborate to improve safety at Bellamy Curve

BEAUFORT, S.C. — Some time ago, we reported on a curve in…

Alert Issued as Hurricane Gabrielle Advances; Two Tropical Systems Expected to Form

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) The National Hurricane Center is monitoring two tropical waves…

Key Details on Trump’s Latest Plan for Pharmaceutical Tariffs

(The Hill) President Trump’s new pharmaceutical tariff policy introduces another obstacle into…

Details Unveiled About the Suspect in the Tragic Michigan Church Shooting

The individual charged with the deadly shooting and blaze on Sunday at…

Skip Lovers Lane: Survey Highlights Tennessee’s Top 3 Romantic Fall Drives

For many, autumn signals “cuffing season,” prompting couples to find cozy retreats…

Chuck Schumer Expresses Doubt in Donald Trump’s Judiciary Following Comey Indictment

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

Aid Distributed to Hundreds of Families at “Hope After Helene” Event

AUGUSTA, Ga ()- Some much needed resources distributed Saturday at the Hope…