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

Prince Harry Returns to the UK: Is a Meeting with King Charles on the Cards?

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

Trump’s Appearance at US Open Leads to Boos and Delays Due to Increased Security

NEW YORK (AP) — At the U.S. Open men’s final on Sunday,…

Boeckh Park in North Augusta Now Offers Free Sunscreen Dispenser

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. – Collaborating with the City of North Augusta, the…

California Court Sentences Lululemon Thief to a Decade in Prison

(KTXL) A Placer County District Attorney’s Office has secured a 10-year sentence…

Video: Inmate Seen Dangling from Van on Oklahoma Highway

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections recently confirmed an unusual event involving an…

“Unexpected High Tariffs Leave Consumers Stunned After U.S. Exemption Lifted”

The bills are sudden and jarring: $1,400 for a computer part from…

Individual injured in tractor incident in Witt

WITT, Ill. (WCIA) — The Witt Volunteer Fire Department responded to a…

Who was responsible for Margaret Walsh’s death? Fresh insights into Ellisville’s sole murder case.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Authorities in St. Louis County have disclosed…

Asian Stocks Climb Following Japanese Prime Minister’s Resignation

TOKYO – Asian stock markets mostly climbed with Japan’s main index surging…

Browns Fans Say “I Do” at Muni Lot During Season Opener

CLEVELAND (WJW) – A happy couple of Cleveland fans has officially tied…

Democrats Publish Alleged Message from Trump to Jeffrey Epstein

() Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released President Donald Trump’s alleged entry…

West Nile Virus Detected in Livingston County Mosquitoes for the First Time This Year

LIVINGSTON COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — The Livingston County Health Department announced that…