REDINGTON SHORES, Fla. — Six months after Hurricane Helene flooded homes in Redington Shores, some homeowners are finally receiving substantial damage reports.
Kellie Sipos’ damage report came in at under 49%. Sipos says she is now racing against the clock to rebuild.
“We’re all panicking,” said Sipos. “That is the biggest fear that we will get back into our houses just about the time that hurricane season hits again.”
Hurricane season begins in June.
“A lot of people went ahead and started demolition without permits,” said Sipos. “You’ll see red tags because they are being flagged.”
Residents that receive a stop work order in Redington Shores must cease work immediately and comply with the order’s requirements. Failing to do so may lead to significant fines, criminal charges, and other penalties.
Some homeowners had to tear down their homes, while others are selling to condo developers, she says.
Sipos notes that the beaches have become oversaturated over her four decades here.
“How are we going to fit more people on these beaches? How are you going to evacuate these beaches quick enough?” said Sipos.
Sipos says that contractors are in high demand.
“Finding contractors is the hardest thing right now. I’m hoping three to four months, but my husband said not to be optimistic,” she said.
Until then, she has divided half of her home for her living space. She plans to elevate her home to safeguard it from future hurricane damage.
“If it were to happen again this year, I might have to retire early and relocate to Georgia,” said Sipos.
She’s weighing up her options, knowing that another disaster won’t be easy to overcome.
