PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The deadline to appeal substantial damage designations is quickly approaching for residents who had their homes take on water in last year’s back-to-back hurricanes.
Initially, Pinellas County told affected residents they had until Oct. 31 to appeal if they received a substantial damage letter stating that their home did not meet the FEMA 50% rule. In the letter, homes that did not meet the cost-to-value ratio threshold required, were given the option to tear down, rebuild, lift their existing home, or move out of the community entirely.
John Carkeet, Public Information Coordinator for Pinellas County, says the county is no longer enforcing the Oct. 31 deadline and will continue to work through the appeals process with affected residents…