Heather Wendt’s father-in-law built a two-story home in Pinellas County’s Crystal Beach more than 50 years ago. Even though it’s nestled along Sutherland Bayou, flood water had never breached its doorstep — until last year.
Now, the blue carpet that once lined her staircase is ripped from the first three steps and remnants of spray-foam sealant coat her front door.
Despite water that seeped in through her garage air handler from Hurricane Helene and pooled up to a foot deep inside, Wendt has been able to live in her house and work her information technology job remotely from the second floor…