Dear Signal Cove, Leisure Beach Neighbors and friends from the community,

I hope you're all holding up well as we continue to recover from Hurricane Helene & Merlin. I want to take a moment to provide a few important updates and requests for our community:
 

GoFundMe Campaign Update

First, a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to our GoFundMe campaign to support our recovery efforts. So far, we've raised $2,175, and your generosity means so much. We also understand that some of you may have been personally affected and simply don’t have the funds to donate, and that’s perfectly okay.

If you are unable to contribute financially, we kindly ask that you share our GoFundMe link on your social media channels like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or any other platform. You can also include a personal story of how the storm impacted you to help spread awareness and raise more funds for our community. Here is the link to share:
GoFundMe Link

Every share helps, and the more people we reach, the more support we can generate to help our neighbors.
 

Answers from Pasco County Regarding Home Repairs

We’ve gathered some important information from Pasco County related to home repairs in the aftermath of the storm, especially for those living in mobile homes:

1. Clarification on the 49% Rule for Mobile Homes
   The 49% rule does apply to mobile homes, which make up the majority of our community. This means the cost of repairs cannot exceed 49% of the home’s value, as per the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements.

2. How to Calculate the 49% Maximum for Repairs
   Homeowners must calculate the 49% value of their mobile home using the property appraisal’s "Building Value." Multiply that value by 1.15, then multiply by 0.49. The repair cost estimates, which must come from a licensed contractor, should include essential repairs like plumbing, flooring, sheetrock, electrical, and roof. Items like appliances, cabinets, and bathroom vanities are not required to be included.

3. Permitting Process for Repairs
   If you've had trouble getting permits (like Mitch Messer’s experience), it's important to follow the guidelines closely. Licensed contractors must submit the SI/SD package to the county, and while some residents have had issues, Pasco County assures us they are doing what they can to streamline the process. At one point, free permits were being issued at the Sea Ranch Civic Center. We are working to find out if this option is still available.

4. Condemnation of Homes
   The authority to condemn homes lies with the County's Building Official, not FEMA. Once a determination is made, homeowners are notified and have the opportunity to make repairs before any demolition orders are issued. There is no set timeline for this process, but homeowners typically have 30 days to appeal a demolition order if one is issued.

5. Temporary Housing Options
   Following the state of emergency declaration, homeowners are permitted to live in temporary shelters such as RVs or trailers on their property for up to 36 months while rebuilding or repairing their homes. The shelter must be connected to utilities and meet safety standards.

For more detailed information, you can access the full Q&A document here:
Q&A on Pasco County Repairs
 

Weekend Food Provision

• Free Food Trucks will be at the Signal Cove Clubhouse on Tiller Drive this weekend, giving out FREE food from 2 PM to 7 PM or until it runs out.

Thank you again for your continued support and community spirit. Let’s keep helping each other as we recover and rebuild. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out.