By Christopher Hooker
Debris continues to litter neighborhoods, with moldy furniture and vegetation still piled along curbsides. Many residents still wear expressions of disbelief, as they grapple with the sudden upheaval of their lives.
Following the destruction left by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, many St. Petersburg residents are weighing whether to rebuild their lives or seek new beginnings elsewhere.
“For this business, the slow season is already from summer through October, so it was already quiet,” said Dorian Benash, an associate at Graphi-ko Gallery about local businesses. “With the hurricanes, we noticed even fewer customers coming in. People are more often window shopping. Folks have less spending money because they are focused on cleaning up and getting their lives back together.”
When it comes to flood zones, many businesses worry about their potential relocation.
“My boss has been here for about 14 years and is pretty set on sticking it out,” Benash said. “Fortunately, this shop is not in a flood zone, but we’ve even discussed getting a second job just to keep up with the bills.”
For many Floridians, frequent hurricanes have become a way of life, with most viewing them as manageable challenges. However, this year’s storms seem to have shifted that perspective, especially in Tampa Bay, which usually escapes severe damage. Now, some residents are beginning to consider moving further inland.
“I know quite a few people who have volunteered to help clean up other areas of St. Pete,” Benash said. “It is a great feeling to see neighbors coming together, helping older couples pull out moldy furniture from their homes. It is truly rewarding.”
The St. Pete area, known for its tranquil beaches, typically draws in tourists seeking a coastal escape. The beaches are now currently devastated but in recovery, and it is unlikely tourists will be returning soon.
Other businesses, like the Rocket Fizz franchise, were not as fortunate. While their St. Pete location was spared, their location on Clearwater Beach suffered a foot of flood water, forcing the owner to close it down.
Cynthia Calleia, a Rocket Fizz sales associate, described the hardships she and her family faced.
“The last hurricane left me out of work for six days, and I did not qualify for FEMA assistance,” Calleia said. “I am working here now and waiting to go back to my regular job just to stay afloat. The silver lining has been helping others in tougher situations. Just because we made it out okay does not mean we cannot help those with nowhere else to turn.”
With what feels like considerable time and effort from the community, some residents see the recovery process as progress. However, others are considering relocating to avoid future weather threats.
Lillie Williams of Pinellas County recollects her experience during Hurricane Milton.
“I was asleep in the other bedroom during Hurricane Milton, and I heard a huge crashing noise that startled me out my sleep,” Williams said. “The next thing that I knew, a large branch had fallen through my roof. I am forever grateful to be alive, but the thought of starting over is truly overwhelming and disappointing. I’ve nearly lost everything. Having to contact all my financial institutions and repeat my situation over and over is just the icing on the cake.”
Willams noted that once she overcomes this challenge, she is seriously considering moving further inland, away from large bodies of water.
“As someone on a fixed income, starting over at my age with nothing is beyond words,” Williams said. “I lost material possessions, but it is the irreplaceable things like pictures of my grandchildren growing up that truly affects me the most.”