Dear Friends:
On October 24 we had a General Meeting for residents of VI at Lutheran Church of the Cross(“LCC”).  This meeting was focused on providing information and answering resident questions about the damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton and what an uncertain future might hold.  About 80 people attended the meeting in person and 35 attended via Zoom. Needless to say, we were very pleased with the turnout.
A summary of comments made by the invited guests follows.
Ed Montanari – City Councilman

• Ed understands the pain of VI residents as his home was flooded with 24” of water as well.
  
• Of the 11,000 homes in Ed’s district, approximately 7,000were flooded.
  
• See the County Property Appraiser website at https://www.pcpao.gov/ for info/questions about the impact on property taxes as a result of the storms.
  
• Clean up of storm related damage is going to cost the City between $75 - $100 million.  Attention is focused on a clean-up within 90 days, in order for the costs to be 100% reimbursed by FEMA.
  
• Much discussion on the process for picking up debris on the streets of VI but no definitive timeline. Monitor the City website for the most current information: https://www.stpete.org/residents/public_safety/hurricane_helene_recovery_assistance.php
  
• FEMA WILL NOT pick up storm debris that is in trash bags.  Please remove the contents from trash bags or bring these bags to the county collection center.
  
• A video of Ed’s 38 minute discussion/Q & A session can be accessed here: http://www.ourvi.org/latest-news
  

Jim Fuchs - St. Petersburg Police Department

• The Police Department is increasing patrol activity in the areas of the City hardest hit by the storms. One VI resident commented that he called the non-emergency # to report suspicious activity and a patrol car arrived before he was off the phone with the dispatcher.  HERE is a link with how to submit an online police report and other useful information.
  
• There will be lots of construction activity in VI over the upcoming months. Please ask your contractors to park only on the east side of the street (even house #’s) to allow for emergency vehicle access.  Please feel free to print the  VI Parking Placard and place it on any vehicles that are not in compliance with City Code and VI DR’s. It can be downloaded at http://www.ourvi.org/parking-placard
  
• Golf carts must to have the appropriate equipment, be registered/insured and operated by a licensed driver when on City streets.  
  

Jack Adams – Reuben Clarson Consulting
([email protected] or 727-895-4717)

• Many seawalls in VI are approaching the end of their useful life of approximately 50 years.
  
• The combination of a negative tidal surge and heavy rainfall caused many seawalls to fail or create depressions behind the seawall that threaten the pool or home foundation.
  
• Rip rap” is an option for seawall reinforcement but needs to be approved through the normal City and County channels.
  
• Seawall failures must be evaluated for what may be an individual repair solution. Contact Jack directly and he will be happy to advise.
  
  Harbor Insurance and Brightway Insurance (VI resident Insurance Brokers)
  
• A useful tool is the Flood Protection Workshop - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qme0uhpyj4Y.  It is an informative video of steps you can take to help keep flood waters out of your house.
  
• The concept of residents retaining an independent insurance adjuster to assist with their claims was discussed.  There are pluses and minuses to this strategy which must be fully evaluated by anyone who is considering this alternative.
  
• Please contact [email protected] or Sharon at [email protected] or [email protected] with any questions.
  

Mark Scribano – VIHA Board Member and long-time VI resident

• Is in the process of “elevating” his home on Kansas North, unfortunately the actual process had not commenced prior to the storms.
  
• Mark will coordinate information pertaining to the process of elevating a property and will communicate that out regularly.
  
• If you have any questions or further information to provide contact Mark at – [email protected].
  

As a reminder, all exterior projects including but not limited to replacement of docks, boat lifts and roofing need to be approved by the Architectural Review Committee(“ARC”).  Info on the ARC can be accessed from the VI website at http://www.ourvi.org/architectural-review.html.  Metal roof tiles are allowed under current Deed Restrictions so long as they are fashioned as barrel or flat tile to be consistent with other roofs.  Any other forms of metal roofing would require a Deed Restriction change and be approved by 66.67% of property owners in VI.  This process could take up to 12 months to complete with no guarantee of passage.
We are planning the next resident meeting for January 23, 2025 at LCC and will provide updates on all storm related topics as well as hold elections for the 2025 VIHA Board.  Please consider serving on the Board or one of the numerous committees to assist in the efforts to help our neighborhood recover.  Nomination forms can be found at www.ourvi.org.
Finally, Brooke Palmer is coordinating a Halloween Party to allow kids to “trick or treat” on Carolina Circle.  Please see the attached and feel free to donate candy or other related Halloween items to make this event a great success.  Please scroll down for more information.


Thank you for your attention and let’s get through this together.
Rich Scanlon
VIHA President
[email protected]

Dear VI Property Owner:
While we have faced storms in VI before, we have never before experienced flooding caused by an unprecedented level of storm surge of last Thursday night.  Those whose homes were fortunate not to have been flooded still feel the pain of our neighbors who experienced property damage. Together, we will undertake the overwhelming task of repairing and rebuilding our homes, businesses and our community.
We will all be looking for answers and solutions over the upcoming months in an attempt to put our lives back together.  Communities have rebuilt themselves stronger in the past after tragic events and I know we can do so as well in response to Helene.  Let’s do everything we can to assist those in VI whose losses were greater than our own.  I’m struggling to find ways that the VIHA can provide support to the community in the face of such an unexpected and unprecedented storm.  I’m happy to take any suggestions from VI residents as to how we can help the community recover.  So far, what we have come up with is:
October 12 – We are postponing Oktoberfest so I’d suggest we have a “Community Clean Up Day.”  We can focus volunteer efforts on the VI streets and canals as well as the properties of those who do not have the resources or “muscle” to do so themselves.  Obviously, volunteers will be the key to making this effort a success. 
October 24 –The focus of the VIHA General Meeting will now be on insurance issues and questions residents may have about filing claims and the process of receiving insurance proceeds.  Neighborhood insurance experts will be on hand to answer your questions and provide support.
Finally, please disregard the deadlines in the Deed Restriction violation letters that were mailed on September 23. Obviously, repairing our homes, not remedying DR violations is the focus now.  As a reminder, all outdoor construction projects, including patios, pools, docks, seawalls and roofs require approval from the Architectural Review Committee (“ARC”). Please go to the VIHA website at http://www.ourvi.org/architectural-review.html for details on the approval process and documentation requirements.  Please email [email protected]  if you have any questions.
Other communities have recovered and so will we, let’s be “VI Strong!!!!”
Rich Scanlon
VIHA President
[email protected]

Dear Friends:
It is hard to know where to even start.  Venetian Isles has been struck by two hurricanes and suffered significant damage which would have been even more severe if Milton had not made a last minute shift away from Tampa Bay.  Never in my 31 years of living in VI have I seen such destruction.  While we may have seen flooding in other neighborhoods such as Shore Acres, we never thought it could happen here!!!  Unfortunately, it did and the task of rebuilding will be onerous and will take time.
I did an informal “drive-by” survey through VI to see how many homes had been damaged by flooding from Helene by counting houses that had belongings and drywall piled on the curb and found that at least 64% of the homes in VI appear to have been damaged.   As many residents have yet to return to VI after Helene, there could be more homes that were impacted.  Regardless, the statistics below are staggering.  In addition to damage to the interior of people’s homes from the flooding, we have been made aware of failure or damage to numerous sea walls and roofs within VI

CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG MULTI AGENCY RESOURCE CENTER (MARC)

• A Multiagency Resource Center (MARC) will open with expanded services on Monday, October 14, from 1-7 p.m. at the Enoch D. Davis Center (1111 18th Ave. S). Starting Tuesday, the MARC will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. At this centralized location, people can access various services and information related to disaster recovery.


• In addition to FEMA, the following agencies will provide assistance at the MARC: Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, Florida Department of Commerce, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida Department of Elder Affairs, Florida Department of Insurance Regulation and Florida Department of Children and Families with Hope Florida Navigators.
  
• When visiting a MARC, it’s a good idea to bring identification, proof of residence, insurance information, and any documentation related to your disaster-related losses to facilitate the application process and ensure you receive the appropriate assistance. Residents can register for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov , via the FEMA app or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
  

CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG PERMITTING UPDATES
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the City of St. Petersburg has taken steps to make the permitting process faster, more accessible, and more convenient for homeowners who need to file permits for repairs to their homes due to storm and flood damage. The City is waiving the application and inspection fees for permits to perform demolition and repair of properties damaged by the hurricane. While permits are still required, affected residents can remediate storm damage to their property without permitting fees over the next six months.
Mobile Permitting Sites will reopen on Wednesday (10/16) morning. Locations will be the same as they were post-Helene:

• Azalea Recreation Center: 1600 72nd St N
  
• Enoch D. Davis Center: 1111 18th Ave S
  
• Roberts Recreation Center: 1246 50th Ave N
  

Homeowners can also visit the main permitting office at the City's Municipal Services Center at One 4th St. N. Operating hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 AM - 5 PM and Wednesday from 8 AM - 12 PM. Please note: Remote Permitting Sites will accept debit or credit cards only; cash and checks will not be accepted. Check here for real-time updates on Remote Permitting Site activation, locations, and operating hours.
REBUILDING AFTER FLOOD & STORM DAMAGE
Where to start

• Before you do anything, contact your insurance company.
  
• Remove wet contents immediately to prevent extensive damage and mold.
  
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet – mud left from flood water can contain sewage and chemicals.
  
• Do not begin construction or remediation until you've been given an estimate from your insurance company.
  

When you need a permit

• Minor water intrusion that requires the replacement of floor finishes, such as carpet, wood, and tile, do not require a building permit.
  
• Water intrusion and flood/storm damage that affects walls, fixtures, built-in cabinetry, windows, doors, roof, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing do require a permit for repair or replacement.
  
• The permitting process can be expedited after storm events.
  
• Email [email protected] or call 727-893-7231 for any permitting-related questions.
  

Why you need to verify your contractor

• If you are planning to have work done that requires a building permit, it’s important to select a qualified and licensed contractor to perform the work.
  
• Under state and local law, any contractor you hire must be state-certified or licensed. Properly licensed, experienced contractors will provide you with safer, higher-quality services.
  
• Beware of any contractor who:
  
• Cannot provide a state license number.
  
• Asks you to obtain the building permit as an “owner/builder” or claims you will save money by not obtaining a permit.
  
• Asks to be paid in cash or asks for large payments upfront.
  
• Before hiring any contractor, ask for their name and license number, then use this Contractor Search feature to verify that they are eligible to work in Pinellas County. Report unlicensed contracting by calling (727) 582-6767 or submit a report online.
  
• If you do not have internet access, you can also call the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board at (727) 582-3100 and choose Option 2 for Licensing to check whether a contractor is licensed.