In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, residents in Pasco County, Florida, are confronted with the arduous task of rebuilding their homes. As the devastation from the hurricane lingers, many homes remain uninhabitable three months later. One homeowner, Michael Cannizzo, has embarked on the challenging journey of navigating the county’s permitting process while striving to make his home resilient to future floods.
Michael Cannizzo, residing along a canal in Hudson off Sea Ranch Drive, faced a daunting challenge after nearly four feet of water inundated his home during the storm. Describing the extent of the damage, Cannizzo stated, “We had to tear everything out all the way to the ceiling.” Despite the overwhelming situation, Cannizzo, with his background in contracting and construction, chose to rebuild his home at a higher elevation, a decision driven by the risk of future flooding.
Pasco County officials report that they have received 2,424 permit applications since Hurricane Helene struck. The permitting process is crucial for ensuring the safety and compliance of repair work. County officials emphasize that all storm-related rebuilding requires permits to prevent future complications. To aid residents, Pasco County has established additional sites to facilitate the permit application process, and all county fees related to storm damage repairs are currently being waived.
Cannizzo’s home has been stripped down to its studs as he waits for the necessary building permits. The process, although lengthy, is aimed at incorporating enhanced flood safety measures, which are mandatory for homes requiring substantial repairs within flood zones. Cannizzo shared the stress involved, noting, “Four feet of water in anybody’s house is going to be stressful. Trying to figure out what to do next and getting everything taken care of is very stressful.”
Despite the challenges, Cannizzo remains optimistic about the future benefits. “Just the concept of knowing that when I’m all done, knock on wood, as they say, I won’t ever have to make a phone call to the flood department again,” he expressed. His decision to elevate his home aims not only to ensure immediate safety but also to provide long-term peace of mind and security against future natural disasters.
While the rebuilding process is not swift, residents like Michael Cannizzo are taking proactive steps to protect their homes from potential future flooding. By navigating the rigorous permitting process and committing to higher construction standards, these efforts in Pasco County highlight the resilience and determination of those affected by Hurricane Helene.
Source: Fox13news
