Debby Costs Hit St. Pete Beach

Tropical Storm Debby blew through St. Pete Beach in June, leaving the city, and its residents, quite a mess. Although cleanup has been progressing, more substantial repairs are just beginning.

According to City Manager Mike Bonfield, property damage from Debby may cost the City of St. Pete Beach $200,000.

Tropical Storm Debby damaged several areas of St. Pete Beach, causing nearly $1.5 million in total property damage. Much of the destruction was through high winds, beach erosion and flooding.

The June 24 tornado from Debby resulted in most of the damage to city property, including torn roofs, bent street signs and damage to seawalls.

Bonfield said repair costs now stand at about $100,000, but could double. Merry Pier in Pass-A-Grill, Blind Pass and several city buildings sustained considerable damage.

However, a repair of the seawall at Sunset Park, on 7300 Sunset Way, is what could push the final bill over $200,000. The Sunset Park repair alone may be almost half of what St. Pete Beach spends on cleanup.

The city is turning to the federal government for help with restoration costs. The city has applied to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for help.

“We are meeting with FEMA to go over our potential claims,” Bonfield told the City Commission Tuesday. “The declaration has been made, and we are eligible for reimbursement of certain expenditures.”

One of the fire station roofs was affected by the storm, but was discovered to need more renovation than can be directly blamed on Debby. Bonfield said federal funds will probably not include those repairs.

“If it is covered by insurance, then FEMA may pay the deductibles,” Bonfield said. In some cases, winds from Debby produced damage, revealing the need for repairs more extensive than storm damage. 

Bonfield said he is meeting with FEMA officials toda, to discuss the city’s request.

For more information about St. Pete Beach’s efforts to clean up after Debby, contact (727) 363-9220, or send an email to stpetebeach.org.