Three Years After Michael, Hurricane-Struck Communities in Florida still Struggling

Three years after Hurricane Michael, Florida's Black and low-income neighborhoods are still rebuilding.

Although the first Category 5 storm to hit the United States mainland since 1992 inflicted $18.4 billion in damage in Florida, activists claim that FEMA red tape has hindered rehabilitation for certain Panama City residents.

Sentiments From Survivors

Patricia Roundtree anticipated the hurricane that was about to crash into the Florida Panhandle in October 2018 to be a close call, just like so many prior hurricanes that had passed by her Panama City neighborhood but never directly touched.

On the other hand, Hurricane Michael quickly intensified over the Gulf of Mexico before slamming on Panama City with 155 mph gusts that hurled homes, smashed vehicle windows, and tossed trees into the air. Michael destroyed Roundtree's home, the first Category 5 storm to hit the United States mainland since 1992.

Roundtree, 56, described it as "a terrifying sight she had ever seen." "You get a full sense of what nature can genuinely accomplish when you're in the thick of something like that."

Government Grants

Since the hurricane, the Government Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal agencies have provided approximately $3.1 billion in loans, grants, and flood insurance payouts to help communities recover. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has made hundreds of millions of dollars available to help restore houses, roads, and hospitals and support local businesses.

However, according to several community organizations based in Bay County, many residents in historically Black or low-income neighborhoods remain stranded in tarp-covered, mold-infested homes that are only half rebuilt, with little or no financial assistance to complete the repairs get their lives back on track.

Despite the Biden administration's promises to emphasize environmental justice and focus funding on communities of color who have been disproportionately impacted by climate-related extreme weather, advocates criticize FEMA for its convoluted procedures that reject needy applicants but then invite them to reapply for assistance multiple times.

"I've had clients come through for the seventh time and get approval," said Donna Pilson, Rebuild Bay County executive director. "Who is it that does it?"

Many of the denials are due to FEMA's stringent standards for establishing homeownership. However, according to Pilson, many individuals in these areas inherit their homes from relatives and lack the necessary documents.

Ravaging the Communities

Hurricane Michael pounded the coast between Panama City and Cape San Blas for four hours, causing devastating damage at Mexico Beach and Tyndall Air Force Base east of Panama City.

When the winds and storms died down, the magnitude of the disaster became clear. The roadways were covered with pieces of glass. Trees entangled in power cables blocked residential entrances-cars collided with rooftops. At least 45 people were killed, 60,000 houses were destroyed, and $25 billion in damages was incurred, including $18.4 billion in Florida.

Janice Lucas, executive director of the LEAD Coalition of Bay County, a community group that works to improve links in historically neglected communities, said it was the four longest hours of her life. During the hurricane, her home was damaged, but she was fortunate to take safety in her sister's house.

Many inhabitants, including Roundtree, have been without a roof or walls for three years. Some began improvements but were forced to halt due to rising expenses, exposing them to particulate matter, dust, trash, and other chemicals that might cause respiratory problems. Others live among puddles, black mold patches, and bug and rodent infestations. The consequences of unprecedented excessive rains and Covid-19 limitations on people's livelihoods have compounded over the last two years.

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