There are a lot of things about Hurricane Milton and its aftermath that are new to me and, unfortunately, so many people. I never thought much about sheetrock except what color to paint it, but I’ve learned in the last almost two weeks that it is the bloodline of a home.
If you were in Milton’s path, you were hit with hurricane-force winds in excess of 100 mph and driving rain. If a home or condo didn’t have secure window and door coverings, it was penetrated, with the rain being driven by the wind, decimating walls constructed with sheetrock.
I have unhappily learned when the sheetrock gets wet, you have to get it out of your home soon, before mold sets in. Forget about your brand-new high-end chef’s stove and the stressless chairs you have and get right to the sheetrock. If you ride around Anna Maria Island and coastal Manatee County, you will see piles and piles of discarded sheetrock, reminding you just how important this simple building material is.
Homeowners all over our region are filing insurance claims, putting furniture in storage and looking for temporary housing. This is something that no one alive has ever seen and coping with it is unimaginable. There are, however, some homeowners who may have an even worse problem.
I wrote part of this a few weeks ago, but now in retrospect, it needs to be said again. So, if you’ve already read this, thank you, and if this is your first time, I hope it helps.
Properties that cannot be restored could be facing condemnation. According to my research on FEMA’s website, FEMA does not have the legal authority to condemn or demolish houses or buildings. They can provide contractors to inspect disaster-related damage to homes and property, but they do not condemn property. Local jurisdictions have the legal authority to condemn your property, which is a complicated process. Check FEMA’s website on Condemning Property to get more detailed information.
In Florida, if your property is condemned and you have an outstanding mortgage, you will still need to repay your mortgage. If your property is condemned, you will likely receive a condemnation payment to help pay off the loan or you can work with your lender for a loan modification or forbearance. I can’t emphasize enough that if you find yourself in this horrible position, you need to consult an attorney. As I said, it’s a complicated procedure and legal assistance is essential.
My heart goes out to anyone whose home is totally gone and to those who are working harder than they have ever worked to restore their properties. We will come back from this and rebuild our paradise. Most of us have lost valuable and personal items that can’t be replaced. We may have also lost value in our homes, but I firmly believe that, too, will come back. The lure of the water keeps us all drawn to the coast.
The day I wrote this, I saw the first white pelican of the season; it lifted my heart knowing that eventually everyone and everything returns.
