Frustration mounts in Cocoa Beach over FEMA response following tornado

[P. Coonan]

COCOA BEACH, Fla. - More than a week after a tornado touched down,
frustration is growing among Cocoa Beach residents as they struggle to
rebuild their homes and businesses with limited help from the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Cocoa Beach Mayor Keith Capizzi is among those facing significant repair
costs. He said FEMA offered him $750 in aid, but he estimates his damages
at around $70,000.

Capizzi has decided to pay for the repairs himself, citing the hassle of
paperwork and the long wait for potential funding. However, he worries
about those who may not have the means to cover their costs.

"A week after Hurricane Milton devastated parts of Florida, the roads are
cleared of debris, blue tarps cover roofs, and windows are boarded up.
Cleanup is underway, but many fear federal funding won’t be enough to help
residents recover," Capizzi said.

"Probably the amount you would get is not worth my time. FEMA came today.
They asked me to apply for $750. It’s just, the aggravation, you know, I’d
rather not take the government’s money. I’ll figure it out on my own," he
said. "It’s a drop in the bucket to what I am going to be paying."

FEMA’s initial $750 is classified as Serious Needs Assistance, intended
for urgent expenses and provided as a grant, not a loan.

Residents can apply for additional funds to support housing and long-term
recovery, but these are released gradually as applications are reviewed.
Many residents feel that this process falls short of meeting the immediate
and substantial needs left in the storm’s wake.

https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/frustration-mounts-cocoa-beach-over-
fema-response-following-tornado

[Ed P]

Post by P. Coonan
COCOA BEACH, Fla. - More than a week after a tornado touched down,
frustration is growing among Cocoa Beach residents as they struggle to
rebuild their homes and businesses with limited help from the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Cocoa Beach Mayor Keith Capizzi is among those facing significant repair
costs. He said FEMA offered him $750 in aid, but he estimates his damages
at around $70,000.
Capizzi has decided to pay for the repairs himself, citing the hassle of
paperwork and the long wait for potential funding. However, he worries
about those who may not have the means to cover their costs.
"A week after Hurricane Milton devastated parts of Florida, the roads are
cleared of debris, blue tarps cover roofs, and windows are boarded up.
Cleanup is underway, but many fear federal funding won’t be enough to help
residents recover," Capizzi said.

There was Debby, then Helene, then Milton and millions of people were
affected over an 800 mile longs stretch of land. FEMA can't get to them
all the next day.

The $750 is just emergency money for immediate aid. Has nothing to do
with actual damages. I don't know his situation and what he can expect
but it will take some time considering the damages.