LONGBOAT KEY, Fla. – Residents of Gulf Shore and Twin Shores Mobile Home Parks in Longboat Key, Florida, are facing unexpected delays in repairing their hurricane-damaged homes.

Even though many homeowners have secured the necessary building permits, town officials have placed restrictions that are preventing work from moving forward. With the next hurricane season just over three months away, this delay is causing significant concern among the residents.

Widespread Damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton

The damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton was unlike anything residents had seen before. Many homes in the Gulf Shore and Twin Shores communities were severely impacted, with floodwaters reaching dangerous levels inside the mobile homes. Structural issues, such as unstable foundations, roof damage, and electrical problems, have made repairs urgent.

Peter George, a longtime resident of Gulf Shore, emphasized how essential these repairs are for the community. He also pointed out that residents in mobile home parks are more self-reliant than other neighborhoods in Longboat Key. “We take care of our own homes, and we just need the approval to get started,” he said.

Permit Issues Stalling Progress

Despite obtaining approval for repair work, residents have been forced to halt construction due to restrictions imposed by the town’s building commission. Many homeowners had hoped that once they received their permits, they could proceed with rebuilding. However, several projects have been stopped due to additional regulations that town officials have recently enforced.

Town commissioners were surprised to learn that these restrictions were still in place and that affected residents had not received clarity on the matter. “We’re working around the clock with hundreds of permits per week,” said Alan Parsons, the town’s Building Director. He reassured residents that his team is trying to process applications as quickly as possible.

Town’s Response to Permit Backlog

In response to the delays, the Planning, Zoning, and Building Department in Longboat Key has implemented measures to speed up the approval process. The Florida Division of Emergency Management has also provided additional support by assigning extra permit technicians and building inspectors for a six-month period. This has helped reduce the backlog of pending permits significantly.

As of January 6, 2025, the town successfully cleared a large portion of the permit applications, reducing the backlog from 700 to 170. Officials are working to process the remaining permits as quickly as possible.

Efforts to Ease the Process for Residents

Understanding the urgency of repairs, the town has introduced several policies to assist homeowners:

Temporary Waiver of Building Permit Fees: To reduce financial burdens, the town waived building permit fees for storm-related repairs.

Extended Construction Hours: Homeowners and contractors can now work from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, including holidays, to complete repairs faster.

Elimination of Drywall Permit Requirement: A new emergency ordinance removed the need for permits for drywall repairs in single-family homes, simplifying the process for many affected homeowners.

Despite these efforts, some residents are still struggling with restrictions that prevent them from proceeding with necessary repairs.

Frustration Grows Among Homeowners

For many Gulf Shore and Twin Shores residents, the stalled repairs are more than just an inconvenience—they are a growing safety concern. With the next hurricane season fast approaching, homeowners fear that their weakened structures will not be able to withstand another major storm.

One resident expressed frustration over the delays, saying, “We’ve done everything the town asked—we got our permits, we followed the rules, but now we’re being told we can’t rebuild. It just doesn’t make sense.”

What Comes Next?

Town officials have scheduled a meeting with affected residents to discuss possible solutions. Many homeowners hope that the discussion will lead to a resolution that allows them to move forward with their repairs before the next hurricane season arrives.

In the meantime, the Planning, Zoning, and Building Department continues to process applications and provide updates to homeowners. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by checking official announcements and reaching out to the town for updates on their permits.

As the situation unfolds, Gulf Shore and Twin Shores residents remain hopeful that they will soon be able to repair their homes and prepare for the future.