ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Some Florida homeowners approved for Elevate Florida are still waiting for answers and funding, even as FEMA recently gave an update saying it provided about $24 million for projects across the state. Still, nearly two years since hurricanes Helene and Milton, many homeowners say they have yet to see movement.

St. Petersburg homeowner Amy Brooks says she never expected surviving a hurricane would be easier than the recovery. The 36-year-old has moved multiple times since the 2024 storms damaged her Riviera Bay home.

“I have moved a total of ten times. And that’s not an exaggeration. Ten is the number,” said Brooks.

From long and short-term stays in hotels and apartments, more than one-hour from her job and home, this time Brooks has moved back home. She’s not inside yet, but in an RV in her driveway.

While the Elevate Florida Program is beginning to show some progress, Brooks says her status as “pending” has remained the same for a year, and she is the only thing on the move.

The homeowner is ready to elevate her home and says she wants answers.

Elevate Florida has not replied to her inquiries or Spectrum News’ requests for comment, but the program does use federal funds.

FEMA responded, saying in part:

“Since the 2024 hurricane season, FEMA has invested $679.31 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds to help pay for a variety of cost-effective projects designed to protect lives and property. To date, FEMA has provided nearly $24 million to the Florida Division of Emergency Management for the Elevate Florida program statewide.”

Elevate Florida’s website addresses timing, posting:

“Starting June 2025, federal requirements included additional review steps for grants and funding approvals. These changes extended timelines for award decisions nationwide, including for Florida Property Owners.”

It’s a timeline Brooks addresses in letters she continues sending local, state and federal officials. 

“These aren’t just files on someone’s desk,” Brooks read from her letter. “They are people’s homes, people’s futures, people’s mental health, people’s livelihoods.”

Brooks says many of those letters have gone unanswered.

“I’ve heard back from a few, but usually they just push it back on to FEMA or Elevate Florida and we’re just doing this finger-pointing thing,” said Brooks. 

And as she continues searching for answers, Brooks says she’s stuck in survival mode.

“It needs to end. I’m ready to get in a home and live my life again, not just survive,” she said.