County requirements too costly? St. Pete mobile home park residents fear becoming homeless
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — People living at the Twin City mobile home park off Gandy Boulevard are being ordered to elevate their homes by June or move out.
Pinellas County officials sent residents letters in the fall of 2023 sharing they must elevate their mobile homes nearly 11 feet.
Pinellas County Flood-Plain Manager Lisa Foster says it’s a requirement the county must follow as it participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. If regulations under the program aren’t followed, Foster says the county risks losing disaster assistance funds.
“One of those regulations is to ensure that repeatedly damaged structures that are deemed substantially damaged are brought into compliance,” Foster said.
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According to Foster, the Twin City Mobile Home Park has flooded several times, putting residents in danger.
“It’s really important that we get these folks into safe structures, it’s going to reduce our response needs, reduce those rescues and the financial challenges that are associated with the flooding for the residents.”
Ada Bovia has lived at the community for eight years and told 8 On Your Side she was quoted $41,000 to elevate her home. Bovia says she doesn’t have the funds to do so as she relies on a fixed income.
“I have nowhere, I don’t know what I’m going to do,” Bovia said. “On the street, that’s where I’ll be.”
Erin Roth has lived in the community 14 years and faces a similar situation.
“I live off of disability and this is the cheapest place I could find,” Roth said. “It’s like you just walk away from what you’ve invested in.”
Foster says Pinellas County hasn’t determined what will happen if residents don’t comply by June.
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