Florida
Florida Coastal Living Reshaped by Hurricane Housing Codes
FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.—Trixie Parkes’s 1976 wood-framed cottage lengthy served as her dwelling and primary supply of revenue, as a result of she rented two items on the highest flooring to vacationers. However when Hurricane Ian tore by way of in late September, it destroyed many of the first flooring and gouged a gaping gap within the second-floor partitions. She didn’t have flood insurance coverage, which she mentioned grew to become too costly after Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Ms. Parkes, 59, plans to promote her property. “I’ve an important location,” she mentioned. “Perhaps anyone will come and provide me some huge cash and I can stroll away.”
5 blocks away stands a roughly $2 million home that weathered the storm with negligible injury. Fernando Gonzalez constructed the two-story, concrete-block dwelling six years in the past to exceed the necessities of the constructing code on the time.
As a substitute of elevating the home 12 toes as required, he mentioned he lifted it 4 toes extra. He mentioned he additionally constructed the inspiration stronger than mandated, going 6 toes under the bottom and putting in thick concrete partitions as a substitute of columns, with vents to permit water to movement by way of in case of storm surge. He estimated such upgrades added about $15,000 to the development prices.
“If you would like the posh of residing close to the ocean, you need to pay,” mentioned Mr. Gonzalez, 57.
Robust hurricanes and stricter constructing codes, arriving in succession, are altering the financial and demographic make-up of Florida’s coastal communities. Cheap cottages susceptible to harsh climate are giving method to pricier houses which might be extra resilient—a transition that’s fortifying the housing inventory, however limiting who can afford to dwell on the coast.
Including to the prices are escalating premiums for householders and flood insurance coverage.
Florida’s constructing code has lengthy been one of many strictest within the U.S. After Hurricane Andrew destroyed tens of hundreds of houses within the Miami space in 1992, lawmakers adopted a uniform statewide constructing code with more-stringent building necessities. The code, which took impact in 2002 and is up to date each three years, establishes a minimal normal native governments should adhere to.
Fort Myers Seaside residents Fernando Gonzalez, left, and his son Sahbah Gonzalez stand in entrance of their home.
The newest model, adopted in 2020, consists of provisions to seal roof decks to maintain water out, in addition to longer-standing necessities to put in impact-resistant home windows or shutters and guarantee sturdy connections among the many roof, partitions and basis, mentioned
Anne Cope,
chief engineer on the Insurance coverage Institute for Enterprise and House Security, an industry-backed analysis group. It additionally incorporates provisions to protect in opposition to flood hazards by, as an illustration, elevating constructions above a sure stage.
Within the areas of southwest and central Florida that fell inside the hurricane-force wind swath of Ian, an estimated 69% of housing items have been constructed earlier than 2000, two years earlier than the statewide constructing code took impact, in response to Census Bureau and Nationwide Hurricane Middle information.
U.S. coastal areas liable to storms and sea-level rise have developed sooner and grow to be denser than non-coastal areas, in response to a research by College of Florida and different researchers revealed in August. Consequently, the publicity of constructing constructions to pure hazards is rising.
Almost 33 million houses with near $10.5 trillion in reconstruction price worth are vulnerable to hurricane-force wind damages alongside the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, in response to a June report by CoreLogic, a real-estate information firm. Almost 7.8 million houses with greater than $2.3 trillion in reconstruction price worth are vulnerable to storm-surge injury, the report mentioned.
A CoreLogic evaluation earlier this month estimated that flood and wind losses from Ian will vary between $41 billion and $70 billion, together with between $10 billion and $17 billion of uninsured flood losses, since many householders don’t carry flood insurance coverage.
“As these numbers get greater and greater, there’s going to be some extent the place the group can not recuperate,” mentioned Tom Larsen, senior director for hazard and threat administration at CoreLogic. “Folks go away and don’t come again.”
Within the Florida panhandle, Mexico Seaside, which was ravaged by Hurricane Michael in 2018, imposed code modifications within the aftermath. Town now requires new houses in lots of areas be constructed 1.5 toes above the best level within the adjoining roadway, and people in sure low-lying areas be elevated considerably increased. It additionally elevated the wind velocity new houses should face up to to 140 miles an hour from 130.
The remnants of Trixie Parkes’s dwelling, within the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
The hurricane destroyed many of the first flooring of Ms. Parkes’s dwelling and gouged a gaping gap within the second-floor partitions.
Locals sought to protect the character of Mexico Seaside, with its cottages, seafood spots and inhabitants of retired academics, army personnel and others drawn to an reasonably priced beachfront life-style. Officers continued to bar high-rise developments.
However they couldn’t stave off modifications. Some householders who lacked insurance coverage bought and moved. Buyers purchased land and constructed fancier houses to lease. New gated communities are sprouting up.
The common gross sales value of houses in a stretch of coast that features Mexico Seaside elevated to $453,000 in 2021 from $271,000 in 2019, in response to information compiled by 98 Actual Property Group, an area agency. There have been 10 dwelling gross sales within the space of $1 million or extra in 2021, and two gross sales of $2 million or extra this 12 months.
“The constructing has simply been unbelievable,” mentioned Bobby Pollock, a member of the Mexico Seaside metropolis council.
The same development might unfold within the Fort Myers space, mentioned Mark Wilson, president of London Bay Improvement Group, a real-estate developer primarily based in Naples, Fla. The agency is creating a 10-story apartment constructing in Fort Myers Seaside with 58 items beginning at $1.3 million every. The nearly-completed constructing endured Ian effectively, with breakaway partitions, designed to break down within the occasion of heavy storm surge, performing as anticipated, he mentioned.
Proportion of occupied
housing items constructed earlier than 2000
An estimated 69% of housing items
inside the 64-knot wind swath of
Hurricane Ian have been constructed earlier than 2000.
Proportion of occupied
housing items constructed earlier than 2000
An estimated 69% of housing items
inside the 64-knot wind swath of
Hurricane Ian have been constructed earlier than 2000.
Proportion of occupied
housing items constructed earlier than 2000
An estimated 69% of housing items
inside the 64-knot wind swath of
Hurricane Ian have been constructed earlier than 2000.
Proportion of occupied housing items
constructed earlier than 2000
An estimated 69% of
housing items within the
64-knot wind swath of
Hurricane Ian have been
constructed earlier than 2000.
Proportion of occupied housing items
constructed earlier than 2000
An estimated 69% of
housing items within the
64-knot wind swath of
Hurricane Ian have been
constructed earlier than 2000.
Subsequent 12 months, the corporate plans to interrupt floor on the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay, to the south, with items beginning at $2.8 million.
As older houses within the Fort Myers space are taken down, those who exchange them will price considerably extra, Mr. Wilson mentioned.
James and Becky Reed purchased a wood-framed bungalow just a few blocks from the ocean in Fort Myers Seaside for $150,000 in 2000 and relocated from Tennessee to retire. The seashore group was an reasonably priced slice of Florida, with palm-tree-lined streets and candy-colored cottages.
Hurricane Ian blew out the Reeds’ first-floor partitions and home windows and ripped away siding on the second flooring, saturating inside drywall. Although the couple have householders and flood insurance coverage—with premiums totaling about $8,200 a 12 months—the seemingly payouts gained’t come near overlaying rebuilding prices given present constructing codes, they mentioned.
Fort Myers Seaside resident Becky Reed searches by way of the injury to her dwelling after Hurricane Ian.
The storm surge swept a close-by picket cottage off its basis, flinging its two aged residents by way of a window, mentioned neighbor Romaine Turner, 84. She mentioned she managed to drag them in by way of her window and save them. Neither she nor the couple are planning to return again, she mentioned.
The island group of Matlacha, north of Fort Myers Seaside, has clung to its identification as a combination of fishing village and artsy outpost. Brightly coloured buildings home eating places, bars, boutiques and galleries. Residents relish a laid-back life-style, kayaking alongside mangroves or lounging on waterfront decks at sundown.
The hurricane upended it, wrecking residences and companies. Richard and Sonya Giannone purchased a house there final 12 months that they renovated and have been planning to make their major residence. In Could, they purchased a gallery down the road and featured stained glass, jewellery and pottery.
As much as Code
Florida’s constructing code, lengthy one of many strictest within the U.S., is up to date each three years.
Self-adhering polymer
underlayment
The newest model of the constructing code emphasised sealing the roof deck, giving builders choices to select from for
safety if major overlaying is misplaced.
are allowed on roofs so long as it has a allow
Felt underlayment
(19 in. overlap)
Felt
underlayment
(4 in. overlap)
Florida constructing code design wind speeds
In most components of Florida the sheathing thickness should be 19/32 of an inch or better
The minimal
wind gusts new constructions ought to have the ability to face up to
In coastal areas the place design wind speeds are 160 mph, the sheathing attachments to the trusses can’t be spaced greater than 3 to 4 inches aside*. In different components of Florida, fasteners may be as broad as 6 inches aside
The newest model of the constructing code emphasised sealing the roof deck, giving builders choices to select from for cover if major overlaying is misplaced.
Self-adhering polymer
underlayment
Felt
underlayment
(19 in. overlap)
Felt
underlayment (4 in. overlap)
In most components of Florida the sheathing
thickness should be 19/32 of an inch or better
In coastal areas the place design wind speeds are 160 mph, the sheathing attachments to the trusses can’t be spaced greater than 3 to 4 inches aside*. In different components of Florida, fasteners may be as broad as 6 inches aside
Florida constructing code design wind speeds
The minimal
wind gusts new constructions ought to have the ability to face up to
The newest model of the constructing code emphasised sealing the roof deck, giving builders choices to select from for cover if major overlaying is misplaced.
Self-adhering polymer
underlayment
Felt
underlayment
(19 in. overlap)
Felt
underlayment (4 in. overlap)
In most components of Florida the sheathing
thickness should be 19/32 of an inch or better
In coastal areas the place design wind speeds are 160 mph, the sheathing attachments to the trusses can’t be spaced greater than 3 to 4 inches aside*. In different components of Florida, fasteners may be as broad as 6 inches aside
Florida constructing code design wind speeds
The minimal
wind gusts new constructions ought to have the ability to face up to
The storm brought about the bottom beneath the house to break down, prompting a part of it to fall into the water. Whether or not it’s salvageable stays to be seen. The gallery flooded, however the constructing’s construction remained intact. The Giannones have targeted on making an attempt to protect it, bringing in crews to drag up flooring and reduce away wall panels, and working dehumidifiers to maintain mould from spreading.
They’re bracing for a monetary hit since neither property had protection for flood or wind injury. “Proper now, there’s not a lot of something we are able to do,” mentioned Mr. Giannone, 76. “We’re making an attempt to take it a step at a time.”
A number of blocks away, Christina Lyle’s dwelling took on a couple of foot-and-a-half of water that coated her flooring and furnishings with sludge. A sixth-generation Floridian who purchased the place 4 years in the past, she mentioned she was drawn to Matlacha as a result of it represented previous Florida to her.
“It’s dwelling, it’s cozy, everyone appears to be like out for each other,” mentioned Ms. Lyle, 50. She usually fishes through the day, hangs out at a espresso store or stops by native outlets. She lately joined a ladies’s civic group known as the Matlacha Hookers—named for fish hooks—that raises cash for native causes.
Ms. Lyle mentioned her dwelling is roofed by householders and flood insurance coverage and that she plans to rebuild, although isn’t certain how lengthy she’s going to keep. She worries that, like a lot of the Florida coast, Matlacha will change within the wake of the hurricane.
“I’m simply hoping and praying that when the rebuilding begins, it doesn’t flip into high-rises,” she mentioned.
Write to Arian Campo-Flores at arian.campo-flores@wsj.com and Deborah Acosta at deborah.acosta@wsj.com
Copyright ©2022 Dow Jones & Firm, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
TAMPA – Jesuit High School senior quarterback Will Griffin always idolized Florida Gator football legend Tim Tebow.
“I look up to him,” Griffin said.
However, it’s Tebow that is now looking up at Griffin, at least when it comes to the high school football record books.
What they’re saying:
“He’s definitely the once in a career type of player,” Jesuit head coach Matt Thompson said. “You don’t really get it that much. Not as a quarterback. I have not had a quarterback be as special as Will.”
In the first game of the 2025 season, Griffin surpassed the 10,000 passing yards career milestone. He is just the 10th player in high school football history in the sunshine state to ever join that club, according to MaxPreps. Tebow finished his career at Nease High School with 9,765 passing yards.
“10,000 was amazing,” Griffin said. “It is really hard to do that. I’ve got to remind myself that I go out here and play for the team. I am not playing for myself or the stats that follows. If you can have a good team around you and a great defense to get you the ball, a great offense that can score, the stats will naturally come.”
The backstory:
It certainly helps he was able to play varsity football as a seventh and eighth grader under Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend Mike Alstott at Northside Christian. Griffin makes it clear; however, he does not deserve all of the credit for hitting this mark.
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the offensive line,” Griffin said. “If it wasn’t for the receivers catching my passes. If it wasn’t for the running backs running touchdowns to open up the pass. A lot of things go into it.”
READ: State Basketball Championships moving to Jacksonville after decades in Lakeland
A lot of things go into his success, but Jesuit head football coach Matt Thompson says Griffin has a lot of the traits to be successful.
“He has all of the measurables,” Thompson said. “[He has] the size, the speed, the strength and the arm strength as a quarterback. His football IQ is outstanding. He understands the game. He understands the offense. He understands the defense. He’s a total package.”
The University of Florida was impressed with those abilities and offered him a scholarship. For the kid who grew up watching the Gators on fall Saturdays, it’s a dream come true.
Going to Gainesville
“It’s just home,” Griffin said. “It felt like the right place for me to be. Very excited. I want to get there. I want to help out. I want to contribute. I want to play really badly.”
However, at this moment, Griffin just wants to soak in his last few months as a high school football player.
“I am trying to enjoy it as much as I can because I know it’s going to end soon,” Griffin said. “I want to make sure I take in every moment.”
That’s because Griffin wants to be remembered not for his stats but for who he is as a person.
“I want people to remember me more as a leader rather than going to Florida,” Griffin said. “I want it to be more like, ‘He was a leader. He gave everything to the team. He never quit. He never gave up.’”
Griffin will enroll early at Florida. He was the first commit for Billy Napier in the 2026 recruiting class.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered by FOX 13’s Mark Skol, Jr.
Florida
Thousands of Northeast Florida students, community members pour out support for Charlie Kirk at vigil
ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Students and community members from across Northeast Florida gathered Sunday evening at Veterans Park to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed last week while speaking at Utah Valley University.
The vigil that brought out thousands was organized by student-led chapters of Turning Point USA, including groups from the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, Creekside High School and St. Augustine High School.
VIDEO | ‘He sparked a movement’: News4JAX political analyst discusses political impact of Kirk assassination
Kirk, who co-founded Turning Point, was known for his rallies, debates and outspoken presence on college campuses across the country.
“Somebody that inspired me, somebody who made me want to voice my own opinion and how I feel about things going around in the world and my beliefs,” Abigail Venuto said.
Gov. DeSantis condemns ‘increasing levels of political violence’ after Charlie Kirk shot at campus event in Utah
Students who talked with News4JAX said the event honored Kirk’s legacy.
“We honored his movement,” Jaden Duffey said.
Mourners lit candles and left flowers and handwritten messages at the vigil.
Duffey, former president of Creekside High School’s Turning Point USA chapter, urged unity.
“We’re in the midst of a political escalation,” he said. “Everybody needs to de-escalate and we’re not alone. We’re unified as Americans and that’s the most important thing.”
Duffey said during his time with Creekside chapter he had the chance to meet Kirk several times over breakfast.
“Someone who has accumulated millions of followers it was just stunning,” Duffey said. “Then you realize that he’s a very humble person inside.”
Duffey said he was in disbelief when he first heard the news of Kirk’s death. He said there were lots of calls and conversation leading up to Sunday’s vigil.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged the vigil in a social media post earlier in the day, saying deputies would have a “large law enforcement presence” at the park and surrounding area as a precaution.
“We’ve got to calm down,” Duffey said. “We have to bring back the American way – the first amendment right, allowing people to just disagree with one another no matter how passionate it is but violence is never the option.”
Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.
The No. 18 South Florida Bulls play against the No. 5 Miami Hurricanes in a college football game today. The matchup is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. CT on The CW Network. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trial offered by DirecTV.
The Bulls enter this matchup with a 2-0 record, and they have already defeated two ranked opponents this season. In their most recent game, the Bulls defeated Florida 18-16.
During the victory, Byrum Brown led the South Florida offense. He completed 23-36 passes for 263 yards and a touchdown, so he will look to perform similarly this afternoon.
Notably, Brown led the team in rushing with 66 yards on the ground.
The Hurricanes also enter this matchup with a 2-0 record, and they are coming off a 45-3 win against Bethune-Cookman.
During the victory, Carson Beck led the Miami offense. He completed 22-24 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns, which highlights his arm talent.
Beck has thrown for four touchdowns and nearly 500 yards this season, so he will try to continue his offensive success today.
Fans can watch this college football game for free online by using the free trial offered by DirecTV.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Special Olympics Wyoming seeking volunteers for state fall tournament
Ripple Highlights Transatlantic Initiative as Blueprint for Global Crypto Regulation
Dividend Stability and Regional Strength: The Case for Truist Financial (TFC)
Donald Trump Fitness: Can His Golf Workouts Replace the Gym? Explore Trump’s Golf Exercise Routine and Health Benefits
They Call Him OG Movie Review: Action-packed yet narratively uneven gangster drama
Why Marjorie Taylor Greene was ‘kicked out’ of the Freedom Caucus according to Rep. Buck
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
Read the Letter to the Inspectors General
GOP senator blasts Schumer, Dems as 'forcing' shutdown while demanding price tag report
Palestine as a state – what would that actually look like?
Farage refuses to criticise Trump over paracetamol despite health experts dismissing autism claims
House plans Thursday vote on government funding bill to extend spending through November
-
Finance7 days agoReimagining Finance: Derek Kudsee on Coda’s AI-Powered Future
-
World6 days agoSyria’s new president takes center stage at UNGA as concerns linger over terrorist past
-
North Dakota7 days agoBoard approves Brent Sanford as new ‘commissioner’ of North Dakota University System
-
Technology6 days agoThese earbuds include a tiny wired microphone you can hold
-
Culture6 days agoTest Your Memory of These Classic Books for Young Readers
-
Crypto6 days agoTexas brothers charged in cryptocurrency kidnapping, robbery in MN
-
Crypto7 days agoEU Enforcers Arrest 5 Over €100M Cryptocurrency Scam – Law360
-
Rhode Island7 days agoThe Ocean State’s Bond With Robert Redford