Resident Jenny Housner critiques Venice rebuilding efforts after hurricanes

Residents of Venice are calling for urgent improvements in disaster response and communication following the recent hurricanes that devastated parts of the community. During a recent meeting of the Citizen Advisory Board, local resident Jenny Housner shared her personal struggles and highlighted the need for better prioritization in the building department for those who lost their homes.

Housner, who returned to her home on Tarpon Center Drive just two weeks ago, expressed frustration over the slow recovery process and the lack of clear communication from city officials. She emphasized that while some areas of Venice experienced minimal damage, those severely affected deserve more attention and support. "We need to take care of those who are still without walls," she urged, stressing the importance of recognizing the voices of those most impacted.

The meeting also addressed the challenges faced during debris removal after the storms, with Housner noting that delays in cleanup contributed to further damage. She called for a more proactive approach to maintaining drainage systems, suggesting that regular cleaning schedules should be established to prevent future flooding.

In response to community concerns, the board voted to continue discussions on the hurricane recovery efforts at their next meeting in May. This decision aims to ensure that the voices of residents like Housner are heard and that the city can better address the ongoing challenges faced by those still recovering from the storms.

As the city moves forward, the emphasis will be on improving communication and support systems for residents, particularly those who have been most affected by recent disasters. The board is committed to gathering citizen input and ensuring that the recovery process is inclusive and effective.