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Manatee County program opens May 1 to help homeowners recover from hurricanes
Summary
County officials announced the Lasting Manatee home‑recovery program will open pre‑applications on May 1; a two‑month pre‑application period will be followed by full applications for eligible homeowners, with awards and construction anticipated after compliance steps. Staff were directed to study reimbursement options for residents who already paid for repairs.
Manatee County officials on April 21 announced that Lasting Manatee, the county’s HUD‑funded home recovery program for hurricane‑impacted homeowners, will open pre‑applications on May 1.
Odugo Oizu, communications coordinator for the program, said the first step will be a short pre‑application that residents can complete online as of May 1; applicants who pass the pre‑application will be invited to submit full documentation beginning June 1. The pre‑application window will remain open for roughly two months, and the full application period will close July 31.
Odugo said staff intend to move quickly but cautioned the earliest optimistic construction start is late this year or early 2027 depending on HUD approvals, contractor availability and weather. He urged homeowners to visit the program’s web portal and to apply on May 1 because the pre‑application is brief and requires no documents.
On questions about reimbursement for homeowners who already completed repairs, staff and the county’s consultant explained that reimbursement is permitted only after an action‑plan amendment; that process involves HUD review and typically carries at least a 30‑day federal comment period. The board directed staff to research and develop a reimbursement policy and bring recommended procedures back to the board for consideration.
Key dates and process details provided by staff: - May 1: pre‑application site opens (short, no documents required) - June 1: full applications requested from pre‑applicants who pass the first step - July 31: application window closes - After award: home inspections, scope of work, contractor assignment and construction management follow HUD compliance rules
Where to apply and get information: lastingmanatee.org (program site and intake information).
