Charlotte County inspects 2,400 homes and buildings damaged by Hurricane Helene. In the wake of this powerful storm, residents of Port Charlotte face the daunting task of rebuilding. Amid the wreckage, many will discover inspection notices affixed to their properties, a reminder of the storm’s fierce grip.
Charlotte County conducts inspections on buildings battered by Hurricane Helene
Building Official Shawn McNulty reveals that an extensive assessment has taken place—roughly 2,400 structures have been evaluated post-Hurricane Helene. Of these, about 1,600 homes are categorized under ‘major damage’. An additional 800 show signs of ‘minor damage’, while eight have been deemed destroyed. This data paints a somber picture of the landscape, where families once thrived.
Charlotte County building inspections following Hurricane Helene’s havoc.
“After events like this, the state mobilizes a damage assessment process,” McNulty explains. Municipalities venture out, scrutinizing each building, and classifying them as major, minor, destroyed, or affected. This protocol is a necessary measure in a time of recovery.
Once an inspection concludes, the notifications materialize—paper tags or placards, indicating whether repairs require building permits. McNulty underscores the power of these tags, as they serve to safeguard property owners from hasty decisions, often prompted by transient contractors. “Having a placard helps curb the risk of contractors bypassing essential documentation,” he asserts.
Charlotte County inspection tags.
“The main goal is to inform property owners that the damage likely necessitates a building permit for repairs,” McNulty emphasizes. With a spirit of community upliftment, he highlights how this process protects homeowners from misinformation, especially from out-of-town contractors who may overlook local regulations. This small piece of paper, with its authoritative message, can be a beacon of clarity in a turbulent time.
While the colors of these inspection tags may vary—some a vivid orange or bright yellow—all convey the same crucial information. McNulty shares a glimpse into the logistical hurdles faced by the county. “We simply ran out of our usual placards,” he chuckles ruefully. “We never anticipated the overwhelming number of affected homes.”
As Port Charlotte rebuilds, a sense of resilience emerges. Local businesses, from hardware stores like Ace Hardware to contractors such as Hometown Builders, are stepping in, turning their grief into action. Each tag symbolizes not just damage assessed, but a community’s commitment to rebuilding stronger, together. Even amidst the wreckage, there is hope—a testament to the spirit of those who call Charlotte County home.
