SANFORD, Fla. – The same day a confirmed EF-2 tornado hit Seminole County, the city of Sanford took action to hopefully claim millions of dollars after a different disaster.
Since 2022, the city has been trying to get FEMA to reimburse them for the damage done to the marina by Hurricane Ian, but staff say the tone of recent meetings they’ve had with the agency has been “disappointing and concerning.”
Assistant City Manager Craig Radzak told commissioners at a meeting this week that the federal agency now has questions about the project and it’s likely that FEMA will offer them less money than what’s needed for the restoration.
Documents obtained by News 6 show the needed repairs for the marina will cost $20 million, but the city is only asking FEMA to reimburse them about $18 million.
(READ THE DOCUMENTS | STORY CONTINUES BELOW)
Before Hurricane Ian hit in September 2022, there was a dock in the west basin that has since been wiped out. Boats in that area had to be moved, and there is now limited capacity available for boat owners looking to rent out slips.
The city says parts of the marina have been left dormant in Ian’s wake, and it is vital to repair damage for the public who enjoy its recreational opportunities and for the city who sees the site as a “critical economic resource.”
City staff say FEMA crews visited the marina to document damage immediately after Ian, but now they have been informed that the agency wants to conduct another site inspection.
“Essentially what they told us is they want to start over,” Radzak told commissioners.
Radzak says the city would still like to work with the agency, but they need the authorization of funding so they can get started on the project.
In the hopes of speeding up the process — and getting a full reimbursement — commissioners gave their approval on Monday to hire Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, a firm that specializes in FEMA claims. Figures provided to the commission show it could cost up to $710 an hour for their services.
“I know we’re looking at getting, you know, a nice amount of reimbursement but their hourly rates are really expensive,” said Commissioner Sheena Britton.
City staff said there is no retainer required, and they will use the firm as a resource as needed. They also believe the cost will be worth it because of their proven track record.
The same firm got results for the city of Seneca, South Carolina, after an EF-3 tornado hit the town in April 2020. According to the city of Sanford’s research, Seneca was originally given about $2 million from FEMA out of the $12 million in total funds they were seeking. After consulting with Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, the city received almost $8 million.
Radzak told News 6 that the city is relying on FEMA to complete the $18 million project. The design work, permitting, and construction will take time, and they need the funds to get started.
Our News 6 team reached out to FEMA and asked for their insight. A spokesperson shared the following statement:
We understand how important the marina is to Sanford’s historic downtown. Our team is in regular contact with the city. We look forward to receiving additional engineering, design, and cost information requested from the city before moving the project forward. We are committed to working with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the city to reimburse every dollar of FEMA assistance for which the city is eligible under the law.
FEMA spokesperson