Bonita Springs flood victims relocating, raising homes after Irma

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BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. Many residents still have pieces of their lives out on the curb nearly two months after Hurricane Irma’s devastation.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is offering assistance to those who qualify, giving them an opportunity to stay and rebuild or relocate.

“FEMA will pay up to $34,000 for relocation and the areas where we started to look at in Bonita Springs and have had discussions on are the trailers behind the Pink Flamingo Flea Market and a neighborhood known as Mana Christian,” Bonita Springs Mayor Peter Simmons said.

But some residents on Quinn Street don’t believe it’s enough financial assistance, considering their home value.

“They’ve said that every time so far. They mail you out a letter before every hurricane season each year, you know? Giving you the same letter, nothing has changed on it,” nearby resident Dana Hoenie said.

Long-term solutions are being made to prevent heavy flooding after storms in the future.

“We are looking at water mitigation and looking at draining more water south into the Cocohatchee Water in the North Collier watershed if you will, opening up Spring Creek … snagging and dredging Imperial River,” Simmons said.

MORE: FEMA extends application deadline for Hurricane Irma survivors

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