What are "zombie homes" in Shore Acres?

"Zombie homes" are properties left abandoned by owners after severe flooding from hurricanes Helene and Milton, often due to repeated damage and financial strain.

How have hurricanes impacted home values in Shore Acres?

Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused home values in Shore Acres to plummet, with some properties selling for significantly less than their purchase price.

What is the Elevate Florida program?

Elevate Florida is a state program designed to help homeowners in flood-prone areas lift their homes to reduce hurricane and flood damage, often covering a significant portion of the cost.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Florida Homes Flood, Residents Face 'Zombie Home' Crisis

Florida Homes Flood, Residents Face 'Zombie Home' Crisis

4 Dec

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Summary

Hurricanes Helene and Milton left many Shore Acres homes abandoned.
Home values in Shore Acres have plummeted post-hurricanes.
Residents are lifting homes to escape ongoing flood risks.

Florida Homes Flood, Residents Face 'Zombie Home' Crisis

The tranquil streets of Shore Acres, Florida, are now marked by "zombie homes" – properties abandoned by owners after devastating floods from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. These storms, particularly Helene, inundated the neighborhood, displacing thousands and causing widespread damage. Many long-time residents, weary of repeated inundations, have left, contributing to a stark visual of porta-potties and neglected houses amidst pristine lawns.

The impact extends beyond immediate displacement, with home values in Shore Acres experiencing a significant decline. Properties bought for hundreds of thousands are now selling for a fraction of their original price. This financial distress forces many homeowners into difficult decisions: sell at a massive loss or invest substantial funds into costly home elevation projects, a process described as slow and expensive.