Debary waives building permits

According to information released on Debary's City Manager's weekly report, the City Council waived building permits for properties damaged by Tropical Storm Fay.

For specific details and to verify the information please call Debary City Hall at 386-668-2040


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- Greg Staker - 407-304-0255

FEMA disaster center located in Sanford

FEMA has staffed a disaster center in Sanford for those Seminole County residents affected by Tropical Storm Fay.

Here is the press release offering additional information and the location is,

Reflections at Hidden Lakes
520 W. Lake Mary Blvd.
Suite 101
Sanford 32773


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Seminole County grants and low interest loans available for Tropical Storm damage

Seminole County has received a declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Individual and Public Assistance for homeowners and public facilities affected by Tropical Storm Fay. Please call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to apply for federal assistance.

Complete announcement


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Cleaning up after Tropical Storm Fay. Water damage and mold prevention

The water damage and mold issues caused by Tropical Storm Fay are widespread throughout Central Florida.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers tips on their website for the best way to deal with water damage and mold prevention. The EPA cautions that you may need to hire the services of professionals to clean and dry your affected areas.

The tips for dealing with water damage and mold prevention include:

Books and papers

• For non-valuable items, discard books and papers.
• Photocopy valuable/important items, discard originals.
• Freeze (in frost-free freezer or meat locker) or freeze-dry.

Carpet and backing - dry within 24-48 hours

• Remove water with water extraction vacuum.
• Reduce ambient humidity levels with dehumidifier.
• Accelerate drying process with fans.

Wallboard(Drywall and gypsum board)

• May be dried in place if there is no obvious swelling and the seams are intact. If not, remove, discard, and replace.
• Ventilate the wall cavity, if possible.

The EPA also suggests throwing away and replacing water damaged ceiling tiles and insulation.

Should you discover mold visit this EPA web page dedicated to the steps you should take.

For potential home buyers in Central Florida, you will want to be sure and include the mold inspection addendum made available by the Florida Association of Realtors. This addendum will allow the time needed after receiving an accepted offer on a home to have a professional mold inspection completed. Should the inspection reveal a significant presence of mold, you are not obligated to purchase the home unless the seller agrees to remedy the situation to your satisfaction.

Please seek the advise of a professional mold inspector and remediation professional should you have questions or concerns regarding water damage and mold prevention.

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Homes for sale with hurricane shutters

Tropical storm Fay is passing through the state and while it did not develop into a hurricane it did remind those of us who live in Central Florida that the threat of hurricanes is very real and requires that we stay prepared.

For some home owners that preparedness involves owning a home with hurricane shutters. The sunsentinel.com has a good article on the costs to install hurricane shutters. The various types of shutters include:

• Storm panel hurricane shutters
• Accordion hurricane shutters
• Colonial hurricane shutters
• Bahama hurricane shutters
• Roll-down hurricane shutters

Of course the other option to installing shutters is to purchase a Central Florida home that is already equipped with these safety shutters. A search of the MLS today resulted in 48 homes in our 5 county area that are for sale and have hurricane shutters.

After the storm passes, give us a call and we will be happy to show you these homes.

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- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255