North Port

The federal rule prohibits improvements to hurricane-damaged homes exceeding 50% of their market value unless the entire structure is updated to meet current building codes.

North Port officials say residents who want to temporarily discontinue services could face a $27,000 reconnection fee.

Storm survivors can get help applying for federal assistance to cover temporary lodging expenses, basic home repairs and other disaster-related needs.

The nonprofit relief group, founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, has opened distribution sites in Sarasota and Charlotte counties.

The town of North Port was hit hard by Hurricane Ian, and then days of river flooding. As the waters start to recede, residents are starting to dry out and take stock of the damage.

Said one North Port resident: "For the first half hour, we really believed everything he was telling us. Of course, our first reaction was ‘Oh, this is terrific!’ Because we're overwhelmed.”

On Sunday, Governor Ron DeSantis said the city of North Port experienced the worst flooding in the state.

Multiple agencies are conducting water rescues in the North Port Estates community in southern Sarasota County.

Online real estate data company Stessa reviewed statistics from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.

About 250 homes were reported to be affected by rising waters, and the area faces a threat from waterways to the north cresting during the weekend.

Teams from Manatee County surveying damage found minor flooding along the Myakka River and the barrier islands, where some turtle nests were affected.

The Atlanta Braves could soon spend a few months of the year in southern Sarasota County if officials have their way.Sarasota County Administrator Tom…