A Bradenton couple is feeling defeated after a week of calls about their destroyed home have gone unanswered.

  • Property sustained "worst damage in the county", officials confirmed
  • FEMA inspector yet to visit home
  • Housing assistance, critical needs assistance funds still not available

Lisa and David Vernold's home sustained the worst damage in all of Manatee County, county officials confirmed. Storm winds blew over a giant tree near the structure, its roots taking the driveway and half of the Vernolds's home with it.

Lisa said she filed for FEMA assistance last Monday, but one week later, the inspector has yet to come out and look. The housing assistance she applied for is still pending, as well.

The couple found out on Sunday they had been approved for $500 in Critical Needs Assistance, but the check hasn't come through yet, either.
 
"I just want us to get the help we need that everybody else is getting," Lisa said. "I don't want to be the number one or anything --I just want what everybody else is getting to be the same as me."

The Vernolds have been staying at a hotel over the last week with help from Lisa's brother, niece, and sister. But now, their funds have run dry.

Lisa fears they'll soon have to start sleeping in their car, or back in the damaged home.
 
"Today was our checkout day, so we have to go back into the house ... the good part of the house," she explained.

We reached out to FEMA regarding their situation. A spokesperson said he couldn't comment on individual claims, but said there's been more than 114,000 claims approved across the state in the past week. How quickly a family is helped has to do with how dire the circumstances are, and where they fall in line.

If you're a Manatee County resident and need assistance, please call 211 Suncoast at (941) 308-4357. If you need food assistance, both Bayside Community Church and Renaissance on 9th are offering meals.