Storm Surge Damaged Home Tour - Punta Gorda Florida

[@johno7149]

It was nice that the woman Libby was so forthright and honest. Really refreshing!

[@bensellin]

She is a straight shooter and very kind.

[@ben-yi3nh]

Its so sad to see so much damage. thank you for showing us your beautiful home Libby.

[@SanClara]

It’s great to see someone who truly loves and respects the history of beautiful Florida homes like this. And what a landlord for taking care of her tenants. Makes me feel good to see that kind of kindness and care for others. Good luck Libby.

[@joyh3086]

Libby, you are so gracious in the face of this disaster! Your house is an important piece of history and I hope that you will be able to restore it once again. Wishing you all the best.

[@cherylcampbell7495]

Libby thank you for showing us your beautiful home. Hopefully you’ll get her back in shape. So sad to see. What a mess.

[@JuneKovac]

Feel so bad for Libby and everyone going through the stress and anguish of these storms and damage. I pray we don’t ever have to experience any of this again. 😢🙏🙏

[@jamesclark7316]

Libby was great. Thank you both so much

[@bensellin]

Our pleasure!

[@cindyonyoutube]

Wow, it's sad to see such an historic property so devastated. I hope Libby can recover.

[@bensellin]

Me too!

[@MarkSzul]

Ben, another great video. we live on Durrance street in a 1920 home. Our Contractor said the town is waving the 50% rule on historic homes due to extreme damage downtown

[@bensellin]

Thank you. That is awesome to hear.

[@gphilipc2031]

I did that in my home in Looziana for Katrina because for VERY BAD Jefferson Parish decision about running pumping stations. Spent about 70 k in repairs in 2005. Thanks Aaron B. Thank God there is no HOA in my area. Many slab on grade homes have been elevated in this area but it was a lot more expensive than 10K. If you are going to retire there ... I would elevate the home.

[@davidmajer3652]

Very sad, but very informative. I hope everything works out for all involved.

[@sl123sl]

Ben...I really enjoy your down to earth... non "chest pounding" delivery which is to common in most youtubers.

[@bensellin]

Well thank you. I really appreciate the support!

[@RickAndell]

What an incredible beautiful neighborhood. I can see why some people take that risk to live there. We regularly fly into PGD and drive down to Marco Island. But, we have met many people who live in Punta Gorda and they have always been friendly and welcoming. We really should spend more time there when they get back to some semblance of normal. It’s concerning that they have now had 2 major flood events in 2 weeks. I feel for them.

[@Pinkfrosting962]

Thank you and Libby for sharing. Sending my love to Punta Gorda from Englewood.

[@bensellin]

Thank you too!

[@kevinweber5129]

They really need to raise houses so close to the beach. Seems like if it was raised up 10-12 feet the flood insurance should drop to $1,000 to make it worthwhile over 15 years.

[@Nottazippo]

That is just demoralizing. I live in East Tennessee and for the grace of God I did not get any water . It did come within 200 yards . The area here got devastated.

[@LJ-jq8og]

Did the tricity area get hit at all ?

[@lrc87290]

I live on a barrier island in South Jersey. Hurricane Sandy in 2012 was the most recent hurricane with a major impact. Lifting homes before the storm was reasonable. $50,000 for a small house. There are more companies doing them now but much more demand. So the price doubled. In 2018 we put about $200,000 in our townhouse gut renovation. I did most of the work. we had to do a FEMA budget which came in over 50 percent of the assessed value but we didn't have to raise the house because we were attached to other houses. If we have another Sandy I'll be good because it was a few feet from our subfloor level. But I have no delusions about basically living on a sand bar.

[@theone4929]

Appreciate your honesty, a barrier island is just a big sandbar. I live in the swamp on the withlacoochee River and love it and will flood someday. It's cool to live wherever you want as long as you accept the responsibility of where you live.

[@lrc87290]

@@theone4929 agree. Nothing like life near the water.

[@lrc87290]

@@theone4929 I just googled it. It's beautiful.

[@theone4929]

@@lrc87290 👍

[@lrc87290]

I googled your location. It's beautiful.

[@antonleimbach648]

I left Florida in 2019 but I really feel for everyone down there. It’s hard to describe the feeling you get every fall during hurricane season. You think “this could be the year we lose everything” year after year. We live in Tennessee and are so lucky we dodged a bullet. Libby is wonderful!

[@bensellin]

Thank you and I agree!

[@gregabrams5792]

I wouldn't even remodel. This is a money pit and a total loss at this point.

[@allen2zulu]

A state that sticks out into the oceans, receives hurricanes every year, and houses made of sticks and mud. I say American housing is an embarrassment, and this house was probably "worth" 550k

[@ernstgoldman3634]

@@allen2zulu yep. I call these cardboard pretend houses.

[@a.m.doesit9347]

yeah I get maybe rebuilding 1 time but after the 2nd or 3rd time your just asking for it

[@gregabrams5792]

@@allen2zulu so true. The standard for American housing is pathetic. The only thing more pathetic is the average American accepts it and pays these ridiculous prices for trash

[@williamfoster4268]

It floods in downtown PG during normal rain storms, no one should be surprised they got flooded out during a hurricane.

[@miketuttle9319]

Libby seems nice, sorry to see what she’s going through. On another note, you do a great job sound wise, a lot of you tubers can’t get it right even when recording in their house.

[@bensellin]

She really is super nice. Thank you!

[@yli8888]

Sorry to see the damages and pain you have to endure. Hope you can recover from it soon.

[@7SideWays]

A perfect rental. Way to go Libby!

[@sanj-m2n]

one great interview - you should go back in 6 months and give updates on this house - if its livable or for sale

[@bensellin]

Thank you. Great suggestion.

[@SanClara]

@@sanj-m2n I second that. Please do go back for updates, Ben! Not many KZbinrs could have pulled off this interview with the sensitivity you showed.

[@christopherschmitt4510]

Mother nature always wins!

[@ralphholiman7401]

The water swelled the hardwood floors. Our kid's high school gym floor looked like pretzels after Katrina. It was not fixable.

[@tomrizzo1554]

Nice job Ben

[@coolcatfunhouse]

That was nice of her, and the main question is - when will they be flooded again?

[@alangrund5031]

Good luck with the property. I think you will need it in the future.

[@venom5809]

That must be just heartbreaking to have to keep happening to her.

[@tuy60]

Bunkers, Beach Homes, and Hurricanes. A Bunker house is a house that you ride a storm out in. A Beach house is a house that you evacuate to a Bunker house. A Bunker house is not in a Flood Zone. Built to survive Cat 5+ storm winds. A Beach house is at risk of Flooding and is built cheaply enough to be economic to replace. The history of Florida is of storms coming and destroying what man has built. How, what, and where we build needs to accept that reality.

[@ptturboe5792]

My heart breaks for Libby.

[@LJ-jq8og]

🙏 Thank You LIBBY 💪❤... Fascinating video... I love that old house and its character... Beautiful color too ! HATE all the new houses and their ugly sterile designs...

[@s99614]

Can you make a video on how they manage to clean up everything? You know, cleaning the streets and picking up the piles of garbage everywhere.

[@bensellin]

I can try. Mostly is just dump trucks with cranes for the debris. Bulldozers for the sand and muck.

[@PierceStudent]

After watching what Helene did in North Carolina, I told my sister who lives in the middle of Phoenix to make sure she has flood insurance. She said you can't get because there is no flood plain there. When you've got a big investment without a lot of years to live (hopefully 20 more) you can't be without flood insurance. Can you afford to lose $200,000 to $500,000?

[@marilynh5487]

So many people make there Transition after the Storm.

[@claudiahansen4938]

The fact that wood homes from the 1930s had not been demolished is a testimony to the area's not being targeted for demolition until roughly Irma in 2017. Now the attacks are intensifying in frequency and power.

[@lettruthprevail9820]

Chlorine dioxide gas can be used for mold.

[@MarkMayhew]

I’m old school, I think the danger of mold is overrated. After Katrina, nobody I know ever mentioned mold remediation, we would wipe the studs off was it.

[@zeke5491]

Water even gets under the tiles

[@andym3461]

Wow!!! If you were renting, does the renter need to carry their own flood insurance policy for their personal positions?

[@julierose8207]

Good question

[@FloridaGirl-]

Yes.

[@nordette]

They would have renters insurance

[@SteveNoverini]

Unfortunately, I am trying to get a good deal on a rental in Venice in February… in the last two weeks… the climbing inventory has been snatched up.

[@terry4265]

I wish you would go to El Jobean just there in Port Charlotte . On the way to Englewood. I use to live there. Was wondering how they made out. Thanks :)

[@cheryl814]

What is the 50% rule thanks

[@trudyreiser8075]

you interject to say that Libby does have flood insurance, but then she was getting quotes... ? is that because her current flood insurance is going to drop her after all the claims ? If we buy a canal home in PGI, are we to expect a ~10K premium ?

[@kirkgardner8772]

I couldn’t do it. How do people not leave?

[@davidduty8199]

Ty

[@bensellin]

👊🤜

[@MarkMayhew]

You’re a good interviewer, do you ever work in St Petersburg?

[@bensellin]

Thank you. Not really. I can, but St Pete is an hour and a half north of me.

[@Chew5219]

Insurance is going up for everyone

[@steven4315]

In high risk areas.

[@EM-ru3eh]

Very sad but informative video. Many thanks to the homeowner for the tour, and perspective. You’ll have to let us know what she decides to do with the property.😢

[@bensellin]

Yes it was very kind of her to sharw her story. Will do!

[@shanerogers9386]

Zero sympathy for people who helped hoard homes away from families and are driving the bubble. We need all the investors out

[@theone4929]

Most Americans are not responsible enough to own a home and their best option is to rent. If it wasn't for investors most people would not have a place to live because they are not capable of being responsible enough to maintain a home. I would never be an investor or a renter. I have damage from the hurricanes this year and it's my responsibility to take care of it, and I have and there is no need for sympathy.

[@shanerogers9386]

@@theone4929 I don’t agree. And The alleged values wouldn’t even be half of what they are without the recent flipper and investor epidemic that is stealing ownership and prosperity away from American families. The more they lose, the more regular, hard working people win. Anything that gets them out with the biggest loss possible is the goal. They are a cancer at this point

[@shanerogers9386]

@@theone4929 I replied to you to talk about who the flipper and investor epidemic and I my reply was deleted by KZbin. People owned these homes before the speculators rushing in and started hoarding everything in sight.

[@shanerogers9386]

My replies are being deleted by youtube.

[@rdee7406]

She’s not asking for your sympathy poor person gfys

[@s99614]

If she really wants to retire there, she should spend the money to elevate the house.

[@prettygirlus9008]

Rather than drywall all the way from the ceiling to the floor, why not use 4-foot PVC wainscoting from the floor up four feet, along with PVC baseboards.

[@Jacubamustoff]

Wow! Great lady. Helping those in need. We need each other right now you guys- this isn't the time to be an American A**hole

[@trobertson1825]

You get another one yet this season

[@JustMeatIt]

I have lived in PG most of my life and lived in Florida my whole life as I was born and raised here. This is sad regardless of what some of these negative Nellie’s say. Yes, we choose to live here, nonetheless it’s devastating. I have been through Charley, Ian, Helene, and Milton here in PG and Milton destroyed this little area. It’s very sad what water damage can do. Not only is water destructive, it’s the most powerful and dangerous. Don’t say nasty things to people who live here and choose to live here. We don’t mock people who Choose to live in Tornado alley, earthquake zones, etc. Please. Have some empathy.

[@charlies3502]

Can you imagine the impact if such storms were to hit the other coast (Miami, Ft Lauderdale) ? It looks like SW Florida still has (had ?) many homes priced under $1 million. That looks to be harder to find on the other coast (as close to the water anyway).

Everything has changed..

[@stephenstarling]

How come nobody told me about these hurricanes When did they start

[@markmcfarren1854]

that just makes me sick mother nature is powerfull

[@bm90025]

What's the 50% rule?

[@allen2zulu]

If the house was built before 1993 hurricane codes, and >50% is damaged, must rebuild the house (no remediation)

[@charlies3502]

@@allen2zulu I was just asking chatgpt about this rule. Good grief, you almost need to be a lawyer to understand all the rules. I think KZbin should be flooded with videos with advice on guiding affected homeowners through this process. I have a feeling there is going to be a lot of shady 'under the table' deals being made to deal with these restrictions.

[@ReesCatOphuls]

Terrible for those involved. Given that storms are going to get more extreme and sea level rises are accelerating, more people will go through this, while saying variations of: this hasn't happened here in the x years this place has been here. I guess the insurance premiums are a leading indicator for which places will become financially unviable to live.

[@charlies3502]

I feel for the woman. I hope her flood insurance covers the damage to her place. But - what happens to the renters ? Are their loses covered by her insurance ? I've seen a lot of focus on selling properties, even 'as-is', for land value stuff - but what is someone like this woman going to have to do regarding rent ? Property values may come down. Do rental prices come down or do owners need to raise rental rates to make up loses ?

[@difigfs]

Renters property would only be covered if the tenant carried flood insurance on the personal property. only pays out ACV, so most people do not carry it.

[@FloridaGirl-]

And that’s anywhere if you rent. You must carry your OWN insurance to cover damages for YOUR OWN personal property. A fire etc.

[@jeremyjedynak]

Ben should change the middle name for his channel to "Elevate" as that is the only way to build going forward.

[@bensellin]

🤣

[@hideoussails1783]

Are sinkholes starting to show up? 🕳️

[@geckster109]

Although Libby seems like a wonderful person, I really do not feel badly for investors who are unable to recoup their carrying costs from the labor off the backs of their renters. I do feel sympathy for her renters that lost all their personal possessions. And I strongly suspect that Libby is gonna think that $10,000/ year quote on flood insurance is going to look like a real bargain after these insurance companies have to raise rates yet again to cover these 2 in a month, excuse me, I mean ONCE IN A HUNDRED year floods!

[@im4udevco]

I really feel sorry for some of the Floridians who have no other options to move. Unfortunately, another hurricane is coming and she's going to have to start back all over again. I don't know if they believe in climate change, but it's a fact. I really feel for her.

[@joemartino6976]

What s shame. This home sits on a wood framing rather than a concrete slab. All by itself, that represents a huge challenge.

[@RickAndell]

The “good” thing about a crawl space is the plumbing is accessible. To access and repair the sewer line under a slab is a $50-75K job. Mine was $4K.

[@joemartino6976]

@@RickAndellI get the work involved with issues in the slab, but I'm assuming they won't be a function be caused by hurricane/flood damage I'm thinking of the moisture trapped between the wood flooring and the sub-floor. Also, lots and lots of mold in the crawl space.

[@ericmaclaurin8525]

If you raise the house by adding usable square footage instead of just dirt or foundation you can at least make enough extra in rent to cover the cost if it's a 30 year loan.

[@andredaedone7732]

What a mess. I left Florida in 2021 for South Carolina.

[@rdee7406]

You think anyone cares?

[@fpm8338]

3rd renovation, this property has been a burden. Taking money out of your pocket. Time to sell and stop the bleeding.

[@nickripostella5865]

How does the math work

[@ernestconnell8087]

Either Punta Gorda is in a bad spot, or just has bad luck 🤔

[@ReiShirouOfficial]

Insurance is paying I hope? If not how are you cash flowing if you need to gut the house every few years Edit: it seems so

[@crg7127]

Prices will adjust. Won't be pretty.

[@mattjones1378]

Florida is sinking and seas are rising. The houses, buildings, streets need to be raised 10+ feet

[@FloridaGirl-]

It was from STORM SURGE from a hurricane. Plus those houses were built in the 30’s.

[@mattjones1378]

Florida girl, you are denial. Areas that never flooded in decades and now areas like the area in this video since the 1930s didn't flood and now experience extreme flooding.

[@FloridaGirl-]

@@mattjones1378 I live in FL. in North Port. About 12-14 miles north of Punta Gorda. I know what happened. Those are old areas. And if you read the title. It says STORM SURGE. Which is what it was. Not every hurricane is alike either. Storm surge happens when the Strong Winds of a hurricane blow over the ocean or gulf water literally forcing the water to pile up as it approaches the coast. Maybe do some research. Punta Gorda is known to flood. Especially right in town. And is right along the Peace river and. Pt Charlotte Harbor. A storm surge during high tide is catastrophic for those areas.

[@FloridaGirl-]

@@mattjones1378 www.charlottecountyfl.gov/departments/public-safety/emergency-management/flood/history.stml Not the first time it’s happened either.

[@FloridaGirl-]

@@mattjones1378 it’s not some new thing. Whether STORM SURGES or heavy rain fall in a 24 hr period. Being high on a mountain doesn’t help either, look what just happened with Helene to inland Tennesse and NC. Hurricane Debby that past through the US in August flooded states all the way up into PA. And stats are 1 in 100 have flood insurance ANYWHERE in the US. Here’s a brief record for Pt Charlotte county. (Where Punta Gorda is located) So you know , it’s not some new thing. Charlotte County has a history of flooding due to rainfall events a storm surge events. The following is a listing of dates in which Charlotte County residents Aug. 2023 - Hurricane Idalia Sept. 2022 - Hurricane Ian Sept. 2017 - ​Hurricane Irma Estimated $5 to 6 million in damage to private and public resources caused by this powerful hurricane hitting Charlotte County Oct. 2005 - Hurricane Wilma Heavy rains of 4 to 8 inches caused urban street flooding and filled ditches to capacity. Aug. 2004 -​ Hurricane Charley Estimated $5.4 billion in damage to private and public resources caused by this powerful category 4 hurricane hitting Charlotte County and proceeding up the harbor to Desoto County. June 2003 - Excessive Rainfall Betwe​en 16” and 20” of rain fell across the county within a 24-hour period. Sept. 2001 - Tropical Storm Gabrielle Direct hit from tropical storm caused widespread flooding along Shoreview Drive and Gulf Blvd. Significant flooding also took place in the City of Punta Gorda. Sept. 2000 - ​Hurricane Gordon Passing Hurricane caused flooding in the Manasota Key area along Shoreview Drive and Gulf Blvd. Other areas included the Peace River shoreline area in Punta Gorda ​Sept. 1997 - ​Excessive Rainfall Up to 10" of rain fell in Port Charlotte causing widespread street flooding in Charlotte County; June 1992 - Flooding due to 6 days of rain 23.5" of rain fell in Murdock, 18" fell in Punta Gorda, and 28" fell in Englewood; ​Nov. 1988 - ​Tropical Storm Keith Approximately 2" of rain fell in Charlotte County; flooding occurred in Punta Gorda and other low-lying areas due to high tides coupled with a minimal storm surge Sept. 1988 - ​Stalled front with excessive rain Homes in Grove City suffered damages from flooding, none of which were uninsured; 11.5" of rain fell in Englewood, with 7.5" in Punta Gorda and 4.5" in Port Charlotte. March 1983 - ​Abnormal High Tide Flooding occurred in the City of Punta Gorda. June 1972 - ​Hurricane Agnes (no landfall) 5"-7" rainfall in Charlotte County; caused flooding of 3"-6" in parts of County; (52 yrs worth of info. It has nothing to do with “sinking or sea levels rising. It has to do with tropical weather, torrential downpours, and hurricanes during high tides).

[@rvfishing8817]

The only future for that house is on stilts. If it is national flood insurance and over 50% loss you have no choice I believe.

[@Sonofawildanimal]

SELL WHILE THE MARKET IS STILL CLOSE TO THE PEAK 📉

[@nesq4104]

Its a wrap honey. Walk away

[@SWFL-BOK]

?what happens if you refuse to level your home? Can you rebuild it yourself? God bless Florida vote NO on 4!

[@advertisercommerce6990]

People who are living 2 feet above sea level, in hurricane areas, without flood insurance, in short, I don't have any sympathy for. Get the coverage and stop complaining. YES it is going to be expensive, since flooding is now going to be happening not every 100 or 50 years but every 10, 5 or every year! You live in a FLOOD ZONE! IT IS THE COST OF YOUR DECISION TO LIVE IN A FLOOD ZONE!

[@JustMeatIt]

Wow. I hope you never experience any type of natural disaster.

[@GregA-i6l]

I didn’t find her to be complaining at all. Seemed just like a nice lady telling a story and trying to be informative.

[@bettyparker3317]

@@Plutogalaxy what world are you living in? Or what century? Or are you just so uninformed? The high costs of flood insurance -$10k a year is not unusual-has been widely reported. Not to mention all the companies that have pulled out of Florida, providing no insurance at any cost.

[@randylahey7343]

@@JustMeatItso you don’t think people should be prepared/insured for things that are going to happen? Weird take.

[@narendraswamy4649]

Fool me once...

[@FreeComputerTutor]

only way i would move to FL is to buy a stilt home even though they cost more.

[@allen2zulu]

this is sad, but honestly, look how these houses are built. Complete crap. Wood everything, old and dilapidated. Are hurricanes a surprise in Florida? Homes should be built for their climate. The world laughs at American construction. Look how any home in Europe is built, and they don't have these storms

[@charlies3502]

I have kind of had similar thoughts. I moved from Florida to Mexico over 10 years ago. I have owned and rented several houses here. The structure has zero wood. Everything is solid cement and the ceilings are tall which keeps the house cooler. If I were living in SW Florida and had the sort of damage being shown, or if I were building a new house - I would use "wonderboard" (the stuff used in showers). I am not a builder. Can some sort of impermeable barrier be put behind the wonderboard ? (I guess there is still an issue with electrical outlets and such but maybe the wiring can be put in pvc or something ?

[@joevara1349]

Florida housing is in the slump that area is worth zero money. It's coming again

[@JCrow-kz4nw]

Recover, so you can recover again next year. No thanks.

[@timboc105]

"Yawn "

[@rdee7406]

*not indicative of all homes in Florida. Stop living 500 ft from the gulf