After Helene
Helene's surge in September 2024 flooded Bayshore Boulevard, Davis Islands and many South Tampa streets, sending bay water into homes and garages. Much of the damage was in homes that had never flooded and whose owners didn't carry flood insurance. Surge water is contaminated, so the cleanup follows flood cleanup rules: flood cuts, removal of soaked materials and careful drying before anything is rebuilt.
- ZIP codes
- 33606, 33609, 33611, 33629
- County
- Hillsborough
- Typical housing
- 1910s–1930s historic homes, mid-century ranches, new construction, bayfront condos
- Main water risks
- Storm surge, street flooding at high tide, crawlspace leaks in historic homes, repeat flooding
Tides and afternoon storms
Parts of South Tampa sit so low that a heavy afternoon storm at high tide can flood streets, because storm drains outfall into the bay and can't empty when the water is high. Water that reaches garages and low thresholds on those days is outside water, not a plumbing leak. If your street floods regularly, flood coverage and small fixes like threshold seals and raised garage storage are worth considering.
Rebuild or elevate
South Tampa has a mix of historic homes in Hyde Park and elsewhere, mid-century ranches and new elevated construction. For flood-damaged homes in high-risk zones, the 50 percent substantial damage rule can decide whether a house is repaired or has to be elevated or rebuilt. Historic homes add another layer of review. Ask the city early, and keep thorough documentation of the damage and repair costs.
Services in South Tampa
- Water Damage Restoration
- Flood Cleanup
- Burst Pipe Repair
- Ceiling & Roof Leak Repair
- Storm & Hurricane Damage Restoration
- Mold Remediation
- Structural Drying & Dehumidification
- Sewage Cleanup
- AC & HVAC Condensation Leak Damage
- Insurance Claims Assistance
- Hurricane & Flood Damage Reconstruction
- Commercial Water Damage Restoration