Horseshoe Beach Rebuilds After Hurricane Idalia

Nearly a year after Hurricane Idalia devastated Horseshoe, Florida, residents like Bregenzer are grappling with the aftermath. Living in a temporary state-issued camper, Bregenzer expressed her exhaustion and uncertainty about rebuilding her home to meet new regulations that require structures to be elevated on stilts. With over 128 million Americans residing in coastal areas vulnerable to storms, the challenges faced by these communities are significant. In Horseshoe, options for those who lost their homes are limited. Rebuilding on stilts, which can cost significantly more, is a daunting prospect for many. For 88-year-old Brotherton, the decision to not rebuild stems from the emotional and financial toll of the disaster. Having lost both her home and business, she now lives with her son and numerous pets, feeling disheartened by the prospect of returning to a place that once held so much promise. Residents are acutely aware that storms and flooding are likely to continue, yet the immediate struggle for survival overshadows future concerns. The desire to have a home that reflects their hard work remains strong, but the path to recovery is fraught with obstacles. Bregenzer's family has received approval for assistance to build a new home, but the emotional scars of the past months linger, leaving many feeling as though they are still trapped in a nightmare.