I Lost My Home in Hurricane Milton, Help Me Recover

My name is David Tranbarger. On the night of October 9, 2024 my Sarasota, Florida home of 10 years was destroyed by Hurricane Milton. We suffered a direct hit with 120 mph sustained winds. The roof of my home was torn away, leaving half of the house open to the sky. Parts of the roof collapsed into the living room and the bedrooms. The torrential rain which followed ruined the floors and most of the furnishings. I was able to salvage some personal items such as family mementos, photographs and books. My place wasn’t fancy but it was home. Like many Midwesterners (I’m originally from Indiana), I dreamed of escaping winter and retiring to Florida.

I purchased my home in the summer of 2014. My sister already lived nearby, as did my elderly parents. My parents have since moved to a local care facility. My sister and I are fortunate to still have them close, where we can look after them.

My house was condemned by Sarasota County on October 30. Unfortunately, the loss is uninsured. Hurricane insurance is effectively unavailable for older manufactured homes in Florida. I am semi-retired with limited income. I have applied to FEMA for assistance and am hoping for the best but the process is long and frustrating. My sister has been kind enough to take me in temporarily and store my belongings.

A home will soon be available to me. Funds raised will be used to cover essential housing costs including property taxes, association fees, insurance, utilities and basic furnishings, as well as a temporary rental. To add insult to injury, my damaged home will have to be dismantled and hauled away, while I continue to pay property tax and association fees on the lot.

Any donation, no matter the size, will make a difference. It has been a long and emotional six weeks for myself, my family and my friends. Your kind thoughts and prayers have gone a long way but there is still so much to be done. I created this fundraiser because some have asked what more they can do to help. If you can’t contribute financially, sharing this campaign is greatly appreciated.

With sincere thanks,

David