NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Homeowners in Edgewater Gardens say they are concerned about red stickers that have popped up on their front doors after the recent hurricanes.

What You Need To Know

  • Red stickers have been placed on homes in Edgewater Gardens, indicating they are uninhabitable due to water damage

  • The stickers were placed by the city of New Port Richey after Hurricanes Helene and Milton
  • In order to make repairs to their homes, city official say an inspection needs to take place first

The stickers — placed by the city of New Port Richey — tell homeowners their homes are no longer habitable, which prevents them from making repairs. But city officials say they are looking to work with residents to help them get back on their feet.

Standing on the edge of the seawall behind their home, Steven and Irene Schindler take in the view.

“I just want to be able to fix my trailer and live here,” Steven said.

Their home has seen a few hurricanes in its more than 30-year lifetime. Only this time around with Helene and Milton, they received a message from the city of New Port Richey.

“They came on our properties and put red tags on them, calling them unlivable," said Schindler. "At that point, we got confused because they said we weren’t allowed to do any repairs.”

Red stickers placed on several doors in the neighborhood indicate the homes are uninhabitable due to water damage from the storms. But Schindler said he doesn't think that’s entirely true.

“There is no significant damage. Everybody here has electricity. Everybody here has hot and cold water. They’re totally dried out and not moldy," he said. "Yet they won’t let us proceed with producing minimal repairs inside.”

The city recently held a special meeting with residents to address their concerns. In order to make repairs, city official say an inspection needs to take place first. The city is offering to perform the inspection for homeowners, or they can hire someone to do it themselves.

“Everybody’s experience was different with the water," said New Port Richey City Manager Debbie Manns. "We were really careful not to specify a specific course of action, which may have, in some part, been confusing to people.”

After the meeting, city officials said they hope the next steps for homeowners are a little clearer. Meanwhile, Schindler said he hopes he and his wife are one step closer to a resolution and getting their home fixed.

“I want my neighbor to not tell me, ‘life shouldn’t be this hard,’" he said. "And that’s what he’s saying, life should not be this hard.”

As they look to get their lives back on track.

Residents can set-up a home inspection by appointment through the city. More information can be found on the city's website.