NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — Hurricane Milton was more than a month ago, but many people throughout Central Florida continue to recover and clean up.

Some are even still recovering from hurricanes in previous years.

Ryann Thacker lives in the Ellison Acres neighborhood in New Smyrna Beach. It’s inland but gets flooded during major rainstorms. Thacker’s home flooded during Hurricane Ian two years ago, and again during Hurricane Milton in October.

“I’m exhausted. It’s mentally draining, physically draining packing, unpacking,” said Thacker. "Every time it rains, every time we get a storm, we flood.” 

But Thacker is optimistic about a new home on the way. She is one of 45 homeowners in the construction phase of Volusia County’s Transform386, which is helping people rebuild from Hurricane Ian damage. The program covers the cost of her new house. Other homeowners are getting help with renovations, repairs or mobile home replacements.

“It’s been a lot of praying, a lot of hard work and a lot of stress, tears, sweat, it’s been a lot,” said Thacker.

In Thacker’s case, crews will soon tear her house down and build a new one much higher.

“The house should be up, 10 feet up on stilts,” said Thacker.

While her new home is built, Thacker will live with family nearby where she’ll also move her in-home daycare to. It’s a business she’s somehow been able to keep going.

“God, if it wasn’t for God, I wouldn’t be standing here right now because I’d be in a million pieces, honestly. It’s the only thing that keeps me going is my faith,” said Thacker.

While she won’t be in her home for the holidays, she’s looking forward to finally, in a few months, having a new home that won’t flood.

“Next year we’ll be in the new house and everybody can come over for Thanksgiving,” said Thacker.

A Volusia County spokesperson says Transform386 will move another 50 homeowners into the construction phase of the program by the end of 2024.

As for Thacker, once a permit is approved soon her home will be bulldozed and construction on her new home will begin.

Transform386 is still accepting applications for assistance for its Single Family Homeowner Recovery Program for Hurricane Ian damage.

People can apply at www.Transform386.Org.

There’s no deadline for applying, but those interested are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.