As federal officials weigh changes to FEMA, some storm survivors across Tampa Bay are watching closely.

Barb Adams, a Treasure Island resident, knows the stakes firsthand. When Hurricane Helenes storm surge hit her home, it destroyed much of it, flipped her appliances and left her life upside-down.

Oh, everything was upside-down, Adams said. It just it was awful.

After initially doubting the agency could help, Adams applied for FEMA assistance.

The agency provided her safe temporary housing for months, including a three month stay at the Bilmar, which was just a short drive from Adams battered home.

The agency, now under scrutiny, has been the subject of debate from President Donald Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, both of whom have questioned its size

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