Polk County, FL—Hurricane Irma blew through Florida in 2017, leaving behind wrecked homes, downed trees, and one very patient woman who is still waiting for the state to deliver on its promise of a new house.
Meet Zulma Cornier. Eight years ago, workers from Rebuild Florida knocked on her door like a sketchy door-to-door salesman offering free candy. “We’ll fix your storm-damaged home!” they said. “It’ll only take a year and a half!” they said.
Fast forward to 2025, and Zulma’s home is still MIA. What she does have? An empty lot, a pile of stress, and enough emails with the state to fill a Florida Man police report.
The Great Mobile Home Mix-Up
After tearing down her old place, Rebuild Florida rolled in a shiny new mobile home—only to realize it didn’t fit the lot. (Because, of course.) So, they found a new spot across the street. Problem solved? Nope.
The park manager didn’t like the floor plan. The state said, “Tough luck, it meets guidelines.” Zulma said, “Um, where do I sleep?”
State’s Response: ¯_(ツ)_/¯
Florida Commerce, the agency behind Rebuild Florida, claims Zulma’s story is “simply not true”—despite her having emails proving otherwise. (Classic Florida bureaucracy.) They also dropped this gem: “She’s no longer in the program.”
Translation: “We gave up, so should you.”
Zulma’s Life Now
- Housing situation: Living in the void where her house used to be.
- Health status: Surviving on stress pills and prayers.
- Future plans: Possibly auditioning for Survivor: Florida Edition.
Zulma’s final plea? “I had a house. They took it. Now what?”
Meanwhile, Florida Commerce is probably drafting another email that says, “We regret to inform you that your home has been relocated to the Bermuda Triangle.”
Stay tuned for the next episode of Florida’s Worst Bureaucratic Nightmares—only on TalesFromFlorida.com!