Owner, Renewal of Northwest Florida
At Renewal of Northwest Florida, Renewal Cares is not a campaign or a tagline—it’s the standard that guides how we show up for people when their lives are disrupted. This mission is deeply personal for our owner, Tony Trusty.
Tony has spent his career helping homeowners recover after storms, floods, and unexpected losses. But last year, back-to-back hurricanes tore through his own St. Pete Beach neighborhood, placing him in the same position as the policyholders he serves every day.
When the Expert Becomes the Homeowner
Floodwaters devastated much of the surrounding area, though Tony’s elevated home narrowly avoided taking on water. The wind, however, caused extensive damage. Ceilings collapsed. Insulation was exposed. Rain poured into the home, leaving destruction that couldn’t be ignored.
In a matter of hours, Tony shifted roles from restoration professional to storm survivor. He documented damage, met with adjusters, and began navigating the insurance process firsthand. Even with industry experience, the weight of recovery was real.
“When you walk into someone’s home after a storm, you have to be a caring individual first, and a contractor second,” Tony says.
That belief has always shaped Renewal of Northwest Florida. Living through the process only reinforced why empathy must come before estimates.
A Community Holding Each Other Up
As the neighborhood lost power, Tony saw something that Renewal is built upon: people stepping up for one another. One family with a generator opened their garage and ran power strips so neighbors could charge their phones.
“They set up power strips in their garage so everyone could charge their phones. It seems small, but that’s how people call their insurer, their family—the world,” says Tony.
In the aftermath of a storm, access to communication can mean access to help. That moment was a reminder that recovery isn’t just about repairs—it’s about restoring connection and stability.
Those experiences continue to shape how Renewal of Northwest Florida approaches every loss. Because when someone calls us, they’re not just dealing with damage. They’re dealing with disruption.
Tony’s Storm Recovery Playbook
Here are some lessons Tony learned from both sides of the process to help homeowners feel more prepared and supported in storm recovery:
1. Put safety first
Before addressing damage, make sure people and pets are safe. Only re-enter your home when conditions allow, and watch for hazards like exposed wiring or structural instability.
2. Document the damage completely
Take wide photos and videos before cleanup begins. Showing the “raw” condition helps adjusters understand the true scope of the loss.
3. Save damaged items and stay organized
Keep damaged belongings until your claim is resolved. Back up important documents and save receipts for Additional Living Expenses (ALE) if you’re displaced.
4. Choose a restoration partner you trust, like Renewal of Northwest Florida
You are not required to use the contractor recommended by your carrier. Clear communication, transparency, and trust are essential to a smooth recovery.
5. Know your coverage
In Florida, homeowners, flood, and wind policies are separate, and mold coverage is often limited. Understanding your policy helps prevent delays and confusion.
Pro tip: After large CAT events, restoration teams may pause quoting to focus on active repairs. Early communication helps set realistic expectations.
Renewal Cares Starts With People
For Tony, recovery means going beyond the technical scope when someone needs help. He recalls assisting an older homeowner whose house flooded after a pipe burst.
“She couldn’t lift the soaked rugs herself. It wasn’t part of my job, but I had to help,” he says.
That mindset defines Renewal of Northwest Florida. Restoration doesn’t begin with equipment—it starts with compassion.
The Renewal Approach to Storm Recovery
Renewal of Northwest Florida supports homeowners with services designed to restore both belongings and peace of mind, including:
- Rush-cleaning essential items while families are displaced
- Direct coordination with adjusters for cleaning and delivery
- Expanded long-term storage for storm-damaged textiles
- A focus on restoring normalcy, not just materials
Because when the storm hits home, how recovery happens matters.
This Renewal Cares feature reflects what guides our work every day: care first, craftsmanship second, and people always at the center. Give us a call when you need us because we’re here for you at Renewal of Northwest Florida!
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