GULFPORT, Fla. (WFLA) — There are people all around Tampa Bay still out of their homes following back-to-back hurricanes. In Gulfport, residents are frustrated over the city’s permitting process, and they’re hoping some newly elected city leaders can make changes.

“All of the lower wall there is gone. And along the side of the house over there is partially gone,” said Debra Lindroth, explaining where the hurricanes damaged her house in Gulfport.

It’s unlivable, but Debra and her husband Ulf said the damage to their home is pretty straightforward.

“It’s not that big a deal to repair,” Ulf said.

But it’s been a struggle for them to get a permit. Their contractor filed with the city back in November, but they haven’t gotten the permit yet.

“We’re back at square one. The contractor we had quit. He just couldn’t handle all the paperwork with the city,” Debra said.

It’s been several months of being frustrated and disappointed with the city’s permitting process.

“It’s the way it’s implemented that is so bad. I mean think about it, we’re going on five months since the flood here and we’re still in limbo. There’s really no excuse for that,” Ulf said.

The city now has a new mayor and a new ward two councilmember.

In a statement from Council Member Elect Marlene Shaw, she said in part, “We need an in-depth analysis of what is working and not working well in the building and permitting department in order to address those issues. We need to be able to measure performance efficiency and provide a tracking system for applicants to see the status of their permit requests.”

Although the Lindroth’s said they don’t know what the new leaders can do overnight, they feel both the new mayor and council member have an understanding of the situation.

“I think a lot more support is needed for all the homes that have been turned upside down really,” Debra said.

“I hope they find a way to speed things up and make it less burdensome,” Ulf added.

The mayor elect and council member elect were not available for interviews before this story ran. Both candidates won with more than 50% of the vote in their races.