Hurricane Helen Ravages Florida's Coastal Areas, Effects Felt Inland

ALACHUA ‒ Hurricane Helen, a catastrophic Category 4 storm, has left a trail of devastation across North Central Florida and the Big Bend area, upending lives and causing widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and the environment. With winds topping 140 mph and torrential rains, the storm's impact has been especially devastating in these areas, which are still reeling from the aftermath. As the storm moved out of the area, thousands of Floridians were left grappling with the extensive destruction to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. The state has been left reeling from the storm’s fury, which has caused severe flooding, downed trees, and widespread power outages. As of Tuesday morning, approximately, 49,301 Floridians were without power. Governor Ron DeSantis said that the State of Florida has restored over 2.3 million accounts.

Big Bend: A Region in Ruins

The Big Bend area, a relatively sparsely populated yet vulnerable region, has been hit hardest by Helen's fury. Coastal towns like Cedar Key, Steinhatchee, and nearby inland communities faced the brunt of Helen’s storm surge, which reached unprecedented levels of up to 15 feet in some areas. Low-lying roads have been washed out, and countless homes and businesses lie in ruins, submerged under floodwaters or demolished by fierce winds.

Environmental impacts are also a major concern in the Big Bend area, known for its unique coastal wetlands and wildlife habitats. The storm’s surge has caused significant erosion along the coast, threatening both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of those dependent on it. State officials have expressed concerns that recovery in this region could take years, with many residents facing displacement due to the extent of the destruction.

Alachua County

Significant Damage in the Heartland

Despite being further from the coast, inland regions have also experienced significant effects from Hurricane Helen. Alachua County, in particular, endured severe wind damage and flooding in local communities. Though further inland, the county was not spared from Hurricane Helen’s destructive path. Winds over 100 mph toppled trees, blocked roads, and damaged buildings. Many homes suffered significant roof damage, and local officials have reported severe flooding in low-lying areas, including neighborhoods near and along the Santa Fe River. Some areas reported ongoing power outages. And residents in rural parts of the county are facing long delays for help due to impassable roads.

Statewide Response and Recovery

Governor DeSantis on Tuesday announced that Florida secured approval of a major disaster declaration for Hurricane Helene from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The declaration includes Individual Assistance and Public Assistance (Categories A and B). Individual Assistance, which is assistance to residents and households, is available for Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Sarasota Taylor and Wakulla counties. Public Assistance, which is available for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, is available for Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor and Wakulla counties for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance.

The Florida National Guard has rescued 155 people and 56 animals, 84 of which were ground rescues and 63 via air. The Guard is also providing logistics support, law enforcement support, route clearance, search and rescue.

The Florida State Guard (FSG) has mobilized 217 guards in response to Hurricane Helene. The Special Missions Unit (SMU) provided support with route clearance (cut and toss) and damage assessment in Taylor, Dixie and Wakulla counties.

During search and rescue operations and wellness checks in impacted areas, the SMU successfully rescued and transported an 80-year-old, wheelchair-bound, woman from a flooded building.

The Maritime Response Squadron (MRS) rescued one individual from the Suwannee River while on patrol in support of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC). The rescued individual had been adrift on the river for approximately 36 hours and travelled over 25 river miles due to high currents.

The Maritime Response Unit (MRS) continues wellness checks along the Withlacoochee River and Cedar Key area with FWC.

FWC officers deployed to Cedar Key, Yankeetown, Suwannee Town, Horseshoe Beach, Steinhatchee, Keaton Beach, Old Town, Gulf Hammock, Fowler’s Bluff and Rocky Creek to perform welfare checks on residents who did not evacuate. They utilized specialized equipment to push their way in, locate and account for all residents assigned to their team.

Farm Share, the state’s leading food nonprofit and largest independent food bank, is working closely with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and local emergency management officials to conduct community relief operations in areas most affected by the storm. Farm Share has deployed over 910,000 pounds of shelf-safe food, water, and hygiene products in affected areas, including Columbia, Marion, Pasco, Dixie, Taylor, Hamilton, Levy, Madison, Putnam, Alachua, and Jefferson counties.

Hurricane Debris

Hurricane debris is a major issue affecting safety and sanitation concerns. The City of Alachua is partnering with Waste Pro for storm debris cleanup within the city limits. Debris pickup will run six days each week, Monday through Saturday, with heightened efforts on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

For more efficient debris pick up, Alachua residents are advised to place all storm debris by the street in two separate piles, one for large debris items, 6-foot by 4-foot by 4-foot (6’ X 4’ X 4’) dimensions, and one for smaller debris items, not to exceed six feet in length or six inches in diameter. If possible, place all debris in an area by the street with no overhead power lines or water meters in the ground. This allows for unobstructed access for claw trucks and other equipment.

Regardless of road jurisdiction (County Road vs. Federal vs. Municipal), if a home is within the City of Alachua limits, debris pickup will service the address.

Avoid Repair Scams

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and what looks to be long-term recovery operations, Alachua County officials are urging residents to hire licensed contractors for all repair and reconstruction work. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) reports that the Florida Disaster Contractors Network has been activated to connect homeowners with licensed contractors and suppliers to perform emergency repairs.

DBPR encourages Florida’s licensed contractors who provide post-storm construction-related services to register with its Florida Disaster Contractors Network at DCNOnline.org. Since Hurricane Helene’s landfall, more than 5,200 licensed contractors have registered with Florida’s DCN.

FEMA Assistance

FEMA disaster assistance may provide funds to homeowners and renters for serious needs, basic home repair, rental of temporary housing and other uninsured expenses resulting from Hurricane Helene. Assistance available includes money to help you repair or replace homes damaged by the disaster. Funds can be used for privately-owned roads, bridges and docks when that is the only access to a home damaged by the disaster.

Other types of assistance include rental assistance to rent housing if individuals are displaced from their home because of the disaster as well as funds for specific mitigation measures, such as roof repair to withstand higher wind gusts, based on the cause and amount of damage to their home.

A complete listing of disaster assistance and eligibility requirements is available at https://www.disasterassistance.gov.

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