CEDAR KEY, Fla. — It’s been four days since Hurricane Helene leveled portions of Cedar Key and flooded the entire island.
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The hurricane had record-breaking 10 to 12-foot storm surge, with at least half that water forcing its way into homes.
Jorge Hernandez, a Cedar Key Resident, said, “Last time from Idalia, it was 18 inches; this time, it was four feet. It’s a big difference.”
Those who’ve lived here all their lives know that this is only the beginning of a long road to recovery.
Read: Hurricane Helene recovery: How you can help
Jorge Fernandez first saw the damage to his home while watching news coverage of the storm.
“They just happen to be shooting a video, and I saw the house and knew we were in trouble.”Hernandez said.
We found him pulling out brand-new furniture that had been delivered to the home last month.
Read: Parts of North Carolina devastated by flooding, mudslides from Helene
“Removing the doors now because there’s mold,” Hernandez said.
Walking around the island, you can feel the sense of community in the midst of all of this devastation.
Power and utilities are still being restored with the help of volunteers from all across the state, including a 14-member team from Orange County Utilities.
Read: Helene aftermath: Waste collection services resume in these counties
Kevin Begy from Orange County Utilities said, “They had 17 pump stations without power, sanitary or sewer overflows in their system.”
But there is resilience here, especially from those who are lifelong residents, with multiple generations of land and property owners who’ve come before them.
For them, leaving the island is impossible now, even after three named storms in just 18 months.
“Nah, this is our home,” Anna Simmons, a lifelong Cedar Key resident, said “We love this place, so we’re going to rebuild it.”
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 2: A capsized boat washes ashore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Peteersburg Florida. Already a Category 3 storm, Helene was expected to gain further strength before making landfall this evening on Florida’s northwestern coast. Flash flood warnings extend to northern Georgia and western North Carolina. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Waves from the Gulf of Mexico crash on shore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida TREASURE ISLAND, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 28: Boats are piled up in front of homes after Hurricane Helene hit the area as it passed offshore on September 28, 2024 in Treasure Island, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida's Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida TREASURE ISLAND, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 28: Trees and debris lay on the beach as people walk after Hurricane Helene hit the area with high surge waters as it passed offshore on September 28, 2024 in Treasure Island, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida's Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida TREASURE ISLAND, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 28: A boat lays on the shoreline after Hurricane Helene hit the area with high surge waters as it passed offshore on September 28, 2024 in Treasure Island, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida's Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida TREASURE ISLAND, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 28: In this aerial view, workers clear the roads of sand and debris after Hurricane Helene hit the area with high surge waters as it passed offshore on September 28, 2024 in Treasure Island, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida's Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Flood waters inundate the main street after Hurricane Helene passed offshore on September 27, 2024 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida's Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Flood waters inundate the main street after Hurricane Helene passed offshore on September 27, 2024 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida's Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida TREASURE ISLAND, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 28: In this aerial view, boats are piled up in front of homes after Hurricane Helene hit the area as it passed offshore on September 28, 2024 in Treasure Island, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida's Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida CRYSTAL RIVER, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: In this aerial view, flood waters inundate the main street after Hurricane Helene passed offshore on September 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida's Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida CRYSTAL RIVER, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: In this aerial view, power crews work on the lines after Hurricane Helene passed offshore on September 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida's Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida TREASURE ISLAND, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 28: In this aerial view, boats are piled up in front of homes after Hurricane Helene hit the area as it passed offshore on September 28, 2024 in Treasure Island, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida's Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida TREASURE ISLAND, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 28: In this aerial view, boats are piled up in front of homes after Hurricane Helene hit the area as it passed offshore on September 28, 2024 in Treasure Island, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida's Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida CRYSTAL RIVER, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: In this aerial view, vehicles drive through flood waters after Hurricane Helene hit the area as it passed offshore on September 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida's Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Florida deputies rescue man trapped inside home by Hurricane Helene floodwaters
Storm aftermath James Wilder, 55, of New Port Richey, Fla., walks along a flooded street from Hurricane Helene at Green Key Road near US 19 Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in New Port Richey. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
Storm aftermath A boat rests on a street after being relocated during flooding caused by Hurricane Helene Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Hudson, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Storm aftermath Chase Allbritton flies a drone near downed trees in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Perry, Fla., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Gerald Herbert/AP)
Storm aftermath Ronda Bell looks on after an Oak tree landed on her 100-year-old home after Hurricane Helene moved through, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Storm aftermath An airboat transports residents rescued from floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)
Storm aftermath A damaged 100-year-old home is seen after an Oak tree landed on it after Hurricane Helene moved through the area Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Storm aftermath Vehicles move slowly around trees that have fallen after of Hurricane Helene moved through the area, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Storm aftermath Staff of the Inn On The Gulf clean up after their restaurant flooded with surge from Hurricane Helene Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Hudson, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Storm aftermath Debris cover the street in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene at Harbor Lights Club mobile home park in Pinellas County, Fla., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (Tampa Bay Times via AP) (AP)
Storm aftermath People and pets are rescued from flooded neighborhoods in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)
Storm aftermath A boat rests on a street after being relocated during flooding caused by Hurricane Helene Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Hudson, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Storm aftermath Suzanne Whelehar holds hands with Nancy Parker, as they assess the damage that Hurricane Helene wrought on Parker's home at Harbor Lights Club mobile home park in Pinellas County, Fla., on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (Tampa Bay Times via AP) (AP)
Storm aftermath People make their way to safety in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)
Storm aftermath Clarissa Lucky gives a tour of her home that flooded from Hurricane Helene near DeSoto Park, Fla., on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Tampa. (Jefferee Woo/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Jefferee Woo/AP)
Storm aftermath Residents are rescued from floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)
Storm aftermath A Citrus County Firefigher carries 11-year- old, Michael Cribbins, while conducting rescues from floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)
Storm aftermath Vehicles move slowly around trees that have fallen after Hurricane Helene moved through the area, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Storm aftermath Staff of the Inn On The Gulf clean up after their restaurant flooded with surge from Hurricane Helene Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Hudson, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Storm aftermath This photo provided by Lee County Sheriff's office shows floodwaters by Hurricane Helene in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (Lee County Sheriff's Office via AP) (AP)
Storm aftermath Vehicles move slowly around trees that have fallen after Hurricane Helene, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Storm aftermath Faisal Bakkal, an employee of a Marathon gas station, walks away from damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Perry, Fla., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Gerald Herbert/AP)
Storm aftermath A man walks out of a street with water flooded from Hurricane Helene Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in New Port Richey, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Storm aftermath Andrew Lucky, 54, speaks about the water damage to his house caused by a flood from Hurricane Helene near DeSoto Park, Fla., on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Tampa. (Jefferee Woo/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Jefferee Woo/AP)
Storm aftermath Faisal Bakkal, an employee of a Marathon gas station, looks at damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Perry, Fla., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Gerald Herbert/AP)
Storm aftermath Members of the Ohio Task Force 1 urban search and rescue team rest after conducting high water rescues from flooding caused by Hurricane Helene Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Hudson, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Storm aftermath Jamir Lewis wades through floodwaters with his two daughters, Nylah and Aria, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)
Storm aftermath A damaged 100-year-old home is seen after an Oak tree landed on it after Hurricane Helene moved through the area Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 27: A car is submerged in the floodwaters in the Buckhead neighborhood in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a category four hurricane, and has brought flooding inland as the storm system moves over Georgia, heading into the Carolinas. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images) (Megan Varner/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida STEINHATCHEE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Floodwaters at Steinhatchee Rivergate in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 near Steinhatchee, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall nearby last night as a category four storm but has weakened as it moves inland. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 27: A car is submerged in the floodwaters in the Buckhead neighborhood in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a category four hurricane, and has brought flooding inland as the storm system moves over Georgia, heading into the Carolinas. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images) (Megan Varner/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Floodwaters at the Buckhead neighborhood in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a category four hurricane, and has brought flooding inland as the storm system moves over Georgia, heading into the Carolinas. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images) (Megan Varner/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida STEINHATCHEE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Members of law enforcement use a special vehicle in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 near Steinhatchee, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall nearby last night as a Category four. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 27: A car is submerged in the floodwaters in the Buckhead neighborhood in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a category four hurricane, and has brought flooding inland as the storm system moves over Georgia, heading into the Carolinas. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images) (Megan Varner/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida STEINHATCHEE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Emergency responders share information in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 near Steinhatchee, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall nearby last night as a category four storm but has weakened as it moves inland. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Floodwaters in the Buckhead neighborhood in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a category four hurricane, and has brought flooding inland as the storm system moves over Georgia, heading into the Carolinas. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images) (Megan Varner/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Flood waters inundate the main street after Hurricane Helene passed offshore on September 27, 2024 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida's Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Flood waters inundate the main street after Hurricane Helene passed offshore on September 27, 2024 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida's Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida STEINHATCHEE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Members of law enforcement use a special vehicle in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 near Steinhatchee, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall nearby last night as a category four storm but has weakened as it moves inland. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
APTOPIX Cuba Tropical Weather A resident leads his pig through a street flooded in the passing of Hurricane Helene, in Batabano, Mayabeque province, Cuba, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) (Ramon Espinosa/AP)
Tropical Weather Vehicles move slowly around trees that have fallen after Hurricane Helene moved through the area, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
APTOPIX Cuba Tropical Weather Residents wade through a street flooded in the passing of Hurricane Helene, in Batabano, Mayabeque province, Cuba, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) (Ramon Espinosa/AP)
APTOPIX Cuba Tropical Weather A woman looks at her dogs sitting on a sofa, as she stands inside her home that was flooded in the passing of Hurricane Helene, in Batabano, Mayabeque province, Cuba, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) (Ramon Espinosa/AP)
Tropical Weather Vehicles move slowly around trees that have fallen after Hurricane Helene, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Tropical Weather This photo provided by Lee County Sheriff's office shows floodwaters by Hurricane Helene in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (Lee County Sheriff's Office via AP) (Uncredited/AP)
Tropical Weather Lee County Sheriff's deputies dispatch a rescue boat to search for people trapped by floodwaters by Hurricane Helene in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (Lee County Sheriff's Office via AP) (Uncredited/AP)
Tropical Weather Vehicles move slowly around trees that have fallen after of Hurricane Helene moved through the area, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Tropical Weather A damaged 100-year-old home is seen after an Oak tree landed on it after Hurricane Helene moved through the area Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Tropical Weather A person looks over a flooded street due to Hurricane Helene late Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in New Port Richey, Fla. (Danielle Molisee via AP) (Uncredited/AP)
APTOPIX Tropical Weather Ronda Bell looks on after an Oak tree landed on her 100-year-old home after Hurricane Helene moved through, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Pictures of the Week Latin America and Caribbean Photo Gallery A man lights charcoal to cook dinner in his flooded home after the passage of Hurricane Helene in Guanimar, Artemisa province, Cuba, Sept. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) (Ramon Espinosa/AP)
Florida crews respond to house fire during flooding from Hurricane Helene
Helene ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 2: A capsized boat washes ashore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Peteersburg Florida. Already a Category 3 storm, Helene was expected to gain further strength before making landfall this evening on Florida’s northwestern coast. Flash flood warnings extend to northern Georgia and western North Carolina. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST. PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: A surfer rides a wave kicked up as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 2: People walk in the wind and rain next to Tampa Bay as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Already a Category 3 storm, Helene was expected to gain further strength before making landfall this evening on Florida’s northwestern coast. Flash flood warnings extend to northern Georgia and western North Carolina. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: A road is empty of traffic as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024, in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Already a Category 3 storm, Helene was expected to gain further strength before making landfall this evening on Florida’s northwestern coast. Flash flood warnings extend to northern Georgia and western North Carolina. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Tanner Flynn stands in shallow water near crashing waves as Hurricane Helene passes offshore on September 26, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Tanner Flynn stands in shallow water near crashing waves as Hurricane Helene passes offshore on September 26, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: The Gulf of Mexico's water pushes up against the beach as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Neil (who did not want to provide their last name) visits the beach as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024, in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 2: A capsized boat washes ashore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Peteersburg Florida. Already a Category 3 storm, Helene was expected to gain further strength before making landfall this evening on Florida’s northwestern coast. Flash flood warnings extend to northern Georgia and western North Carolina. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: People visit the beach as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Neil (who did not want to provide their last name) visits the beach as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024, in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Waves from the Gulf of Mexico crash on shore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene CRAWFORDVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Utility crews repair a line damaged by an outer band of Hurricane Helene on the morning of September 26, 2024 near Crawfordville, Florida. Hurricane Helene is forecasted to make landfall nearby along the gulf coast this evening. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Helene ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: A vehicle is stranded in floodwaters as Hurricane Helene passes offshore on September 26, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Already a Category 3 storm, Helene was expected to gain further strength before making landfall this evening on Florida’s northwestern coast. Flash flood warnings extend to northern Georgia and western North Carolina. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Waves from the Gulf of Mexico push up against the shore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: People look out at the waves from the Gulf of Mexico pushing up against the shore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: The Gulf of Mexico water pushes up against the shore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST. PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Vehicles drive along a flooded street as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST. PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: In this aerial view, vehicles drive through a flooded street as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Water from the Gulf of Mexico floods a road as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Already a Category 3 storm, Helene was expected to gain further strength before making landfall this evening on Florida’s northwestern coast. Flash flood warnings extend to northern Georgia and western North Carolina. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Gov. DeSantis to give update on response after Hurricane Helene slams Florida
Hurricane Helene damage in Florida Tree falls down in Leesburg. Courtesy of FG. (FG /FG)
Hurricane Helene damage in Florida Tree falls down in Pine Hills. Courtesy of Chanda Laird. (Chanda Laird/Chanda Laird)
Hurricane Helene damage in Florida Tree falls down in Pine Hills. Courtesy of Chanda Laird. (Chanda Laird/Chanda Laird)
Hurricane Helene damage in Florida Shed collapses in Winter Haven. Courtesy of Montana. (Montana/Montana)
Hurricane Helene tree falls in Apopka Hurricane Helene tree falls in Apopka. Courtesy of Mathue Brown. (Mathue Brown/Mathue Brown)
Hurricane Helene tree falls in Apopka Hurricane Helene tree falls in Apopka. Courtesy of Mathue Brown. (Mathue Brown/Mathue Brown)
Hurricane Helene tree fall in Apopka Hurricane Helene tree falls in Apopka. Courtesy of JJ (JJ /JJ)
Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Jacksonville Police Department (WFTV)
Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Jacksonville Police Department (WFTV)
Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Jacksonville Police Department (WFTV)
Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Jacksonville Police Department (WFTV)
Traffic Light Collapses on Washington and Magnolia Strong winds from Hurricane Helene push over Traffic Light in Downtown Orlando
Traffic Light Collapses at Washington and Magnolia Strong Winds from Hurricane Helene push over a Traffic Light in Downtown Orlando
Traffic Light Collapses at Washington and Magnolia Strong Winds from Hurricane Helene push over a Traffic Light in Downtown Orlando
Traffic Light Collapses at Washington and Magnolia Strong Winds from Hurricane Helene push over a Traffic Light in Downtown Orlando
Traffic Light Collapses at Washington and Magnolia Strong Winds from Hurricane Helene push over a Traffic Light in Downtown Orlando
Traffic Light Collapses at Washington and Magnolia Strong Winds from Hurricane Helene push over a Traffic Light in Downtown Orlando
Traffic Light Collapses at Washington and Magnolia Strong Winds from Hurricane Helene push over a Traffic Light in Downtown Orlando
Traffic Light Collapses at Washington and Magnolia Strong Winds from Hurricane Helene push over a Traffic Light in Downtown Orlando
Traffic Light Collapses at Washington and Magnolia Strong Winds from Hurricane Helene push over a Traffic Light in Downtown Orlando
Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)
Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)
Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (WFTV)
Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)
Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)
Hurricane Helene damage Fallen tree in Plymouth. Credit: Rachelle Young (Rachelle Young)
Hurricane Helene damage Fallen tree in Plymouth. Credit: Rachelle Young (Rachelle Young/Rachelle Young)
Florida First Responders Hurricane Helene Relief Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)
Florida First Responders Hurricane Helene Relief (WFTV)
Florida First Responders Hurricane Helene Relief Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (WFTV)
U.S. Coast Guard rescues man and dog (WFTV)
Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (WFTV)
Florida First Responders Hurricane Helene Relief Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)
Florida First Responders Hurricane Helene Relief Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)
Florida First Responders Hurricane Helene Relief Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)
Florida First Responders Hurricane Helene Relief Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)
Florida First Responders Hurricane Helene Relief Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (WFTV)
Florida’s Big Bend prepares for catastrophic damage from Hurricane Helene
Edgewater residents before Hurricane Helene Edgewater residents prepare for the worst as Hurricane Helene approaches Florida (WFTV Staff/WFTV)
Utility companies across Central Florida brace for Helene Workers with multiple utility companies are getting ready to respond as Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall in the Big Bend region later Thursday evening. (WFTV Staff/WFTV)
Sumter County prepares for Hurricane Helene Sumter County officials ask residents to ‘review their housing options’ ahead of Hurricane Helene. (WFTV Staff/WFTV)
BREVARD BRACES FOR HURRICANE HELENE
Edgewater, haunted by recent flooding, prepares for Helene Edgewater, haunted by recent flooding, prepares for Helene
Tropical Storm Helene preparations Marion County residents fill up sandbags ahead of Tropical Storm Helene. (WFTV Staff/WFTV)
Tropical Storm Helene preparations Marion County residents fill up sandbags ahead of Tropical Storm Helene. (WFTV Staff/WFTV)
Tropical Storm Helene preparations Marion County residents fill up sandbags ahead of Tropical Storm Helene. (WFTV Staff/WFTV)
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