
(5MinNewsBreak.com) – Hurricane Helene’s wrath left the tiny town of Steinhatchee, Florida, devastated, with locals describing it as “wiped off the map.”
The storm brought an unprecedented 10-foot surge and 140 mph winds, obliterating homes, businesses, and livelihoods. How will this strong-willed community overcome such an immense tragedy?
Hurricane Helene hit Steinhatchee late Thursday night as a Category 4 storm, causing massive destruction. The eye of the storm made landfall in the Florida Big Bend region around 11:10 p.m., just east of the mouth of the Aucilla River, about 10 miles west-southwest of Perry, Florida.
Most of Steinhatchee’s 500 residents evacuated before the storm, and upon their return, they found their community obliterated. Very few buildings were left standing, and those that were still standing suffered significant damage.
The storm’s fury was such that even nearby Perry, Florida, a town of nearly 7,000 residents, faced significant damage including blocked roads, splintered electrical poles, and homes without roofs, electricity, or running water.
The human toll of Helene is staggering, with at least 45 deaths reported. Steinhatchee residents returned to a scene of total destruction, embodied by locals like Donna Landon, who lost her mobile home. “It’s heartbreaking,” Landon said, capturing the sentiment of many.
“We’ve been wiped off the map. There’s nothing left. I have some insurance but now I have to rebuild.”
Power restoration is a monumental task, with linemen from four states working tirelessly to restore the shattered grid. “It’s going to take weeks to fix it,” warned Russ Rhodes, a lineman on the ground. “We’re basically going to have to start from scratch.”
One emblematic loss is that of Roy’s Restaurant, a beloved community staple.
This local dining spot was completely destroyed just nine months after reopening from damage caused by Hurricane Idalia. Linda Wicker, the restaurant’s owner, plans to rebuild, providing hope for the community and the 30 people employed there.
“I don’t think there’s anyone who hasn’t been touched by this,” Landon said. “But this is a community where everyone looks out for each other.” The sense of community spirit will undoubtedly be crucial as Steinhatchee looks to recover and rebuild.
Both the federal and state governments must now act quickly to provide the aid and assistance needed to rebuild these shattered lives. With Governor Ron DeSantis issuing a state of emergency for almost every county in Florida, local communities will need much more than just promises and platitudes. It’s time for action, and it’s time for results.
For Steinhatchee, the road to recovery will be long and arduous, but the spirit of this resilient American town will not be easily extinguished.
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