“We’re Perry strong”: Following Hurricane Helene, recovery operations are ongoing

FLORIDA: As the second day of a protracted road to recovery progressed, every local, state, and federal agency had personnel on the ground in Taylor County, one of the Big Bend’s hardest-hit areas, on Saturday. 

As the recovery process got underway from a storm that left millions without electricity, destroyed a great deal of property in the U.S. Southeast, and left at least 56 people dead, massive rains from Hurricane Helene left thousands trapped, without shelter, and waiting for help on Saturday. Late on Thursday, Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 storm with winds reaching 140 mph.

Converting fish market into donation site

Janalea England of Steinhatchee, Florida, a small river town along the state’s rural Big Bend, said, “I’ve never seen so many people homeless as what I have right now.” England converted her commercial fish market into a storm donation site for friends and neighbors, many of whom couldn’t get insurance on their homes.

People who had lost power in Perry were in line to receive aid as volunteers put food and goods into cars.Although Judy Hayworth’s house was unharmed, she stated that some of her neighbors weren’t as fortunate. “We’re Perry strong, and we’re gonna come back,” she added.

Truckloads of storm relief were delivered to communities around the Big Bend. Global Empowerment Mission, situated in Doral, was among the first to arrive.

Storm impact

“We have trucks full of humanitarian supplies positioned in North Florida. We’re giving those out to the people in automobiles here today; they came in soon after the storm,” she remarked. Families affected by power outages are receiving the assistance they require while they wait for the power to return, from food and drink to cleaning materials and personal hygiene products.

Homes and long-standing businesses have been devastated in Steinhatchee. Widespread destruction was also seen at Keaton Beach, where houses tumbled into the sea and boats were thrown onto land.

Despite all the wreckage and amid the anguish, Hayworth said she’s grateful for the helpers who’ve stepped up for them. “We sincerely appreciate everyone’s assistance and support. God be with all of you. Thank you all,” she said. The Florida National Guard is also checking on the well-being of those who choose not to evacuate. According to Governor Ron DeSantis, no deaths have been reported in Taylor County as of yet.