HERNANDO COUNTY, FL – People in many parts of Florida are now dealing with the damage and flooding left behind by Hurricane Helene, and the Hernando Sun reported on the impact of the storm in that particular region.
The county was hit hard by the hurricane, with the storm surge reaching 8 feet in the coastal areas. Authorities made dozens of water rescues, and Hernando County Fire Rescue responded to several fires in the Hernando Beach area after seawater came in contact with lithium batteries used in toys, power tools, and electric vehicles.
Many residents experienced flooded homes, and damage or total loss of their belongings. Widespread power outages added to the challenges of trying to recover.
Business owners who thought they were prepared for Helene found that their best efforts were not enough. The general manager of the Blue Pelican Marina, Christina Lothrop, described the damage to WTVT, “Devastating. Absolute devastation. Everything that I thought was high enough, it was not high enough,” she said. “I mean I moved computers up, customer’s folders, files, everyone’s information, everything is just destroyed. All of the products are destroyed.”
The bulk of the county’s damage was reported in Hernando Beach, affecting many homes, properties, cars and boats, but officials said it could have been worse.
“We’re just thankful we have not had any reports of serious injuries or fatalities, thank God, but it is a serious situation out here,” County Commissioner Jerry Campbell said. “Ongoing rescue missions, currently still ongoing, we are going to be going door to door here shortly just to check on people.”
Hernando County Emergency Management Director David DeCarlo said the area from Pine Island to Aripeka was hard hit with what he called “catastrophic” devastation. “People’s homes have been absolutely ruined,” he said.
As of Monday, a total of 13 people had died from the hurricane in Florida, including 10 in Pinellas County.
AccuWeather rates Helene as one of the costliest storms in U.S. history, with damages and economic loss estimated as between $95 billion and $110 billion.
If you were injured through the fault of another person, you may be able to recover compensatory damages by bringing a personal injury lawsuit. There are many types of accidents that give rise to personal injury lawsuits in Florida. At Whittel & Melton, our personal injury lawyers handle cases arising out of car crashes, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, slip and falls, swimming pool accidents, negligent security, and boating accidents, among other examples. Contact us today at 866-608-5529 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.