Florida residents returned to their homes in shock and sadness Friday as they began picking up the pieces from Hurricane Helene’s trail of destruction.
Keaton Beach, which is north of Clearwater, was hit very hard, with boats tossed like toys and then beached in the middle of flooded streets.
Hurricane Helene destroyed entire neighborhoods in Keaton Beach, Florida.
WPLG
Keaton Beach resident Fonda Neel told ABC News that her home, which she called her happy place, was now gone.
Hurricane Helene destroyed entire neighborhoods in Keaton Beach, Florida.
WPLG
“It’s devastating,” she said. “It’s hard to think.”
Further south, a 10-foot storm surge ripped apart parts of Cedar Key. On Treasure Island, located on a barrier island adjacent to St. Petersburg, the storm sent boats over 200 yards to come to rest on a four-lane road.
In the town of Perry, about an hour southeast of Tallahassee, the storm destroyed power transformers and tore roofs off houses.
Scott Bembry talks to ABC News’ Victor Oquendo about the damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
Perry resident Scott Bembry stayed at a church to ride out the storm, a decision he said he would never make again.
“I wouldn’t advise anyone to stay put for one of these storms. Evacuate when it’s time to evacuate,” he told ABC News.