Last year, Hurricanes Helene and Milton brought devastation in the form of winds and water. For many in inland Hernando County, the levels only continued to rise after the hurricanes were long gone.
Over the months since the storms wreaked havoc across West Florida in September and October, the Sun has been keeping an ear to the ground and providing updates about the ongoing situation when possible.
More than four months since Helene touched down, the county reported that it is working with its residents “regarding long-term recovery for those affected” by Helene and Milton. While the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) recently closed up shop on January 31, the county has established a Disaster Case Management program that will serve to help those who are affected in the long term. “This program assists with assessing needs, connecting clients to resources, and help create realistic plans to help people rebuild their lives,” noted Dominique Holmes, Hernando County Public Information Officer. For more information and intake, residents can call 352-754-6384.
The update from Ms. Holmes included information on FEMA funds distributed to area residents affected by the storms. For Milton, the total number of registrations through FEMA’s Individual Assistance program was 13,984. The Individuals and Households Program distributed $8,308,072.84.
Hurricane Helene saw 5,536 registrations alongside the distribution of $13,507,041.25 through the Individuals and Households Program as well. These numbers were last updated on January 26, 2025.
Southern Harmony Café owner Cynthia Rogers has also been a key contributor over the last few months. Her crew has worked with the Cajun Navy, which is a volunteer organization that has carried out relief work in Louisiana to help affected citizens of the Ridge Manor communities.
Pastor Carlos and parishioners from St. Rita Catholic Church (among others) lent Rogers and company a hand as well. The group’s last “significant efforts” were a “muck and gut” operation on November 23, where they cleared out “10 to 15 homes,” Rogers noted. Their work has been paused due to various reasons, but they are looking to get going on relief efforts again soon.
On Saturday, the same pastor reached back out to Rogers in the hopes of holding another house clearing. The local restaurant owner will be meeting Pastor Carlos later this week to discuss details of their next muck and gut planned for April 5.
Concerned citizens looking to lend a helping hand are encouraged to reach out to Pastor Carlos at (813) 997-5755. For supply donations, Rogers adds that magnanimous Hernandoans can contact Pastor Kenny at (352) 467-1475.
Below are comments from Rogers and Ridge Manor citizens on the flooding:
“The waters have gone down dramatically in the neighborhood that flooded so badly,” said Rogers. “I did not notice any standing water in the areas I drove through. The area looks much better overall […] but many homes are still filled with mold and rotting furniture and belongings. Some residents have returned home after their time at the hotels ran out because they have nowhere else to go. So there has been progress, but it’s been very incremental.”
“I am 74 years old and my husband is 81,” said Kathy Fornes. “My husband is a Veteran and we have both worked our entire lives. I was a schoolteacher for 35 years. Then, suddenly, we were homeless, lost everything we had worked and paid for… house, workshop, and cars underwater following Hurricane Milton. We had to be pulled out by EMTs, and my husband spent two months in the hospital as a direct result. We have been living with friends ever since. Three months later, there is still four feet of water in the house and around it […] I do not understand why there has been no help through this nightmare. I have no idea why I have been paying taxes to Hernando County.”
“We still have water behind our home in a low area,” said Maria Wieand. “It had to be pumped in order for us to get into our home and detached garage. It’s a joke how unfairly we have been treated, and they are so far behind with helping the citizens. I had to send an email after 38 days to get them to pump out the low-lying area they own behind my home so we could get into our detached garage that had 40” of water in it. They pumped enough to get the building out of water, but the remainder is still there and I continue to get sick from the bacteria in the waters. I have MS and it’s so hard to stay healthy.”
“My entire neighborhood has been ignored and many lost everything,” said KC Gabelli. “However, no one is still underwater. We are now in recovery, which will take years, and our neighborhood will never be the same.”
