HERNANDO COUNTY, Florida — It’s not the night when Hurricane Helene hit that weighs heavy on Karen Allen-Holsten of Weeki Wachee most, but the days, weeks, and months ahead of rebuilding that follow.
“Unfortunately, we’re going to lose a lot of good neighbors," she said. "That’s the part that’s going to stink."
After neighbors in the Palm Grove Colony overcame Hurricane Idalia last year, they, like others in Florida, are forced to rebuild again after Hurricane Helene brought more catastrophic flooding.
The damage to one of Allen-Holsten's properties is expected to cost thousands and thousands of dollars.
After days of non-stop clean-up, she said some who've been affected have been somewhat able to process the physical and mental toll of the storm’s aftermath.
“It just looked like a tornado hit it,” she said describing a rental home that flooded.
10 Tampa Bay was in the neighborhood two days before Hurricane Helene made landfall as neighbors made last-minute preparations to barricade and sandbag. Allen-Holsten had lifted the furniture and even her refrigerator, but the water had reached levels she had never seen before.
Those like Aaron Ellis and his family are once again recovering after living through Hurricane Idalia. The family of four is having to live elsewhere after suffering from catastrophic damage.
Ellis had stayed behind to keep an eye on his home but eventually had to paddle out to high ground and seek refuge at Allen-Holsten's home.
Loved ones have since started a GoFundMe to support Ellis, his wife, and two kids.
Next-door neighbor Chris Shaheen watched as at least five feet of water got into his home, rearranging his belongings and destroying his truck. The clean-up remains a non-stop task.
While neighbors acknowledge the risks associated with living near water, they said it’s not just about the environment that keeps them here.
“It’s physically beautiful. It’s a beautiful place, but the people make it that much better,” Shaheen said.
When Hurricane Idalia flooded homes last year, the community banded together to help each other. Neighbors said it speaks to their character as a community.
About one mile away is a testament to its character.
The Weeki Wachee Area Club continues to be a space for resources and food to those in need. One free meal provided by the community at a time reminds people they're not alone.
The club’s president Mary Ann Johnson said Hernando County is strong.
“There’s a lot, a lot of help out there. A lot of good people on the ground,” she said.
Despite the work that's needed to recover, Allen-Holsten said she's determined to rebuild, alongside the community.
"I'm determined, so I'm gonna get everything up and going again," she said.
The club, which is being utilized as a family resource center, is located on 7442 Shoal Line Boulevard will be open at 9 a.m. again to provide support for anyone in need.
Hernando County residents are also eligible to apply for FEMA assistance.
The county is also opening up personal hygiene trailers for a temporary time. Those who use them are asked to bring their own soap, towels, and laundry detergent.
Laundry, restroom, and shower trailers are at the following locations:
Aripeka Baptist Church: 18731 Aripeka Road, Aripeka, FL 34675
4054 Shoal Line Boulevard, Hernando Beach, FL 34607