CLEARWATER, Fla. — A massive cleanup is still underway in Clearwater Beach where homes and businesses were devastated by Hurricane Helene’s storm surge.
On Monday, traffic lights were still offline, sand and debris filled the air as crews cleared feet of sand from the roads and small businesses owners scrapped piles of their flood-damaged belongings
“A lot of water, looks like it was at least three feet inside a lot of the properties,” says Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill General Manager Chris Tiemeier.
The popular Clearwater spot suffered water damage, their outdoor eating deck was filled with sand and their parking lot buckled under the strength of the storm surge.
“We've never seen this,” said Tiemeier. “I mean, we've seen water come up, but I've never seen the parking lot come up and break apart and float around and or cave in completely.”
Most of the small businesses just a block from the beach were assessing the damage Monday, piling up debris outside their shops. A cleanup that could take several weeks before most places are able to reopen.
“Every day means a lot to their survival and livelihood,” said Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector. “A lot of workers who depend on their income out here to support their families, so we're trying to get that going as quickly as we can.”
Crews have made massive progress cleaning the roads over the past 24 hours, making many now accessible.
Even longtime locals are stunned by the damage, but have been remarkably strong vowing to build back better in time.
“People are so resilient, and they're optimistic, and they say, Mayor, we're gonna build it back better than it was before. And I'm really encouraged by that positive attitude, because there is a lot, believe me, with all the debris, all the damage, a lot to not be able to keep your chin up over,” said Rector. “That's inspired me to get the rest of our community to get with them, and join them in rebuilding this beautiful beach.”
Clearwater is set to reopen to the public at 4 p.m. Tuesday, but the mayor and other locals are urging folks who don’t have a reason to be on the island to not show up. They fear more traffic and pedestrians could hinder the crucial cleanup efforts.