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'Check on your neighbors!': Locals step up to help with hurricane cleanup

Concerned that elderly residents cannot access help, 'Pinellas Paddlers' is seeking out people in need and stepping in to help with cleanup and mold mitigation.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The devastating impacts of hurricanes Helene and Milton have been overwhelming for countless people, with many not knowing where to begin or who to turn to. 

Now, concerns over those "struggling in silence" are pushing neighbors to action.

Cassie Hamilton and the "Pinellas Paddlers" a group of paddleboarding enthusiasts, have been volunteering every day this week in the hard-hit Riviera Bay neighborhood of St. Petersburg. 

"There are so many people who need help and there are simply not enough people to do the work," Hamilton said.

With devastation spreading for miles, the need for help in the area is vast and urgent. 

"The fact is, as people are sorting out the paperwork to get help, mold grows. The urgency to get these things handled is just astronomical," Hamilton added.

The Riviera Bay neighborhood saw several feet of storm surge during Hurricane Helene. 

"There are people who are still living in their homes who are in denial that they need help because people don't want to ask for help," she explained.

Charles Knapp and his father-in-law Roland Trudell live in a home that saw several inches of flooding, which led to mold throughout the entire house. Trudell is an 89-year-old army veteran who built the home himself. 

Despite being disabled, Knapp thought he'd be left to clean up on his own. 

Knapp said, "You see your neighbors struggling like you are, it's like, 'You've got your own problems to deal with, I don't want to add mine to yours.'" 

But a neighbor, Courtney Stein, shared the community's struggles on Facebook, drawing the attention of Cassie Hamilton and the Pinellas Paddlers. Cassie and other volunteers have spent the past several days clearing out damaged items and moldy walls from their home. 

Knapp said, "Oh yeah, they saved me big time. It would have taken me months to do what they did in four days." 

Hamilton explained, "None of us are experts, we're just out here trying to help these people." 

Hamilton hopes she can encourage others to seek out those in need right now. 

"One thousand percent check on your neighbors," she exclaimed. "Really, it's just about reaching out and showing up and the rest just happens." 

Courtney Stein is holding a community cleanup in Riviera Bay this Saturday and Sunday. Volunteers will be meeting at 300 89th Avenue NE and working from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

The city of Tampa is also holding a cleanup event on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. 

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