Hurricane Helene

The work won't begin right away, but residents hope the process of pulling out built-up sediment will start within a couple of months.

Tim Dudley, who led Hillsborough's response to last year's hurricanes, talks about how he's thinking about the chaotic 2024 storm season a year later, and how he handled an emergency with his own family while in the thick of the storms.

Within the span of two weeks in 2024, the region was slammed by hurricanes Helene and Milton. A year later, WUSF is checking back with some of the people interviewed in the aftermath.

After floods ravaged the county last year, commissioners said there seems to be enough already in the coffers, and from hurricane relief aid.

Suwannee County was the hardest hit during Helene, said Christa Court, director of UF/IFAS' Economic Impact Analysis Program.

Early assessments suggested Tampa might have to start from scratch. However, after reviewing engineering reports, a plan has been initiated to cut years off the time needed to reopen.

There are more than 100 specialty license plates in Florida. The second most popular is providing a big help for sea turtles.

'Hopefully, just like she healed, the communities affected [by Helene] can heal as well, and move forward and rebuild stronger,' said the caretaker for Aggie, a green sea turtle.

The AquaFence structure is in place to protect Lift Station 85 from storm surge and floodwaters.

County commissioners voted to use $125 million in tourist bed taxes to rebuild Sand Key, Treasure Island and Upham Beach. But a lack of easements from some property owners could make the effort a bit disjointed.

The $709.3 million would assist Hillsborough County in recovering from damages caused by Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene and Milton.

Although Hurricane Helene hit in September of 2024, Cedar Island resident Jody Griffis still doesn't have a permanent home.