Hernando Beach residents salvage what they can following record-breaking storm surge

HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — Nearly 17,000 people are without power in Hernando County as utility crews scramble to restore electricity in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Deputies had shut down Shoal Line Boulevard because of the storm surge and re-opened it Friday afternoon. Residents returned to get a first look at the devastation in Hernando Beach.

“We tried putting everything up on the pool table,” said Ralph Salgado, Hernando Beach Resident.

Ralph and Yvonne Salgado chose to ride out Hurricane Helene from their home.

“It was crazy just the wind pounding, pounding, pounding, and then the title surge came in so quick,” Salgado said. “It was like out of nowhere.”

Water rose three feet inside overnight. Their fridge toppled over, furniture scattered, but the Salgado’s and their pets are alive. They say everything else can be replaced.

“Our living space is all upstairs so we actually had guest over,” said Salgado. “They live across the street and they came over our house. They left everything their house their car everything.”

Down the street, a home going up in flames early Friday morning. It left the garages charred and the insulation and their belongings melted.

The winds so powerful it swept more than a dozen boats onto land on Shoal Line Boulevard and near homes. These are the sights as neighbors returned: debris, damaged garage doors and water lines.

“This is the worst we’ve seen, and we’ve been here 10 years,” Salgado said.

Hernando County said fire rescue crews rescued 13 people overnight and 15 more Friday morning with the help of the national guard because of the devastating storm surge.

“Everyone in this area has gotten some sort of damage,” Salgado said.

Hernando County is opening a Family Resource Center at the Weeki Wachee Area Club (7442 Shoal Line Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34607). This center will be open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Saturday, Sept. 28 until further notice.

The center will be stocked with cleaning supplies and resources for residents and businesses in Hernando County. Nonperishable food, water, survivor assistance, toiletries, cleaning supplies, will be available to residents. They can also apply for available programs for assistance.

For questions, call the Public Information Center at 352-754-4083.

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