Residents in Hudson Beach prepare for the worst while recovering from Helene

HUDSON, Fla. (WFLA) — Pasco County is not only preparing for Hurricane Milton but still recovering from Helene.

Piles of debris fill the streets and being so close to the water is a hazard for residents in the area, the message is clear — people are trying to evacuate, but it’s not easy.

Fred and Vicky Strunk and their dog Molly, were devastated by Helene’s aftermath.

“We have to fix that, too. It broke the cable with the winds blowing so hard,” Fred Strunk said.

It’s now round two for the Strunks when it comes to evacuating and they are not taking a chance with Hurricane Milton, which poses a dire threat to the Tampa Bay area.

During Helene, the Strunks’ home had up to 4 to 5 feet of water two weeks ago and their boat flew directly into their home, inches away from Vicky’s favorite room in the house.

“It was the worst one since we’ve been here,” Fred said.

However, when hurricanes hit the area and cause catastrophic damage as Helene did, the Tampa Bay community bands together.

A church in Hudson Beach handed out free food to those in need, even when the church itself is still recovering from the flooding of Helene.

“You can see the waterline on the window in there. It was a mess,” Pastor Steve Gerhart said.

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