Hurricane Helene Devastates Anna Maria Island, Florida

A week after Hurricane Helene's catastrophic storm surge struck Anna Maria Island, the popular Southwest Florida destination is still reeling from extensive damage, with streets, businesses, and homes heavily affected. Recovery efforts are underway, involving salvage crews and local residents working to restore the island. Meteorologists had anticipated a significant storm surge event, and Helene delivered, flooding vast areas of Florida's Gulf Coast and resulting in at least 19 fatalities. The hurricane's aftermath has left communities buried in debris, with mountains of sand and water-damaged belongings visible throughout impacted areas. Despite the destruction, some regions in Texas are experiencing a temporary turnaround as clear waters return to beaches, attributed to the sediment changes from recent storms. As cleanup continues, officials urge visitors to stay away from heavily damaged areas to allow recovery efforts to proceed smoothly.