Hurricanes Helene and Milton Devastate Florida

Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc in late September, causing at least 250 deaths and leaving over 200 missing, marking it as the deadliest hurricane to strike the United States mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In the aftermath, stories of resilience surfaced, such as that of Cindy Cole, whose Bible remained intact amidst the destruction of her home. Just a week later, Hurricane Milton followed, intensifying rapidly to a Category 5 storm before weakening to a Category 4 upon landfall, yet still causing substantial damage and prompting mass evacuations, particularly in vulnerable communities like Tarpon Springs. Former mayor Chris Alahouzos emphasized the unprecedented threat posed by Milton, while local priests held prayer services for protection. The 2024 hurricane season has drawn comparisons to historic storms, with discussions on climate change and emergency response efforts taking center stage. As communities begin to recover, many residents are still grappling with the aftermath of these storms, highlighting the need for solidarity and support.