Hurricane Helene

"All of those people came together because they knew how important it was to get the kids back on the island and back in their school. So, I just feel really, really grateful,” said Principal Katie Fradley.

WGCU's videographers visited Englewood and Manasota Key to explore the damage and to talk with residents as they recover from Hurricane Milton.

FEMA held a press conference in Punta Gorda to discuss disaster relief assistance for those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Officials emphasized the importance of registering for aid, addressed concerns about the Disaster Relief Fund, and announced an extended grace period for residents with lapsed National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies.

Hurricane Helene dropped an unheard-of 40 trillion gallons of water, creating a water quality and quantity crisis on the ground in inland states affected by the Category 4 storm that made landfall in Florida. Part One of WGCU's Water Quality Report: Hurricane Helene Special Edtion

In a lot of places, when adversity hits, they slap a label ending with the descriptive “Strong" on the response. For Pine Island residents, that response means more than just a label, it's a motivation for neighbors lending a hand to neighbors.One organization that takes that spirit to heart — the Greater Pine Island Alliance — has been in full help mode for over a week with volunteers assisting residents picking up the pieces after Hurricane Helene blew past Southwest Florida.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency can meet immediate needs but does not have enough funding to make it through the hurricane season, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told reporters Wednesday.The agency is being stretched as it works with states to assess damage from Hurricane Helene and delivers meals, water, generators and other critical supplies. The storm struck Florida last week, then plowed through several states in the Southeast, killing more than 160 people.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday he intends to respond “relatively soon” to a request by elections officials to make some changes in 10 counties that sustained heavy damage in Hurricane Helene. “I think we will be doing something.

Updates for assistance in Southwest Florida in Hurricane Helene's aftermath

We are not that far past the mid-point of the hurricane season in Florida and residents should bear in mind that potential rain-bearing weather systems can still move through the state.

It's been almost a week since Hurricane Helene slammed into Florida, but recovery efforts are ramping up at a frenetic pace.