Hurricane Helene

The season, which ends Nov. 30, produced 18 named storms, including 11 turbocharged hurricanes along with Helene and Milton, which devastated the Tampa Bay area.

Federal agencies hope to replenish funds for disaster recovery, which will certainly affect Florida.

SBA disaster loan applications for damage caused by Hurricane Helene need to be in by Nov. 27. Loans help fill the gap between what insurance and FEMA has paid and what people need to rebuild.

"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.