Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently conducted an aerial survey to assess the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which made landfall near Perry, Florida. Governor DeSantis expressed his belief that Hurricane Helene caused more devastation than Hurricane Idalia, which was previously the strongest hurricane to hit Florida's Big Bend region in over 125 years.
During the survey, Governor DeSantis observed significant destruction along the coast, particularly in areas like Keaton Beach. He noted that nearly every home in Keaton Beach had been either destroyed or severely damaged, with some structures completely obliterated. The governor attributed this extensive damage to the massive storm surge that accompanied Hurricane Helene, estimating it to have reached heights of up to 20 feet.
Hurricane Helene made landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 140 mph and higher gusts, according to the National Hurricane Center. In comparison, Hurricane Idalia, which struck in August 2023, was a Category 3 hurricane with sustained wind speeds of 125 mph.
The impact of Hurricane Helene serves as a stark reminder of the destructive force of these natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and response efforts in mitigating their effects. Governor DeSantis emphasized the need for continued vigilance and support for affected communities as they work to recover and rebuild in the wake of this devastating storm.
