A mounting death toll claiming more than 200 lives, reports of hundreds of people missing and images of destroyed homes and roadways are some of the major impacts Hurricane Helene unleashed on the southeastern states. Though the Category 4 storm caused little damage in Indian River County, local deputies have been lending a helping hand over the past week to an area in north Florida hit hard by Helene.
On Sept. 27, 13 Indian River County sheriff’s deputies traveled to Suwannee County, where they assisted in hurricane relief efforts and even investigated an unrelated homicide the following day.
Deputies were dispatched to calls for service, opened up roadways and helped in a damage assessment of the Suwannee River. The deputies traveled 70 miles down the river, documented structural damage to docks and homes and scanned for float hazards in the river.
“It’s important to pull together and help each other in the aftermath of these disasters, and we will continue to help in any way we can as long as these agencies need it,” Indian River County sheriff’s officials said in a statement.
Helene, a powerful storm, made landfall on Sept. 26 along the Big Bend area of Florida’s Gulf Coast and trekked north into Georgia. The hurricane, with 130-mph sustained winds, brought heavy flooding, power outages and downed trees to north Florida, on to the Carolinas, Tennessee, Alabama and Virginia.
Gov. DeSantis on Sept. 24 declared a state of emergency for 61 counties in Florida. President Biden on Sept. 28 proclaimed Florida as a major disaster area.
The declarations allow Florida to receive state and federal funds to aid in hurricane relief efforts.
On Friday, Suwannee County sheriff’s officials thanked first responders and volunteers for their help and said the county is well on its way to a full recovery. Suwannee County, with a population of 43,000 people, is named after the Suwannee River, which forms the northern, western and much of the southern border.
“One week has passed since Hurricane Helene devastated our community. In that week, we have seen an incredible response from our mutual aid partners, first responders, electric companies, volunteers, the Army National Guard, and the Air National Guard. Together we have worked shoulder-to-shoulder to pick up the pieces once again,” Suwannee County sheriff’s officials said in a statement.
“The fact that all county and state-maintained roads are clear, nearly all power is restored, and disaster relief efforts are well underway, in just one week, is truly remarkable. We appreciate our community for its unwavering support and patience during this disaster. We have worked quickly and safely to restore Suwannee County to normal, and great progress has been made.
Everyone’s hard work, love and care for our county – whether clearing debris, restoring power, providing essential services, or offering a helping hand — has been invaluable in getting us back on our feet.”
Photos provided by Indian River County Sheriff’s Office
