(NewsNation) — A Florida fishing community is reeling from the impact of Hurricane Helene, the latest in a series of storms to batter the region in recent months.
Capt. Kenny Mullins, a local charter boat operator, described the devastation in Keaton Beach, a small coastal town north of Gainesville.
“We just had total devastation,” Mullins said in a phone interview on “NewsNation Now.” “Lots of us have lost our homes. I have three boats that are damaged. We don’t know when we’re going to be able to get back out on the water.”
The community, which relies heavily on the fishing industry, was still recovering from Hurricane Idalia 13 months ago. Insurance costs for boat operators in the area are high, Mullins said, especially for those with multiple vessels. With the busy fishing season approaching, many captains are facing canceled bookings and requests for deposit refunds.
“We were living on pennies, waiting for this busy season to come in, and then this hit right at that time,” Mullins said. “I don’t know when I’ll be able to work again.”
Massive rains from powerful Hurricane Helene left people stranded, without shelter and awaiting rescue Saturday, as the cleanup began from a tempest that killed at least 56 people, caused widespread destruction across the U.S. Southeast and left millions without power.
Mullins said that one of his fellow captains’ houses was “literally in a pile.” He also said that entire houses have been swept into canals, compounding the damage.
Helene blew ashore in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 hurricane late Thursday with winds of 140 mph.
Despite the challenges, Mullins expressed hope that the community would come together. He and other local boat operators are considering alternative ways to generate income, including selling gift certificates for future charters.
“Anything will help,” Mullins said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.