Hurricane Helene has resulted in 13 confirmed fatalities in Florida, primarily in Pinellas County. The total death toll has surpassed 115 across several states in the Southeast. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has expressed grief regarding these losses, highlighting the importance of human life amidst a serious hurricane season.
As of Monday, the death toll associated with Hurricane Helene in Florida reached 13, as reported by both official sources and the media. The majority of the fatalities occurred in Pinellas County, which recorded at least nine deaths. Hillsborough and Dixie counties each reported one fatality. CBS News indicated that the overall number of storm-related deaths in Florida stands at 13, with the Pinellas County toll reported as ten. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office has indicated ongoing investigations into additional deaths from recent days. Across the Southeast, including Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia, over 115 lives have reportedly been lost due to Hurricane Helene, marking a particularly devastating hurricane season. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his sorrow regarding the loss of life during a press conference held at Steinhatchee, which endured significant devastation from storm surges and flooding but notably did not report any fatalities. Governors remarked, “As bad as it is to see a restaurant hammered or see homes, you don’t want loss of life. That is the one thing we cannot rectify.” The article continues to be updated as new information about casualties becomes available. A detailed breakdown of the fatalities follows. Casualties in Pinellas County: Pinellas County, which includes Clearwater and St. Petersburg, reported several storm-related deaths: 1. Donna Fagersten, 66, of Indian Rocks Beach, passed away in her residence. 2. Patricia Mikos, 80, of Dunedin, likely died due to an electrical fire caused by flooding in her home, which the Dunedin Fire Department could not reach in time due to rising waters. 3. Aiden Bowles, 69, from Indian Rocks Beach, likely drowned in his home. 4. Marjorie Harvard, 79, from St. Pete Beach, also appears to have drowned in her residence. 5. Francis Wright, 69, from Madeira Beach, similarly seems to have drowned at home. 6. Jerome Waite, 89, of St. Petersburg, appears to have drowned in his residence. 7. James Thompson, 55, of Redington Shores, also appears to have drowned in his home. 8. Rachael Burch, 37, of Treasure Island, died in her residence amid floodwaters. 9. Additionally, one unidentified adult male from Indian Rocks Beach was reported to have drowned in his home. Fatalities in Dixie County: According to Governor DeSantis, one person was killed in Dixie County when a tree fell on a residence in Old Town. A local resident, Brian DeMille, mentioned, “We are a tight-knit community, we really are… It hits us all pretty close.” Hillsborough County Casualties: In Hillsborough County, a storm-related traffic accident resulted in one fatality. A falling sign struck a vehicle on Interstate 4 near Ybor City in Tampa. Governor DeSantis noted, “We know that travel on the roads can be hazardous, and we typically, unfortunately, will have fatalities in every storm from that.” This ongoing story will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.
Hurricane Helene has had a catastrophic impact across the Southeastern United States, leaving behind significant destruction and a rising death toll. The state of Florida has emerged as one of the hardest-hit areas, with reports confirming multiple fatalities across several counties. The effects of the hurricane extend beyond Florida, affecting regions in Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia, amplifying concerns for safety and emergency response efforts. Governor Ron DeSantis’s remarks during a press conference reflect the profound grief and concern for the lives lost, emphasizing the importance of community and human life amidst infrastructure and property damage.
In conclusion, Hurricane Helene has resulted in a tragic loss of life, particularly in Florida, where 13 fatalities have been confirmed. The storm’s effects have been felt across several states, culminating in over 115 deaths, marking this hurricane season as notably severe. Local authorities, alongside the devastated communities, continue to respond to the aftermath, providing updates as more information arises about casualties. The emphasis remains on safety and the community’s resilience during this challenging time.
Original Source: www.tallahassee.com
