Tiny Florida town wiped off the map by Hurricane Helenes wrath: Theres nothing left

When Hurricane Helene battered Florida’s Gulf Coast this week, one of the hardest-hit areas was the small town of Steinhatchee, which was overwhelmed by a 10-foot storm surge and 140 mph winds.Most of the town’s 500 residents evacuated the area — and returned to find their homes and businesses destroyed.“It’s heartbreaking,” said Donna Landon, whose mobile home just outside the town limits was a total loss.

“We’ve been wiped off the map.There’s nothing left.

I have some insurance but now I have to rebuild.” The Post toured Steinhatchee — about 90 miles southeast of state capital Tallahassee — on Friday.Few buildings were left standing, and the ones that were suffered significant damage.

“I don’t think there’s anyone who hasn’t been touched by this,” Landon said.“But this is a community where everyone looks out for each other.” On Friday, linemen from four surrounding states rolled into town to attempt to repair the destroyed power grid and restore electricity to the town — but it’s a long road ahead.

“It’s going to take weeks to fix it,” warned Russ Rhodes, who was part of a crew repairing a downed power pole.“We’re basically going to have to start from scratch.” Roy’s Restaurant, on the banks of the Steinhatchee River, was completely destroyed by Hurricane Helene’s wrath — just nine months after reopening from Hurricane Idalia’s last year.“Our employees are safe,” the restaurant’s manager said in a Facebook Live.

“The restaurant didn’t fare as well.But that’s all right.

We’re thinking of our community and our employees, and everyone who is affected out there.We love them.” Roy’s owner Linda Wicker vowed to rebuild the 54-year-old local staple again.

“I think we need to do that,” Wicker told the Palm Beach Post, adding that she has more than 30 employees.“It’s insured, but it’s never enough.” Steinhatchee, like much of Florida’s Gulf Coast, continues to grapple with...