The aftermath in Gainesville shows just a small indication of the devastation Florida’s coastal communities are suffering.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management is focused on restoring normalcy in the county after the effects of Hurricane Helene.
Emergency responders are on-site helping those affected including power outages, downed limbs, and debris removal.
The county shares on its Facebook page that roadways are underwater including US Hwy. 19 at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave./NE 8th Ave. where airboat rescues are currently underway.
As response teams check the roads, ACEM says they may find more downed trees, lines, and other dangers.
Here in the 352, effects are already being felt heavily in Gulf Coast communities like Crystal River and Cedar Key, where storm surge has been reported as high as 10 feet or more.
If you are interested in sheltering in a safe, horse-friendly place you can find out more information at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion’s website.
CCFR says one occupant of the home received burns to their face, arms and hands.
The 28-member team left Marion County Fire Rescue Operations and headed to Cecil Field in Jacksonville.
“If you choose to stay and things change for the bad, you are putting your first responder’s life in danger unnecessarily,” states the department in its Facebook post.