Tampa Bay area of Florida, particularly St. Petersburg, was hit hard by Hurricane Helene, which made landfall as a Category 4 storm Sept. 26, 2024.

Tampa Bay’s regulars — our barkeeps, retirees, refugees — all had the same reaction this week in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, no matter what part of the region they call home. Surprise. Never seen it this bad.

More than 50 people have died across five states as Hurricane Helene's massive rains and powerful winds sent devastating floods and widespread destruction across the U.S. Southeast, leaving millions without power.