The Gulf to Bay Mobile Home Park, located between Lemon Bay and the Gulf, is dealing with the aftermath as recent storms brought devastating flooding.
Residents alongside Lemon Bay say that water reached chest-deep levels, forcing them to clean out their homes and throw away most of their belongings.
“This time, there was water inside up to the windows. It’s absolutely devastating," Renee and Loraine Dube, Manasota Key residents, said.
Now, they find themselves throwing out clothes, shoes, and nearly everything from every room of the home.
Loraine and her daughter, Renee, reflected on the unexpected severity of the flooding.
“We didn’t think it was going to be that bad,” Loraine said.
The storm surge from Hurricane Helene submerged the beautiful beach town, leaving residents grappling with the aftermath. The emotional toll is heavy.
“When you have a fire, it’s gone in an instant. But with flooding, you have to deal with every single piece of your belongings and watch it go to the trash.” Renee said.
Sand washed into the community, creating another challenge for residents near the Gulf. For days, people have been working together to clean up the damage.
Robert Crosby, member of the board of directors at Gulf to Bay, is committed to restoring the community.
“Everybody here is doing the best that we can. We’re helping each other out, and we’re going to make this place work again,” he said.
Residents of the Gulf to Bay community, who call it their paradise, say they're devastated over the challenges they’re facing, but their spirit remains strong. With a deep love for their home, they are committed to moving forward and working together to restore everything.