Post Hurricane Helene & Pre Hurricane Milton – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Only two weeks ago the storm surge of Hurricane Helene pummeled Useppa. Docks were damaged or destroyed. The main barge dock in front of the Collier Inn is trash. Island infrastructure took another hit. Homes were flooded underneath; air conditioners and hot water heaters are junk. Unsecured propane tanks washed away. ASAP Service Department employees, the Collier and Tarpon staff, the Bocilla Marina crew, landscaping, management, and contractor personnel were at work cleaning up the debris, fixing the mess. And tonight, Hurricane Milton potentially even more devastating than Helene will pound Useppa. The last boats left the island on Monday. The Fire Department closed everything down yesterday. These pictures show some of Helene’s damage. They also show the spirit and resilience of her caretakers and residents. but tonight…Whatever happens…Useppa doesn’t give up.
