Photo by Cathy Salustri
Helene’s After-Effects in Gulfport: What We Know
There’s a lot happening in Gulfport right now. Here’s what we know.
- There is a significant flood damage in downtown Gulfport. This includes once-floating docks, broken glass, and potentially sanitary sewer overflows.
Photo by Cathy Salustri - The National Guard is in downtown Gulfport. Do not go into the evacuation zone, period. It is not safe. Police, staff, and National Guardsmen will not allow you to do so.
- Most of the restaurants south of 30th have been utterly devastated by the storm surge. This includes O’Maddy’s, Eddies, Pia’s, Neptune, The Tiki. This is not a complete list; this is what we can confirm.
Photo by Cathy Salustri - The same is true for most, if not all, businesses south of 30th Avenue South.
- No one we talked to, including people in their 60s who have spent their whole lives in Gulfport, remember seeing this level of devastation.
- Most of Gulfport appears to be without power. More than 210,000 people in Pinellas do not have power, as well as more than a million people in Florida. Duke Energy representatives assure us they’re working to restore power as soon as possible.
- The gazebo at Veterans Park has a boat underneath it.
Photo by Cathy Salustri - The Gulfport Historic Casino has significant damage.
- There are boats on the beach. They are not all sailboats.
- Most boats in the marina appear to have significantly less damage than boats not in the marina.
Pinellas County statement about traveling:
“Road conditions around Pinellas County are extremely dangerous in many places. We have crews assessing damage and clearing roads and will let you know when it’s safe to travel. Don’t risk your life or your vehicle to get out this morning. Major bridges and barrier island access remain closed.”
We’re the calm during the storm. No hype, only help!
Bookmark The Gabber Newspaper’s storm coverage page for quick access to relevant tropical storm updates. No hype, no guessing, just updates on shelters, sandbags, and closures. And sign up for text alerts to get real-time guidance and prep advice when there’s a named storm heading our way. Also, check out our downtown Gulfport, marina, and beach web cams.
