TALLAHASSEE — As a potentially catastrophic Hurricane Helene churned its way north, residents of the state’s capital hit the few remaining stores and restaurants still open Thursday — or took solace in their decision to get out before the storm struck.
The two state universities located in the city — Florida State University and Florida A&M University — were deserted, closed due to the impending hurricane. A refugee center for students had been set up at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center nearby.
The sidewalks and roads around the state Capitol were nearly empty of pedestrians and traffic, after thousands of state workers were sent home at noon Wednesday…