( NewsNation ) — A Florida fishing community is reeling from the impact of Hurricane Helene , the latest in a series of storms to batter the region in recent months.
Capt. Kenny Mullins, a local charter boat operator, described the devastation in Keaton Beach, a small coastal town north of Gainesville.
“We just had total devastation,” Mullins said in a phone interview on “ NewsNation Now .” “Lots of us have lost our homes. I have three boats that are damaged. We don’t know when we’re going to be able to get back out on the water.”
Helene aftermath: At least 56 dead, severe flood risk remains
The community, which relies heavily on the fishing industry, was still recovering from Hurricane Idalia 13 months ago. Insurance costs for boat operators in the area are high, Mullins said, especially for those with multiple vessels. With the busy fishing season approaching, many captains are facing canceled bookings and requests for deposit refunds…