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The Gulf Coast of Pinellas County, Florida, recently faced significant damage from two hurricanes in quick succession. Hurricane Helene struck on September 26, causing eight-foot waves to surge over the dunes and seawall at Pass-A-Grille Beach near St. Petersburg. Two weeks later, Hurricane Milton made landfall in Sarasota with 100 mph winds and heavy rain, further impacting South Pinellas.
The Pass-a-Grille Beach Community Church UCC suffered extensive damage. "Hurricanes Helene and Milton brought devastating flooding to our church," said Rev. Eric Elnes, interim senior minister of Pass-A-Grille Church. The storms destroyed the community thrift shop and severely damaged the Montessori school.
In response, church members organized a clean-up effort led by congregant Dawn Quinn and contractor Ben Freeman. Volunteers gathered on October 5 to assist not only the church but also local homes affected by the hurricanes. They cleared sand from rooms inundated by Helene's surge and addressed wind damage caused by Milton.
Operation BBQ Relief provided meals for volunteers during both clean-up days, thanks to church members Dane and Cindy Petersen.
Churches across Florida joined recovery efforts as well. Plymouth Congregational Church in Miami traveled to Indian Rocks Beach to assist Church of the Isles UCC with their recovery after suffering similar hurricane damage. Rev. Wesley Snedeker expressed gratitude for their support: "People from Plymouth Congregational drove across the state last Monday to assist us."
A $30,000 donation was presented by Plymouth Congregational Church to aid in recovery efforts at Church of Isles UCC. "It was a blessing to be with a team of volunteers," said Rev. Hollie Schmidt of Plymouth Church.
For churches seeking disaster preparedness resources, a revised guide is available from UCC Disaster Ministries.
