**Hurricane Helene Leaves a Lasting Impact on Tampa Bay**

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a stark contrast between the Tampa Bay area before and after the storm is now evident. Federal agencies have utilized the capabilities of aerial photography to capture the full extent of the hurricane’s damage.

The National Ocean Service conducted an aerial survey over Tampa Bay on Sunday, just days after Helene swept past the region, resulting in extensive flooding and destruction. In places like Sunset Beach in Pinellas County, the hurricane brought over three feet of water above ground level, as projected by forecasters.

The levels of destruction are heart-wrenching. In flood-prone areas across Pinellas County, residents awoke to see cars submerged in sand, homes destroyed by fire, and small businesses completely ruined. The trail of destruction underscored what is being called the worst storm in a century for the area.

To get a comprehensive view of Helene’s damage from above, high-definition images were captured by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This crucial tool aids residents in grasping the hurricane's extensive impact on both property and the environment. Previous aerial surveys were conducted over Florida's Big Bend region, including Cedar Key and Steinhatchee.

Specific projections highlighted Pass-A-Grille Beach, which experienced over six feet of water above ground level during the storm's peak. Similarly, at the iconic Don CeSar Hotel on St. Pete Beach, water levels surpassed three feet.

Downtown St. Petersburg was not spared. Flora Wylie Park and the St. Pete Pier recorded water levels of six feet or more and three feet or more, respectively. The Shore Acres neighborhood in Pinellas County also faced projections of over six feet of water, leading to tragic sights such as a house burnt down.

Sites like Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County faced water surges equal to those elsewhere, further highlighting the widespread devastation.

The visual documentation from the National Ocean Service provides an essential overview for residents and authorities to assess and respond to the catastrophic impacts left by Hurricane Helene.