PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – The Pasco Sheriff’s Office was in full force within the community during Hurricane Helene and is now reporting a decrease in rescue calls as floodwaters along the US-19 corridor recede.
In a joint effort with Pasco County Fire Rescue, the National Guard, and other law enforcement partners, approximately 200 people were rescued from rising waters overnight.
Read: Clearwater Beach Remains Closed After Severe Flooding
“The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is honored to serve and protect our community,” said PSO.
Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 storm, made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend area late Thursday night but rapidly weakened to a tropical storm as it moved inland.
Despite the downgrade, Helene continues to pose a threat with life-threatening storm surge, strong winds, and heavy rain.
Read: Pasco Sheriff Warns Of Downed Power Lines In Wake Of Hurricane Helene
As of early Friday morning, Helene was located east of Macon, Georgia, and was moving north at 30 mph with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. The storm made landfall near Perry, Florida, with winds of 140 mph, making it the fourth hurricane to hit the Gulf Coast this year.
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