Across St. Petersburg, stunning images emerged early Friday morning of flooding unlike previous storms. In Shore Acres, water levels had nearly reached stop signs; in downtown St. Petersburg, bay waters kissed The Vinoy; and in Gulfport, the small seaside town’s downtown was awash with debris from tidal flooding.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - St. Petersburg is in full response mode as Hurricane Helene approaches, now a Category 2 storm. The city has activated its Emergency Operations, and officials are closely monitoring the storm and addressing residents' needs.

"It's heartbreaking to come back and see your dreams you've always had get washed away in two hours," one resident said of the community still reeling from Hurricane Idalia.