See more about the aftermath of the hurricane in Tampa

“Devastation” in Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg

In Tampa Bay, a resident described seeing beaches disappearing, boats crashing into houses and businesses burning.

“Complete devastation and loss here,” Vikki Hudson, who lives in Largo, about three miles from the coast, told USA TODAY on Friday. “The beaches have disappeared. Everything is under water. Boats are piling up on houses and yards.”

Hudson said she saw Gulf Boulevard, which runs the coast from St. Petersburg north to Clearwater, “completely underwater.”

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Hudson, who lives about 20 minutes from her two businesses on Treasure Island Beach – The Island Girl Tiki Bar and The Island Girl Beach Rentals – said she hasn’t been able to check on her business because of the bridges were closed due to widespread flooding.

“We don’t know anything yet, we can’t get to any of the barrier islands,” Hudson said.

Check out the damage left by Hurricane Helene in Tampa, Fort Myers, Naples and Perry

Watch Hurricane Helene approach Florida

Strong wind gusts, heavy rain and waves devastated parts of Florida as Hurricane Helene approached.

Hurricane Helene floods the streets of Tampa before making landfall

Floodwaters inundated areas of Tampa on Thursday, September 26, before Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida.

Helene, still dangerous, was downgraded to a tropical storm in Georgia

At least four people have died from Storm Helene, which made landfall as a Category 4 storm and was downgraded to a tropical storm on Friday morning.

This story has been updated with new photos and videos.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.