In late September, 2024, Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to the coastal island community of Cedar Key, Florida, with a storm surge of 10-12 feet. Some estimates suggested that 25% of the homes on the island were destroyed. The hurricane also caused major damage to businesses and infrastructure. Hurricane Milton hit Florida 13 days later. Fortunately, Milton’s damage to Cedar Key was minimal.

May, 2025: Eight months later, the rebuilding process continues as the area restores itself to normalcy. Evidence of the damage remains; a grim reminder of the wrath of Mother Nature.


Personal Note: a huge amount of work has gone into recovering from the storms. Several establishments have reopened and a lot of homes repaired.

We spent several days in Cedar Key this month. It was heartbreaking to see the damage done to the community. Yet, it was equally wonderful to see the positive spirit of everyone there. They are working so hard to restore the area’s beauty and charm.

Bill


A close-up view of a metal bolt resting on a wooden surface, casting a shadow.
Leftover from a dock rebuild
A view of a residential area in Cedar Key, Florida, showing debris and piles of damaged materials from Hurricane Helene, with trees and homes in the background.
We saw big trucks picking up piles of debris that remain to this day. Plywood (see in the background) can still be seen on buildings.
A partially buried cooler and other debris are surrounded by dense green foliage and underbrush, illustrating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Cedar Key, Florida.
Not all items made it into debris piles and were left behind in the mangroves.
The front entrance of the Hale Building, established in 1880, featuring a wooden door with stained glass and decorative sidelights, surrounded by potted red flowers and wooden shutters.
This was Tony’s Seafood, famous for their award winning Clam Chowder. We were told the building has been sold and Tony’s will not reopen.
A storefront in Cedar Key, Florida, with boarded-up windows and a partially visible blue facade, remnants of damage from Hurricane Helene. A few yellow shopping carts are scattered outside.
The no-name Jiffy market’s fate is unknown and its colorful carts rest peacefully.
Front entrance of the Fugate & Fugate law firm showing glass doors with the firm's name and services listed.
No sign that they are closed, but damage to the doors is obvious and their website says…
Logo and contact information for Fugate & Fugate law firm, Cedar Key office, including address and notice of closure due to storm.
A brick monument with a commemorative plaque stands in front of a building featuring a real estate sign that reads 'For Sale!' in Cedar Key, Florida.
Another old home up for sale?
Close-up of a weathered sign for Cedar Key City Hall, with visible damage and faded text.
The sign on the door tells the story.

According to the Zillow listing, “This historic structure, previously a private home, has been utilized as the Cedar Key City Hall for a number of years. Hurricane flooding and resulting damages spurred the City to move offices to an owned building on high ground, in order to forego repairs and to provide municipal services without interruption. The decision has been made to remain in the new building…”
A red sign reading 'FISHING PIER CLOSED' is attached to a wooden fence near a historic highlights information board. The background features a calm water view.
On the road headed out of town.
A view of the water from a dilapidated wooden dock, surrounded by lush greenery and distant mangroves.
A gate with signs indicating the speed limit of 10 miles per hour and a warning that the area beyond the sign is closed, surrounded by lush greenery in the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge.
Away from town, the historic Shell Mound Archaeological Trail is closed for storm-related repairs.

The Notice says, “Shellmound will be closed for pier repairs 16 June into August.” The attendant at the nearby campground mentioned that the Fish and Wildlife Service closed the area early. This was done to facilitate repairs.

(click on the picture to read about the Shell Mound)

Click here to see all my Cedar Key posts from 2020 and 2025.


Click here to see full-size, no watermark, images at www.ImagesByBill.us

Thanks for visiting

May 23, 2025

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