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Fort De Soto Park reopening after hurricanes
Aaron Mesmer reports
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Fort De Soto Park rangers welcomed back visitors on Friday for the first time since back-to-back hurricanes caused catastrophic damage.
The park's East Beach opened to the public on Thursday. That section, along with the rest of the park, had been closed since Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding. Hurricane Milton furthered the damage.
"That surge [from Helene] really pushed things all over the place. Milton came a week and a half later and littered it on top with tree debris, so there wasn't much of a opening anywhere," said David Harshbarger, the park's manager.
READ: Private vs. county appraisals: Why there’s a drastic difference in storm damage property valuations
The storms toppled trees, destroying buildings and tables, while blocking trails and roads. Harshbarger said crews worked countless hours to get the park partially reopened before Christmas.
"It wasn't just the park by any means that got damaged, it was our whole community. So really to just see everybody working together, and I ask, as you come into the park, thank a ranger. They've been working tirelessly," Harshbarger said, the rest of the park will reopen in sections. "We certainly do ask you to respect the boundaries that we've set up. It's only there because it's unsafe, but the vast majority of the park should be opening here as time allows."
Harshbarger hopes the next section will reopen shortly after the New Year. Some areas that suffered the worst damage, however, may remain closed for at least a year.
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