WATCH: Aerial view of Hurricane Helene damage in Tampa Bay Area

Aerial view of Helene damage in Tampa Bay

Recovery efforts are underway in the Bay Area after Hurricane Helene. It will take some counties weeks or months to rebuild.

TAMPA, Fla. - Helene did not directly hit the Bay Area, but unprecedented storm surge produced by the hurricane devastated many of the coastal communities.

Homes were completely destroyed, and some residents are still without power and water.

In Florida, 11 of the confirmed deaths were nine people who drowned in their homes in a mandatory evacuation area in Pinellas County, according to Sheriff Bob Gualtieri.

READ: Pinellas County barrier islands reopen for residents after Helene: 'These people lost everything'

After one day of assessments, Sarasota County Emergency Management officials said there was an estimated $49 million in residential damages in their area. That number is expected to increase.

FEMA assistance is available for residents in Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor and Wakulla counties.

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