Florida residents are anxiously monitoring Hurricane Helene's movements, which was approaching the state's coast on Thursday evening. According to the National Hurricane Centre, wind speeds reached up to 216 kph.

ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — To those who live on the narrow spit of land that is the Pass-a-Grille neighborhood — the tail end of barrier islands extending from St. Pete Beach up to Clearwater known as “The Key West of Tampa Bay beaches” — it’s a slice of paradise developed at the turn of the century and historically sheltered from major storms.

Read more After Helene slammed Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, crews from around the country have stationed or are on standby to help with rescue efforts. That includes some from Texas, on the Texas A&M Task Force 1.