The Tavern at Bayboro and The Campus Grind work to rebuild and reopen on USF St. Petersburg campus

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The Tavern at Bayboro and The Campus Grind work to rebuild and reopen on USF St. Petersburg campus

Located less than a block from the Bayboro Harbor, storm surge from Hurricane Helene flooded family-run establishments The Tavern at Bayboro and The Campus Grind when it made landfall in late September as a Category 4 storm in the Big Bend region of the Florida panhandle.

"We had over three feet of storm surge come through both restaurants. We lost our walk-in cooler that's structurally part of the building," Dennis Bixler said to St. Pete Rising.

Dennis and his wife Stephanie own the local live-music pub and restaurant at 120 6th Avenue South on the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus.

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The Aftermath: Resources to help rebuild Tampa Bay after Hurricane Helene

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The Aftermath: Resources to help rebuild Tampa Bay after Hurricane Helene

As Helene barreled through Florida making landfall as a Category 4 hurricane Thursday evening in the Big Bend region, it brought a sweeping storm surge to Tampa Bay, turning roads into rivers, causing catastrophic flooding, and leaving thousands without power. Helene has been called the worst storm in a century for the Tampa Bay region. 

In the aftermath of the storm, local governments have initiated recovery efforts.

The surrounding cities and counties are deploying as many resources and supplies as possible. Likewise, local businesses and volunteer groups are doing the same - whether it's donating essential items or providing a temporary shelter.

Here are the resources you should know about and what you can do to lend a helping hand.

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