Pasco County is estimating $89 million in damage from Hurricane Hermine, and that’s just for homes. It still needs to assess businesses and is anticipating $30 to 50 million used for the response effort.

  • Pasco estimates Hermine caused $89M in housing damage
  • Elfers family, staying at shelter since Saturday, returned home Wed.
  • They have to return to the shelter due to a potential mold issue
  • A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family

Elfers Parkway was drying out Wednesday. The Riveras stepped off the bus at noon to see their home for the first time in days.

“Oh boy, what am I walking into?" said Jasmine Rivera as she stepped inside.

The family had to evacuate by boat Saturday as the Anclote River rose and began to flood around their Elfers home. They had no idea when they would be back or where they would be calling home.

“Since then, they pulled us out of here and took us to the shelter. We've been there since Saturday," David Rivera said.

Jasmine, David and their four young children hoped to come home and stay home.

But instead, they’re packing up again.

“I don't think there's a way that we can stay here. I’m afraid of the mold," Jasmine Rivera said.

The children haven’t been to school, but transportation starts from the shelter on Thursday. So they’re getting clothes for the week.

“Pants — one, two right here — how about that?" said Jasmine to 8-year-old Jonathan.

“Can we take a sweater?" Jonathan asked.

“Yeah, for night time, yes you can, because we are definitely going back to the shelter, honey," Jasmine replied.

It’s a time when strength is tested and the little things make all the difference.

“Your XBox is fine, honey, your XBox is fine," laughed Jasmine to her other son, 12-year-old Matthew.

For the Riveras, there aren't words to describe the devastation, but there is hope to get back on their feet.

“We will get back, don't worry. Little by little, things will get back to normal," said Jasmine to her children.

The county has identified more than 160 homes across the county that are a loss because of weather. County officials are working on getting grants to buy those homes, but it is a long process.