Beaches, barrier islands in Pinellas County begin rebuilding [Video]

MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. — Two days after Hurricane Helene, the beaches and barrier islands in Pinellas County reopened to residents, business owners and employees.

Some finally got to see their homes for the first time since Helene and say they’ve lost everything. One of Pinellas County’s communities, Madeira Beach, looks far from paradise.

“My house is considered a total loss,” resident Perinda Patri said.

Two days after Helene, Patri and Richard Markunas are trying to stay positive.

“Besides my house, my daughter is getting married a week from today and I just want everything to go smooth for her,” Patri said.

Their children are heading to Madeira Beach to help them rebuild this weekend. Every bit of it will count, as Hurricane Helene’s storm surge left behind destruction on the barrier islands.

Waves crashed …