GREEN ISLAND – For the past 20 years, George and Mary Lee Rogers have woken up every morning with a guaranteed ocean view and a better-than-even chance of all day sunshine.

In their cozy retirement community on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the proud grandparents found comfort and contentment, never fearing the monster storms that so many Floridians have grown accustom to.

“We haven’t had a hurricane in Florida there since 1921,” Mary Lee said.

Until now. When Hurricane Helene came ashore two weeks ago, the Rogers decided to ride out the storm in their St. Petersburg trailer home.

“Our home was well-built,” George said. “We had what’s called roll down shutters. All we had to do was crank the handle inside the house and the shutters would come down over the windows.”

But the shutters were no match for the surge of ocean water that came from below. It ruined the Rogers’ floors, soiled their furniture, and totaled their car.

“We didn’t have hurricane insurance or flood insurance,” George stated. “When you’re on a fixed income, it doesn’t allow you to be able to purchase the insurance that may be required.”

With no other place to go, the Rogers packed up what they were able to salvage, and hopped a flight to Albany. They were able to find a place in Green Island, where they have family living nearby.

The Rogers also yearn to return to St. Petersburg, but to make definitive plans, they’ll have to see what’s left standing after Hurricane Milton blows through.

“If stuff is still standing and not totally destroyed, we hope to go down and salvage whatever we can,” George said.

A GoFundMe page has been established to help defray some of the Rogers’ expenses, current and future. If you’d like to donate, a link has been established on this website.