PERRY, Fla. — The town of Perry in Taylor County is one of those storm-battered communities now bracing for another hit from mother nature. Homeowners and business owners there were hit by Hurricane Idalia in August 2023, and then Hurricane Debby in August 2024. 

What You Need To Know

  • The impacts from Hurricane Helene are expected at the shore, and inland, where many people are still recovering from past storms

  • The town of Perry in Taylor County is one of those storm-battered communities now bracing for another hit from mother nature

  • Many homeowners in the the Perry area still don’t have roofs replaced from Idalia and Debby

  • With mandatory evacuations in effect for Taylor County, Wednesday was the last day for people to pack up and get out

With mandatory evacuations in effect for Taylor County, Wednesday was the last day for people to pack up and get out.

In a town of just about 7,000 people, you tend to know your neighbors.

At Johnson’s Bakery, Kimberly Sheffield offered one last chance for people to get some sweets before the storm. This is the third storm Sheffield’s faced since taking over the bakery about a year ago.

“We’ve been through it,” said Sheffield. “But we do pull together, and we’ve weathered the storms together and pulled together as a community, and just try to love and support one another and be there for each other through it all.”

Sheffield mentioned some of her neighbors still don’t have roofs replaced since Idalia and Debby.

Jessica Smith says she and her two-year-old daughter, who was born without eyes, will ride out the storm alone.

While mom may be looking out for both of them during the storm, her daughter plays an important role too.

“She’s a great baby – she’s just calm and cool through it all – so she helps me keep calm,” said Smith.

For over a month, Debby has left one tree on her property hanging.

“I can’t afford to have somebody take it down, so I’m hoping Helene ... will take it all the way down and then my uncle can cut it up,” said Smith.

If she loses power this time, she knows her neighbors with a generator will once again help her out.

Sheffield’s bakery closed early on Wednesday. 

“(We’re giving) our employees time in case they want to evacuate and do some hurricane prep at home – whatever they needed to do,” said Sheffield.

While the storm comes through, Sheffield is looking to a higher power for protection.

“Just hope for the best and pray and stand firm on our faith, and believe that God’s going to see us through it,” said Sheffield.