Most of Madeira Beach’s city commissioners endured significant personal losses when Hurricane Helene’s record-breaking storm surge flooded Pinellas County. This week, they shared their powerful stories of resilience and commitment to the community.

“We’re strong, we’re resilient, and we will rebuild,” said District 3 Commissioner Eddie McGeehan, 55, told Bay News 9. McGeehan lost his home and belongings in the September 26 storm, as well as his relationship with his girlfriend, who owned the house. “It’s very stressful and difficult to lose everything,” he shared, “including a 7-year relationship, your house, and all those memories.”

McGeehan described the last-minute evacuation, nearly stalling his SUV twice as 4 feet of seawater surged through Gulf Boulevard. “You couldn’t see the curb or the street. Luckily, we made the decision to evacuate,” he said. Now, McGeehan is staying in a small rental in Seminole, while his girlfriend has relocated to Texas, unwilling to face future hurricanes.

Four of Madeira Beach’s five commissioners were affected by Helene’s floodwaters. District 2 Commissioner Ray Kerr lost his home, two cars, and two jet skis. Kerr, now residing in a Redington Beach condo, plans to rebuild to code under FEMA’s 50% rule, stating, “We’re absolutely staying in Madeira Beach. This is our home.”

District 4 Commissioner Housh Ghovaee lost his 2023 pickup truck when it was swept off the Tom Stuart Causeway by storm surge, captured in dramatic video footage. Ghovaee recalls, “I was pushed by the water. The truck became buoyant, and it took me off the road.” Witness Nicole Daulton, filming from a fourth-floor condo, feared for Ghovaee’s life as debris and floodwaters engulfed his truck.

Stuck in his truck for an hour with water rising to his chest, Ghovaee hesitated to abandon the vehicle, feeling loyal to his truck, which “just kept humming.” Eventually, he had to let it go, losing a motorcycle and all his belongings in the garage. Ghovaee has since purchased a new truck of the same make and model.

Vice Mayor and District 1 Commissioner David Tagliarini, a freelance flutist, also faced losses. Although his elevated house was spared, his garage was flooded, destroying two cars and half of his music collection.

These city leaders, despite personal hardships, are now working to rebuild Madeira Beach, serving their community with renewed dedication both personally and professionally.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X

(Image credit: Reddit.com)