The University of South Florida’s St. Petersburg campus is still assessing the full extent of damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with early estimates suggesting costs could reach into the millions. The storms, which struck in late 2024, left significant destruction across the campus, impacting buildings, infrastructure, and equipment.

Flooding from the hurricanes affected several key facilities, including academic buildings and student housing, with water damage leading to mold concerns in some areas. The university has been working to catalog the damage, a process that involves detailed inspections and coordination with insurance providers and state officials. “We’re still in the early stages of understanding the full financial impact,” a USF St. Pete spokesperson said, noting that the assessment could take several more weeks.

In the meantime, the university has prioritized student safety and continuity of education. Temporary repairs have been made to ensure classes can continue, and some students in affected housing have been relocated to other accommodations. The campus is also exploring federal and state funding options to help cover repair costs, as the university aims to restore its facilities to full functionality.

The storms’ impact has been a challenge for the entire St. Petersburg community, and USF St. Pete is collaborating with local leaders to support broader recovery efforts while addressing its own needs. For now, the focus remains on completing the damage assessment and developing a comprehensive plan for repairs, with the goal of returning the campus to normal operations as soon as possible.

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