By Staff Writer — The Brooksville Signal
Spring Hill, FL — As the first anniversary of Hurricane Helene’s landfall in September 2024 approaches, community leaders in Hernando County are organizing a gathering to support healing, strengthen resilience, and bring neighbors together to remember and rebuild.
The Stronger Together event is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Weeki Wachee Area Club (7442 Shoal Line Blvd, Spring Hill). The venue also serves as the site of the Family Resource Center (FRC) that was established in the aftermath of Helene to provide emergency resources, supplies, and support to residents.
Focus on Community, Mental Health & Preparedness
Organizers, including the Hernando Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) and United Way of Hernando County, say the gathering will provide a space for residents to come together, share stories, and honor the losses and challenges of the past year. The event aims to:
Provide mental health and wellbeing support, acknowledging that recovery is as much emotional as it is physical. Create opportunities for connection and remembrance—neighbors can tell their stories, reflect, and support one another. Celebrate resilience, highlighting how the community has pulled together over the past year. Promote readiness and preparedness tools, so families are better equipped for future storms or crises.
To make participation more accessible and inclusive, the event will offer free food, raffle prizes, music, rock painting stations, and a “Resiliency Lab” activity organized by Capacity Path. Local response vendors and resource providers will also be on site.
A Time to Remember — and to Look Forward
September 26, 2024, was the day Hurricane Helene made landfall in the county, causing damage to homes, infrastructure, and lives. The year that followed was one of recovery, rebuilding, and adaptation for families across the west side of Hernando County.
The LTRG encourages residents affected by Helene (and by Hurricane Milton, which struck parts of eastern Hernando County in October 2024) to attend. A similar event is being planned later for the eastern side of the county to reach those impacted by Milton.
For those still recovering and seeking help, the LTRG is accepting calls or texts at 352-340-2571 for intake and assessment.
Leadership for the event includes Angie Bonfardino, CEO of United Way of Hernando County, and Erin Thomas, Director of Hernando County Emergency Management, both of whom serve as principal points of contact.
As the county pauses to reflect and heal, Stronger Together positions itself not only as a memorial gathering but also as a commitment to a more resilient future.
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