Tropical Depression Debbie wreaked havoc with communities up and down the West Coast of Florida.
One area especially hard-hit is Pass-a-Grille.
Once a large pristine area of white sand has been turned into a beach less than half of its original size that is littered with shells, seaweed, and water.
"It's just sad," said Jackie Martino of St. Petersburg. "It's Mother Nature at work."
Martino came to the beach on Wednesday to get a first-hand look at the damage.
After two days of pounding waves, some of the dunes are decimated and sea oats are ripped from their oats.
Debby created ideal conditions for major erosion, including a two-to-three feet storm surge and sustained winds of more than 20 miles-per-hour for 48 hours.
It was a badly timed vacation for Estela Crespo of Rockford, Illinois and her family.
"Looking at the sand dunes here, we're looking that the sea grass has kept them in their place otherwise I believe the destruction could have been worse," Crespo said.
Everyone agrees it could have been much worse.
But well before Debbie even began forming in the Gulf, crews from Pinellas County Coastal Management office have been working constantly to replenish the sand up and down the coastline.
The beach nourishment project is already in place, but now they will need additional permits and money to include more beaches, like Pass-a-Grille, in that project.
All this, as people hope the beach will be restored to its original pristine condition.
"I truly believe we will again have the beauty here," said Martino.
The family visiting from Illinois, including their 7-year-old daughter, Lissie, agree.
"But it will come back, I hope," says Crespo. "I'm sure the city will do something to fix it."