RUSKIN, Fla. — South Hillsborough County was one of the communities hit hard by Hurricane Helene. Residents in Ruskin along Shell Point Road saw a couple of feet of water in their homes and businesses.

The flooding did so much damage to The Fish House restaurant that the owner says she won’t be able to open back up for a while, but in the meantime, she’s making good use of the space.

What You Need To Know

  • The Fish House is collecting donations for people whose homes were flooded during Hurricane Helene

  • Right now, they need toiletries, water, diapers, cleaning supplies and paper towels

  • Anyone can drop donations off at 1902 W. Shell Point Rd., Ruskin, FL anytime from sun up to sun down

The Fish House has become a hub of supplies, water and food for residents in Ruskin. The owner, whose own home flooded too, says she’s been overwhelmed by the response from the community.

Julie Cockerham describes The Fish House in Ruskin as an Old Florida-style outdoor eatery, and now, it’s become so much more to all of its neighbors.

“It’s just simple, like me, and I’ve been so blessed to meet everybody in the community and make wonderful connections and that’s actually what’s helping me here today,” said Cockerham.

From food to cleaning supplies and toiletries, it’s the go to spot for all of Cockerham’s neighbors in need. It’s all been donated by people who’ve seen her Facebook posts.

“People have nothing. I don’t think people understand when we say nothing, they have nothing, their entire lives are out in their front yard, or on the street,” she said.

Nearly every resident in the surrounding streets has belongings all ruined by floodwater out on the street. Cockerham herself had three feet of water in her home, and at The Fish House.

“I never anticipated my fridges and freezers would flip in my back room because they became buoyant from so much water, and I lost a lot of product, but it’s OK, it’s OK,” she said.

Cockerham says right now, fixing The Fish House up isn’t her main concern — helping her friends, and neighbors, recover is. She says the way everyone has come together is a true work of God.

“It’s a shame that it takes this to make the community come back together. I feel like we’ve been so divided with all the political stuff going on lately, but I’m glad if it did take this, then maybe we needed that,” she said.

Right now, Cockerham says they desperately need more water, toiletries, diapers and paper towels. Anyone who would like to donate items can drop them off any time at The Fish House in Ruskin.