LUTZ, Fla. — A Lutz woman has been trying to salvage some of the art packed inside her home after it was flooded by Hurricane Milton two weeks ago.

What You Need To Know

  • Jay Aalberg, 69, lost her home, car and art to Hurricane Milton

  • Aalberg created stained glass, while her late-husband Peter was a sculptor and painter  

  • Aalberg's daughter said they lost a lot of art to the flood but have managed to save some too 

  • A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Aalberg, who does not have home or food insurance

“It's heart wrenching,” said homeowner Jay Aalberg, 69. “It's quite devastating.”

Aalberg created many pieces of stained glass, while her late-husband Peter was a sculptor and painter. The couple’s daughter, Jaime Aalberg, 36, said her dad passed away four years ago.

“He's well known in the art community. I remember going to many gallery shows with my parents, met many of their art friends that are still in the area today,” she said. “They have all been calling me, asking me how Jay is and wondering about the art.” 

Jay Aalberg’s waterfront lake home had more than one foot of water reach inside as Milton dumped heavy rain on the area. Jamie Aalberg said they’ve lost a lot of art but have managed to save some too.

“They just filled it with artwork and all kinds of pictures from over the years,” she said. “After the flooding, pretty much everything was destroyed. We're trying our best to save the artwork and bring my mom back home eventually.”

Jay Aalberg said when she realized her home was going to be flooded, she tried to evacuate in her car but drove into a ditch which has left her without a vehicle too.

“I tried to escape. There was no visibility, no street lights, raining like crazy,” she said. “I went into the ditch, totaled my car because the water came up.” 

Jaime Aalberg said her mom does not have home or flood insurance and lives on a fixed income. She and her husband traveled from Pennsylvania to help Aalberg pick up the pieces.

“The floors are rotten. So you're trying to save the house but it's looking slim,” she said. “The goal would be to come back here with my mom. If we're able to build on this lot and fix this home, then I will bring my family, me, my husband, and my two girls back and live with my mother for the rest of her time.” 

Jaime Aalberg set up a GoFundMe page with a $20,000 goal to try and help her mom with finances. Jay Aalberg said her daughter’s support and dedication gives her hope.

“I'm so blessed that I have my daughter here. She doesn't live in Florida anymore,” she said. “I have a lot of support. But I will take any donations small or big.”

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