CORTEZ, Fla. —  Many Manatee County residents are still struggling to recover after Hurricane Helene, and one of the biggest issues they talk about is a lack of transportation.

In many cases, cars, trucks and motorcycles were damaged by flooding, high winds, or debris. Now, one local organization is stepping up to help people get moving again.

What You Need To Know

  • The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island is stepping up to help people in Cortez Village with donated bikes

  • Many Manatee County residents are still struggling to recover after Hurricane Helene, and one of the biggest issues they talk about is a lack of transportation

  • Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island officials say they hope to give storm victims a more permanent way to get around in the future

Many people in Cortez are still left without transportation since the storm surge totaled their vehicles. But now, with the help of the community, they have a new set of wheels.

Like many residents in Cortez, Lisa Harrison lost almost everything inside her home from Hurricane Helene. She calls that night “traumatizing."

“I’ve never been through anything like that," she said. "I wasn’t prepared, because I thought, 'This is going to be fine. We’re going to get through this.' Then, all of a sudden, one of the boys said, ‘The water’s coming into my bedroom.'"

It was her grandson who saw the water rush in — all five of Harrison's family members had to be rescued from the home.

“It was so deep, so strong,” she said of the water.

 

She’s thankful that everyone got out safely, but the storm did claim her only means of transportation: her car.

Now, the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island is stepping up to help people like Harrison with donated bikes.

Even though it’s not a car, Harrison said two wheels will get the job done.

“To work, for sure, and to the store," she said. "Probably Dollar General, because it’s the closest, and up to the island, to CVS where my prescriptions are."

Harrison said she has been out of work at a local restaurant for weeks because it had to temporarily close due to storm damage. But now, with a bike, she said she doesn’t have to worry about getting to work when the restaurant reopens next week.

“It’s very important, very important. You know? You depend on it,” she said.

“You know, it’s been hard," Harrison added. "That’s been really, really hard. But in time, you know, things will work out. God will provide in time."

She says the new bike will benefit the entire family by allowing her to get around.

“We have four generations living here right now," Harrison said.

Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island officials say the bikes are just a temporary fix — they are working on a more permanent solution and hope to receive used cars to give to those hurricane victims.