Months after Milton, some Tampa Bay residents are still dealing with flooding; how oyster shells are helping a bird sanctuary in Hillsborough Bay

For many Floridians, getting ready for hurricane season means things like dusting off the emergency supply kit, checking flashlight batteries and making sure you know where your important documents are stashed. But for some Tampa Bay residents who lived through the 2024 hurricane season- they’re still dealing with flooding from Hurricane Milton- and worried about what the next season may bring.

WUSF's Sky Lebron explains how people in Polk and Pasco Counties are trying to put their lives back together without electricity, running water, and homes ruined by floodwaters. 

And you may know that oyster beds can help protect shorelines from the impact of powerful storms. WUSF’s Steve Newborn takes us on a tour of an artificial island in Hillsborough Bay, where oysters help protect an important bird nesting site.