Five people have died in Pinellas County, Florida, as Hurricane Helene unleashed its devastating impact overnight.

ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — To those who live on the narrow spit of land that is the Pass-a-Grille neighborhood — the tail end of barrier islands extending from St. Pete Beach up to Clearwater known as “The Key West of Tampa Bay beaches” — it’s a slice of paradise developed at the turn of the century and historically sheltered from major storms.

As residents across the Tampa Bay area return to their homes for the first time since Hurricane Helene passed through the area, local officials are asking those who own electric vehicles to stay vigilant amid flood waters.

Tesla’s Powershare system allows owners to utilize their Cybertruck as a backup power source, offering up to 11.5 kW of continuous electricity. This capability enabled the ho