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Newsroom

Libby Royer walks along Treasure Island beach

Libby Royer surveys changes to Treasure Island beaches following Hurricanes Helene and Milton [Photos by Andres Faza, University Communications and Marketing]

What sparked Թϱstudent Libby Royer’s passion for storm-proofing coastlines

By Dave Scheiber

Թϱdoctoral student Libby Royer will never forget the devastation to the beachfront homes of Pinellas County she witnessed following hurricanes Helene and Milton in the fall of 2024. But that memory is accompanied by another powerful image that lingers: A community coalescing to lend a helping hand to those left with no place to return.

“After Helene, we were here the day after it passed; it was just so impressive that even though roads were closed, homes were destroyed and there were piles of sand in people’s houses, I really saw a community coming together,” she said. “Whether it was cleaning up someone’s house or helping people grab their belongings -- I think it was just a really amazing thing to see.”