Donna Fagersten had taken refuge at a friend’s home on the top floor as Hurricane Helene tore through northern Florida, leaving a devastating trail of destruction and more than 100 casualties in the southeastern U.S.
As the storm appeared to calm, the 66-year-old teacher, just days away from her retirement, made a fateful choice to return home to rescue her cat.
When Hurricane Helene hit Florida on September 26, 2024, around 11 p.m., the Category 4 storm triggered flash floods, forcing residents to scramble for safety. One of the hardest-hit areas was Pinellas County, particularly in the Tampa Bay region, where at least 11 people lost their lives.
Among the victims was Donna Fagersten, a second-grade teacher from Ponce De Leon Elementary in Pinellas County.
According to her best friend Heather Anne Boles, Donna was set to retire the following week after dedicating 35 years to teaching. When the storm hit, Donna sought shelter with Boles and her partner, Mike Moran. As the storm surge rushed in, they retreated to the third floor of Boles’ mother’s home, across from the beach where Donna lived.
Boles recalled that as the storm seemed to settle, Donna insisted on going home to check on her cat, despite Boles’ pleas to stay. Tragically, another surge and high winds returned, battering the coastline.
A neighbor later came to their shelter, reporting that someone had been found floating in the parking garage. They quickly pulled Donna from the water and began CPR, but despite their efforts and the arrival of fire rescue by boat, they were unable to revive her.
Detectives later confirmed that Donna had drowned in her home, which had been flooded with water.
Family and friends have since remembered Donna as a “beautiful person” who was deeply committed to her students and community. In a Facebook post, Mary Gleason Lyons, a colleague and friend, described Donna as a dedicated teacher with a big heart, touching the lives of many students over her 35-year career.
Online tributes poured in, with former students and friends expressing their sadness at her passing and remembering her kindness and warmth.
While Boles and Moran are now left to clean up after the floods, which destroyed most of their belongings, the loss of their best friend is what hurts the most. “This is the worst we have ever seen,” Boles said, reflecting on the storm’s destruction compared to Hurricane Irma, where they managed to keep their home and belongings intact.
On a positive note, Donna’s cat survived, and her friends are working to find him a new home.
Hurricane Helene, which cut a destructive 800-mile path northward, left more than 2 million homes without power and claimed over 100 lives, according to USA Today.
If You See a Painted Purple Fence, This Is What It Means
Understanding purple paint laws can serve as a vital guidepost for navigating unfamiliar terrain, whether you’re behind the wheel or trekking through the wilderness.
As the summer season beckons, drawing many outdoors for adventures and exploration, it’s prudent to arm oneself with knowledge of local regulations. After all, a little precaution can go a long way in ensuring safety.
Amidst the landscape of fences and foliage, keep a keen eye out for the telltale hue of purple, a subtle yet significant indicator of boundary lines and restrictions.
So, what does a splash of purple signify? In many states, a purple fence serves as a clear message: no trespassing allowed. While traditional “No Trespassing” signs may fade or fall victim to wear and tear, a coat of enduring purple paint stands as a steadfast deterrent.
But purple markers aren’t confined to fences alone; trees adorned with this distinctive hue also serve as boundary demarcations, ensuring clarity even for those with color-blindness.
If you find yourself contemplating the application of purple paint to your property, it’s prudent to acquaint yourself with local ordinances, as not all states recognize purple as a legal marker. However, for those jurisdictions where it holds sway, adhering to specific guidelines is essential.
When applying purple paint to fences, ensure the stripes are vertical, at least an inch wide, and extend eight inches in length. Maintain consistency by spacing the marks three to five feet from the ground and no more than 100 feet apart. Opt for durable latex or spray paint for trees, ensuring visibility and accuracy in marking boundaries.
Whether navigating urban streets or meandering through remote trails, remember to prioritize safety and vigilance. With a mindful eye and an understanding of purple paint laws, you can tread confidently, knowing you’re on the right path.
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