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.
Mix Baking Soda and Vinegar – What Happens Will Blow Your Mind!
Combining baking soda and vinegar may sound like a simple kitchen experiment, but the chemical reaction between these two common household items is both fascinating and incredibly useful. From cleaning to science fun, the results will leave you amazed!
The Science Behind the Reaction
When you mix baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with vinegar (acetic acid), a chemical reaction occurs. Baking soda acts as a base and vinegar acts as an acid. The reaction produces carbon dioxide gas, which causes the fizzing and bubbling. In addition, water and sodium acetate are formed as by-products.
Chemical Equation:
NaHCO₃ (baking soda) + CH₃COOH (vinegar) → CO₂ (carbon dioxide) + H₂O (water) + CH₃COONa (sodium acetate)
Mind-Blowing Uses for Baking Soda and Vinegar
1. Unclog Drains
How It Works: Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Cover the drain and let the mixture fizz for 10–15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Why It’s Amazing: The bubbling reaction breaks down grease, grime, and blockages, effectively unclogging drains.
2. Powerful Cleaning Solution
How It Works: Mix baking soda and vinegar to create a powerful cleaning solution for tough stains on countertops, tiles, and bathtubs. Spray vinegar on the surface, sprinkle baking soda, let it fizz, then scrub.
Why It’s Amazing: The chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar lifts grime and kills bacteria without the need for harsh chemicals.
3. Eliminate Odors
How It Works: Place a small bowl of baking soda and vinegar in areas with bad smells, like the fridge or garbage disposal.
Why It’s Amazing: Baking soda and vinegar neutralize odors by breaking down the odor-causing molecules, leaving the air fresh and clean.
4. Create Fun Science Experiments
How It Works: Mix baking soda and vinegar in a bottle with a balloon stretched over the neck. The balloon inflates as carbon dioxide gas is released.
Why It’s Amazing: This fun and educational experiment is an excellent way to teach kids about chemical reactions while having a blast.
5. Clean Burnt Pots and Pans
How It Works: Sprinkle baking soda over the burnt surface, pour vinegar, let it fizz, and then scrub away the residue.
Why It’s Amazing: Baking soda and vinegar combination loosens burnt food and restores shine with minimal effort, making your pots and pans look brand new.
Tips for Best Results
- Use the baking soda and vinegar mixture immediately after the fizzing starts as its cleaning power diminishes once the reaction stops.
- Avoid storing the mixture as the chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar neutralizes its cleaning properties.
- Always test the mixture on small areas before using it on delicate surfaces.
Conclusion
The combination of baking soda and vinegar is not just a fun fizzing reaction—it’s a powerful, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution for everyday challenges. Whether you’re in need of a drain cleaner or wanting to conduct a science experiment, this simple mixture delivers mind-blowing results! Give it a try today and experience the magic for yourself.
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