The Brief
- After major damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, The Church on the Bayou in Tarpon Springs has permanently closed.
- The 136-year-old congregation was a longtime community hub but could not recover from back-to-back storms.
- The property sold for $2.4 million, which the congregation is donating to 22 local schools and nonprofits.
What we know:
The Church on the Bayou Presbyterian Church, a Tarpon Springs landmark since 1888, is shutting down after suffering repeated hurricane damage. Hurricane Helene flooded its sanctuary and fellowship buildings last year. Hurricane Milton followed with destructive winds and rain that tore through skylights and caused extensive leaks.
Already facing declining attendance and the retirement of its lead pastor, the congregation decided to sell its five-acre property on Whitcomb Bayou to another church for $2.4 million.…