St. John Vianney Church and School Oral History Project

St. John Vianney Catholic Church has been a vibrant contributor to the St. Pete Beach community since its founding in 1937. 2024’s Hurricane Helene sent seven feet of storm surge over Pinellas County’s barrier islands, causing catastrophic damage that required the closure and demolition of the building, which had served as the church from 1950 to 1963, and the parish school, which had been in operation for 74 years.

Judy Genshaft Honors College students created this collection of oral histories as part of a broader hurricane-focused project for the Spring 2026 class, How to Make History. Former students, parishioners, and staff reflect on 75 years of St. John Vianney’s history, describe how the hurricane affected the parish and community, and share their hopes for the future.