Destruction and Fatalities in St. Lucie County
Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s coast Wednesday night as a Category 3 storm, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Powerful winds and torrential rains battered the state, resulting in the death of four people in St. Lucie County. The storm also caused power outages for over 3 million people and spawned several tornadoes that ravaged the eastern coast.
Milton has since been downgraded to a Category 1 storm, but the threat remains. The storm has moved off Florida’s east coast, but flooding and damage continue to spread. Rescue missions are ongoing across Florida, with 48 people rescued so far and hundreds of emergency responders engaged in more than 125 active operations.
Impact on Counties and Government Response
Governor Ron DeSantis reported that the storm’s conditions could have been worse, but its impact was still severe. Tornadoes tore through the eastern coast, and strong winds struck particularly hard in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Sarasota counties. Additionally, the storm brought heavy rains, with accumulations of up to 18 inches in some areas, worsening the flood situation.
Meteorologists are forecasting that river and waterway levels in central and northeastern Florida will continue rising, keeping many areas on high alert for possible flooding. Sarasota County was one of the hardest-hit regions, with storm surges reaching between 8 and 10 feet.
Infrastructure Damage and Risks to the Population
The hurricane also severely impacted local infrastructure. Tampa International Airport and Orlando International Airport are assessing damage before reopening. In St. Petersburg, the Tropicana Field stadium sustained damage, with its roof torn off by the strong winds. The city recorded more than 18 inches of rainfall in just 24 hours.
In Tampa, local authorities urged residents to remain indoors, avoiding roads blocked by fallen trees and downed power lines. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw emphasized the gravity of the situation and asked the public to wait for the all-clear signal before resuming normal activities.
Rescues and Fatalities in St. Lucie County
In St. Lucie County, the situation was worsened by the passage of 17 tornadoes, resulting in multiple fatalities. Rescue teams are still operating in the area, dealing with hundreds of destroyed homes and extremely dangerous conditions.
Parts of Florida’s western coast also experienced severe flooding, with some regions accumulating up to 10 feet of water from the Gulf of Mexico. In Plant City, local authorities reported unprecedented flooding levels, with dozens of people being rescued overnight.
Federal Response and Recovery Efforts
President Joe Biden declared Florida a disaster area ahead of Milton’s arrival, activating FEMA to assist in the state’s response and recovery efforts. On Thursday morning, Biden spoke with Governor DeSantis, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to providing all necessary resources to expedite recovery.
Florida’s primary power provider, Duke Energy, reported that over 800,000 customers lost electricity. The company is deploying teams to assess damage and restore power, using helicopters and drones to inspect the hardest-hit areas.
Ongoing Challenges and Community Solidarity
Although Hurricane Milton has moved away, Florida still faces significant challenges. The swift response from authorities and federal support will be critical in dealing with the storm’s devastating aftermath. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the hardest-hit communities are coming together to rebuild after this natural disaster.
Meta Description: Hurricane Milton strikes Florida with catastrophic force, causing deaths, power outages, and widespread destruction. Over 3 million without power as rescue teams work tirelessly.