SARASOTA, Fla. — Hurricane Milton has left a path of devastation across Florida, resulting in at least 17 confirmed deaths and causing unprecedented damage to homes, infrastructure, and power systems. Making landfall near Siesta Key in Sarasota County as a Category 3 hurricane, Milton brought with it high winds, torrential rains, and multiple tornadoes, exacerbating the struggle for survival and recovery for millions of residents.
The storm, which hit on Wednesday night, generated life-threatening conditions including 28-foot high sea surges and power outages affecting around 2.5 million homes and businesses, primarily in Florida’s west-central region. Governor Ron DeSantis stated that recovery efforts are ongoing, with more than 50,000 linemen mobilized to restore electricity in the hardest-hit areas.
In the wake of Milton, St. Lucie County reported six fatalities within a retirement community, all attributed to the rapid emergence of a dozen tornadoes that swept through the area in quick succession. Elsewhere, the destruction included structural damages from the fierce winds, with one notable incident involving a crane that toppled onto the office of a major local newspaper in St. Petersburg.
Officials have since discontinued all storm surge and wind warnings now that Milton has moved off the east coast. However, the National Hurricane Center cautioned that the risks remain high due to the lasting impacts of floodwaters, downed power lines, and structurally compromised buildings across the region.
Further complicating the storm’s aftermath, authorities in Pasco County urged evacuations for residents in low-lying areas prone to flooding. This precaution comes as local officials monitor rising river levels, which threaten to exacerbate the already dire situation.
Adding to the human toll, an 83-year-old man suffering from late-stage Alzheimer’s was found deceased in Polk County after wandering away during the storm’s chaos. His body was discovered in floodwaters behind his home, one of the many personal tragedies emerging from the hurricane’s impacts.
In response to the widespread distress, various rescue and recovery operations have been reported. Notably, the Tampa Police Department managed a significant rescue operation, saving 15 individuals from a home destroyed by a fallen tree.
Amid the crisis, controversy arose as a Disney resort faced criticism for charging stranded guests for emergency food supplies. Simultaneously, authorities warned of increased wildlife hazards, including alligators and snakes displaced by the flooding, posing additional risks to returning residents and clean-up crews.
Efforts to manage and mitigate the aftermath of Hurricane Milton are extensive. They include major logistical operations to restore utilities and provide emergency assistance to those in dire need. As communities begin to assess and repair the damage, the true scale of this natural disaster continues to unfold, marking another challenging chapter for the resilient people of Florida.