Floridians continue the recovery process from Hurricane Milton, with over a million people still without power. Residents who evacuated hundreds of miles to escape the storm are slowly returning home, traveling on congested highways, exhausted but thankful to be alive.
“I love my house, but I’m not dying in it,” said Fred Neuman, walking his dog at a rest stop along I-75 near Tampa. Neuman and his wife, who live in Siesta Key, evacuated to Destin in the Florida Panhandle, traveling nearly 500 miles. Their neighbors reported damage to their carport, but Neuman remained optimistic, noting their insurance would likely cover the costs.
In New Port Richey, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office worked to assist residents trapped in their homes after the Anclote River flooded. In nearby Zephyrhills, emergency responders helped evacuate residents from newly built homes spared by the floodwaters, though older homes in the area were not as fortunate. The community has faced repeated flooding from hurricanes Debby, Helene, and now Milton.
Lee and Pamela Essenburm evacuated from their Palmetto home ahead of Milton, fearing the storm could intensify to a catastrophic Category 4 or 5 hurricane. "It’s not worth the risk," Lee said of their decision.
President Biden declared a disaster for the state on Saturday, unlocking federal aid for residents in more than 30 counties. Assistance includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans for uninsured property losses, and other recovery programs.
In Englewood, homeowner Robert Turick and a storm waste contractor worked to clear debris carried into his yard by the storm surge. Milton’s destruction was widespread, killing at least 23 people, tearing the roof off Tampa Bay Rays' stadium, and spawning numerous tornadoes.
Officials credit widespread evacuations for preventing an even higher death toll, with the impact of Hurricane Helene just weeks earlier fresh in people's minds. Craig Fugate, former FEMA administrator, noted, "Helene likely reminded many of the storm risks, especially in coastal areas."
By Saturday evening, more than 1.2 million customers remained without power, with 50,000 workers deployed to restore it. Palm Beach Gardens resident Mia Watson expressed her frustration: “We need power and help out here.”
Unexpected tornadoes also caused significant damage across South Florida. In Wellington, Tony Brazzale watched as a tornado approached, damaging his home and yard. "The hurricane itself wasn’t much, but that tornado did real damage," he said, after spending two days cleaning up.
Milton spawned dozens of tornadoes, one of which killed six people in Spanish Lakes Country Club Village near Fort Pierce. Meteorologists estimate at least 38 tornadoes struck the state, with the National Weather Service issuing 126 warnings. The storm could rank among the top 10 hurricanes for tornado activity.
Governor Ron DeSantis urged residents to remain cautious, warning of ongoing risks from downed power lines and hidden dangers in floodwaters. "This is the time when preventable fatalities can happen," DeSantis said, advising people to stay vigilant during the aftermath.
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