Hurricane Milton Slams Florida, Leaving Destruction and Flooding \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm, bringing fierce winds, dangerous storm surges, and widespread flooding. It weakened to a Category 1 as it moved across the state, leaving over 3 million without power and causing at least five confirmed deaths. Several coastal areas, including Punta Gorda and Sarasota, saw severe damage, while emergency responders worked to rescue residents from flooded homes and an assisted living facility in Tampa. President Biden condemned misinformation about the federal response and pledged support for recovery efforts.
Hurricane Milton: Quick Looks
- Landfall Impact: Hurricane Milton made landfall with 120 mph winds, devastating central and western Florida.
- Death Toll: At least five deaths confirmed, with more expected as rescue operations continue.
- Power Outages: Over 3 million customers are without power across Florida.
- Severe Damage: Coastal towns like Punta Gorda and Fort Myers were hit hard by storm surges and tornadoes.
- Government Response: President Biden pledged federal support and criticized misinformation surrounding relief efforts.
- Rescue Efforts: Emergency teams are working to rescue residents trapped by floodwaters in Tampa and other areas.
Deep Look:
Hurricane Milton made landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday evening as a powerful Category 3 storm, packing sustained winds of 120 mph (205 kph). As the cyclone swept inland, it weakened to a Category 1 storm, but not before wreaking havoc across central and western Florida. The storm triggered dangerous storm surges, flooding, and tornadoes, leaving at least five people dead and over 3 million without power, according to state officials.
Milton roared ashore near Siesta Key, south of the Tampa Bay region, sending high winds and heavy rains across densely populated areas, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Fort Myers. Despite weakening, Milton’s remnants continued to dump rain on already saturated ground, raising concerns about ongoing flooding and the long-term impact on affected communities.
Historic Damage in Punta Gorda
In Punta Gorda’s historic district, a 10-foot storm surge from the Peace River swept through streets, damaging homes and displacing boats. Six large vessels were carried inland, landing on streets in the riverside neighborhood. This was the third surge to hit the area in three months, following earlier impacts from Hurricane Debby in August and Hurricane Helene two weeks ago.
One resident, cattle rancher Josh Baldwin, returned to find his 38-foot boat, Alexandra, thrown ashore and leaning against a utility pole. Baldwin had anchored his boat at a marina nearby, but the surge picked it up and carried it several hundred feet inland. “They don’t like to pay out and this place always gets ruined in hurricanes,” Baldwin said, referring to his struggles to get insurance coverage.
The storm surge that battered Punta Gorda has left the town reeling, as homes and businesses grapple with severe flood damage. Emergency responders remain on the scene, but full assessments of the damage will take days or even weeks.
Biden Criticizes Trump Over Misinformation
President Joe Biden, addressing reporters on Thursday, expressed frustration over what he described as misinformation spread by his predecessor, Donald Trump, regarding the federal government’s hurricane response efforts. “Get a life, man,” Biden said when asked about Trump’s claims that federal funding was being diverted or capped at $750. The president emphasized that the government was fully focused on helping affected communities recover and urged Trump to stop spreading false information.
This isn’t the first time Biden has had to address misinformation following a hurricane. Throughout Hurricane Helene’s aftermath, Biden and his administration worked to dispel rumors that federal aid was being withheld from Republican-leaning areas or that assistance was being given preferentially to undocumented immigrants. Biden made it clear that such false claims were hurting those in need and damaging public trust in government relief efforts.
Tampa Rescue Operations
In Tampa, more than 100 residents of an assisted living facility were rescued after floodwaters inundated the area. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Rescue teams worked throughout Thursday morning using amphibious vehicles and marine units to transport residents to safety. Video footage showed deputies wading through waist-deep water, helping residents with walkers and wheelchairs onto boats.
Tampa’s University of South Florida area, which is typically dry, saw unprecedented flooding. Sheriff Chad Chronister, who was on the scene during the rescue operations, described the situation as extraordinary. “To see this unprecedented flooding, I can only imagine how scary it was,” Chronister said, as teams worked to clear flooded streets and parking lots.
The flooding in Tampa is part of a larger pattern of extreme weather across central and western Florida. Residents have described seeing entire streets submerged, with some homes surrounded by water.
Mini-Golf Becomes an Unlikely Attraction
In Orlando, where theme parks were closed due to Hurricane Milton, tourists looked for alternative ways to spend their time. At Congo River Golf, a popular miniature golf spot on International Drive, visitors stood in line to play despite the storm. Craig Greig, visiting from Scotland with his family, noted that although they had hoped to spend the day at Magic Kingdom, mini-golf was an unexpected diversion.
“We just wanted to stretch our legs and get out of the hotel,” Greig said as he prepared to putt alongside baby alligators in the course’s man-made lagoon. “Especially for the little one,” he added, referring to his 10-year-old child. For Greig and many others, it was their first experience with a hurricane, and despite the storm, they remained unfazed by the disruption to their vacation plans.
Repeated Flooding in Altamonte Springs
In Altamonte Springs, north of Orlando, residents are once again dealing with flooding, an increasingly common occurrence after recent hurricanes. Rupert and Ernine Gonzales, who have lived in the Spring Oaks neighborhood for over two decades, noted that flooding had become a regular issue, particularly since Hurricane Ian in 2022. “The city must do something about this flooding, 100%,” Rupert Gonzales said, voicing concerns about the long-term impact on property values.
The Gonzales family is just one of many households in Altamonte Springs dealing with floodwaters that have become a persistent threat. Many residents are concerned that without significant changes to the city’s infrastructure, these storms will continue to wreak havoc on their homes and lives.
Florida’s Sixth Year with Three Hurricanes
Hurricane Milton’s landfall marks the sixth time Florida has experienced three hurricanes in a single year. According to Phil Klotzbach, a senior research scientist at Colorado State University, Florida had similarly busy hurricane seasons in 1871, 1886, 1964, 2004, and 2005. This year, along with Hurricane Debby and Hurricane Helene, Milton has further tested the state’s preparedness and resilience.
While some residents and officials believe Florida was spared the worst with Milton, the cumulative effects of repeated storms are taking their toll on both infrastructure and people. Many areas are still cleaning up from earlier hurricanes as they brace for the next wave of damage.
Rescue Efforts in Fort Myers Beach
In Fort Myers Beach, a small town on Estero Island, damage assessments are underway after the town faced significant flooding and storm surges. Mayor Dan Allers told Fox News that crews are working to clear roads and restore power, but the damage, while severe, was not as catastrophic as last year’s Hurricane Ian.
“We are still dealing with major flooding, but thankfully this time wasn’t as bad as Ian,” Allers said. Despite the challenges, emergency responders have resumed operations in southwestern Florida’s Charlotte County, where the storm caused extensive flooding.
Looking Ahead
As Hurricane Milton continues its path across Florida, residents and officials are bracing for more challenges, including rising river levels and flash floods. Governor Ron DeSantis noted that while the state was spared the worst-case scenario, there is still significant damage, especially in areas like Sarasota County, which saw storm surges of up to 10 feet.
With more than 3 million homes and businesses still without power and search and rescue operations ongoing, Florida is facing a long recovery. President Biden has pledged federal support for the recovery efforts, emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
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