Hurricane Milton: Florida recovers after a trail of devastation

A drone view of a pick-up truck driving through a flooded street following Hurricane Milton in Siesta Key, Florida. Milton reached Category 5 strength in the Gulf but weakened to Category 3 by landfall, with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph. The storm surge was less than feared, peaking at 8 to 10 feet.

Beach houses lay in ruins after Hurricane Milton poured its wrath. The hurricane has left at least 14 people dead as it swept through Florida, causing major destruction across the state. Officials in hard-hit counties have urged residents to be cautious of downed power lines, blocked bridges, fallen trees, and ongoing flooding.
(Reuters)

Amid intense rain from Hurricane Milton, a USPS worker examines trucks that were relocated for protection but are now submerged due to flooding from the Anclote River. The storm's impact has led to significant water damage in the area.

The roof of the Tropicana Field is damaged the morning after Hurricane Milton hit the region. Governor Ron DeSantis expressed confidence in the community's resilience, noting the determination of residents as they begin recovery efforts. He emphasized the importance of rebuilding and restoring normalcy in affected areas.
(AP)

The hurricane caused extensive power outages, affecting over 3 million homes and businesses. By Thursday evening, that number had decreased to approximately 2.8 million as restoration efforts began across the state.
(AP)

Rescue operations have saved over 340 people, along with 49 pets. Tampa police reported the death of a woman in her 70s, found under a fallen tree branch. Communities like Sarasota and Anna Maria Island are assessing the damage, with ongoing recovery efforts throughout the state.
(AP)