In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Floridians are confronting the immense challenge of cleaning up their homes, but many are struggling without adequate electricity and fuel.
Blocked roads from fallen trees and flooding are complicating efforts as fuel suppliers and power companies work to restore essential services. Police are assisting by escorting fuel tankers to areas most in need.
President Joe Biden visited Florida for the second time in two weeks to assess the hurricane damage. Speaking in St. Petersburg, he expressed gratitude to first responders and acknowledged the hardships faced by residents, stating, “They are heartbroken and exhausted, and their expenses are piling up.”
Storm-Related Deaths Rise
The latest reports indicate that Hurricane Milton has caused 23 fatalities, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Fuel Supply Issues Persist
As of early Sunday, nearly 30% of gas stations statewide were out of fuel, with the Tampa-St. Petersburg area experiencing a staggering 77% shortage. Sarasota was at 62%, while Ft. Myers and Naples saw 42% of stations without gas. Over 37 million gallons of fuel have been delivered to Florida ports, and Governor Ron DeSantis announced that public fuel distribution sites in Plant City, Bradenton, and St. Petersburg are providing up to 10 gallons of gas each for free, with additional sites planned.
Power Restoration Underway
By Sunday night, approximately 470,000 customers were still without power, down from nearly 3 million at the peak of the outages. Crews from across the nation are working diligently to restore electricity, with expectations that most will be reconnected by midweek.
Support for Residents
St. Petersburg has set up temporary stations for residents to charge their phones and access essentials like water and batteries, although the city is under a boil water notice due to multiple line breaks.
Urgent Debris Removal Efforts
During a Sunday press conference, DeSantis emphasized the importance of debris removal, announcing that President Biden has approved 100% reimbursement for these costs for 90 days. The state is prioritizing quick approvals for new debris management sites, and cleanup operations are ongoing 24/7.
Federal Assistance Declared
On Saturday, President Biden approved a major disaster declaration for Florida, enabling federal disaster assistance to support recovery efforts across over 30 affected counties. This funding will help with temporary housing and home repairs, along with more than $600 million allocated for energy resilience projects to strengthen the state’s power grid.
Ongoing Flooding Challenges
Flooding remains a significant obstacle to recovery, particularly in Hillsborough County, where Milton dropped 16 inches of rain. Sheriff Chad Chronister noted that recovery is taking longer than expected due to lingering water levels.
The National Weather Service continues to issue flood warnings for several rivers, including the Alafia and Hillsborough. In response to the dangerous conditions, authorities are advising residents in low-lying areas to evacuate.
Community Rescues and Assistance
Hillsborough County crews have conducted over 300 rescues in just 48 hours, with more than 4,000 people receiving assistance through the Activate Hope Line. The Hope bus is actively supporting residents, and families in need of reuniting with loved ones can seek help through the Red Cross.
Gas Station Lines Continue
As gas shortages persist, drivers have been waiting in long lines at stations across the state. Many have relied on word-of-mouth to locate stations with fuel. In Oldsmar, drone footage captured extensive lines at a Thorntons gas station, while Hillsborough County sheriff’s deputies escorted fuel tankers to assist waiting drivers.
Residents are hopeful as supplies begin to arrive, but the road to recovery remains challenging.