VENICE, Fla. — Residents of the Bahia Vista Gulf condominium complex are grappling with renewed devastation as Hurricane Milton makes its mark, just as recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene were underway.
Having previously gutted and dried out their beachfront units, residents now face the daunting task of starting from scratch. The influx of sand from the beach following Milton’s landfall has undone much of the progress made after Helene. Bill O’Connell, a board member at the complex, expressed frustration over the situation, noting the necessity for extensive cleanup and renovations once again.
Longtime Floridians are familiar with the cyclical nature of hurricane season, where storms threaten to disrupt their lives annually. “It’s the price you pay to live in paradise,” O’Connell said, acknowledging that the allure of Florida’s natural beauty comes with inherent weather risks.
Many communities in the state are still assessing the impact of these back-to-back storms. Residents are returning home post-evacuation to find limited fuel supplies, as a fuel shortage grips the area.
President Biden evaluated the damage along Florida’s Gulf Coast and commented on the severe toll inflicted by Milton, which has been described as “cataclysmic.” The hurricane, which made landfall as a Category 3 storm, has been linked to at least 10 fatalities and significant property damage. Rescue efforts saved over a thousand individuals, highlighting the importance of timely evacuations.
In the fishing village of Cortez, Catherine Praught shared her relief after her home survived Milton, although the impending storm had initially triggered “pure panic” for her and her husband. They are hopeful for support from their insurance after extensive damages incurred from Helene.
As cleanup efforts continued, residents in Cortez managed the aftermath, removing debris similarly to their efforts after the previous storm. In Steinhatchee, further scenes of destruction emerged as residents coped with the flooding and damage inflicted by Milton.
Melissa Harden, a local resident, faced substantial challenges after her home sustained flooding despite being elevated. She voiced concerns over the potential for further storms, echoing the sentiments of many residents who are weary of these disasters.
Economic analysts estimate the financial implications of Hurricane Milton could range from $50 billion to $85 billion, driven largely by property damage and economic losses.
Meanwhile, the state government is actively responding to fuel shortages by opening distribution sites where residents can obtain free gasoline. Governor Ron DeSantis indicated that efforts were underway to restore fuel supplies across the state and warned citizens to exercise caution regarding hazards such as downed power lines.
With approximately 930,000 residents still without power as of Sunday morning, recovery continues to be a pressing challenge. National Weather Service meteorologists predict ongoing river flooding in affected areas, complicating recovery further. As the situation unfolds, residents and officials alike remain on high alert for additional challenges posed by the aftermath of these storms.
