by Shirleen Guerra
Recovery in Florida continued Friday morning following Wednesday’s overnight strike of Hurricane Milton that left 12 dead and millions without power.
Reports vary on the number killed, from as low as eight to as many as 14. An estimated three dozen tornadoes were part of the destructive force of high winds along with significant flash flooding.
The storm had reduced from a Category 5 hurricane to a Category 3 when it landed in Sarasota County, about 70 miles from Tampa.
Gov. Ron DeSantis sent out an update outlining state response and recovery efforts for Hurricane Milton, providing updates on immediate response efforts.
The Urban Search and Rescue Teams and the Florida National Guard successfully rescued 999 individuals and 105 animals.
At its peak, the storm knocked out power to nearly 4 million. Friday morning, according to poweroutage.us, that number had dropped to 2.4 million.
“With the full support of the state and the prestaging of over 50,000 linemen, utility companies and telecommunications providers are working hard to restore power and connectivity to these communities as quickly as possible,” DeSantis on Facebook.
He continued, “We are a resilient state, and I have no doubt that Siesta Key and all areas affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton will bounce back. We are here for them every step of the way.”
National Weather Service teams will be checking the damage and strength of suspected tornadoes that hit the region in southeast Florida, where at least six people died.
There are 18 points of distribution mobilizing in Glades, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough and Marion counties; 43 more are waiting to be opened throughout the affected areas, overseen by the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Uber partnered with the state to provide free rides to residents in mandatory evacuation zones who were returning home from local shelters.
There are 23 urban search and rescue teams of 1,600 personnel working across the state with 10 swift water teams. These teams have rescued 306 civilians and assisted 64 others.
There are 6,500 Florida National Guardsmen alongside 2,500Â active members with feet on the ground from other states to help in response to the storm’s catastrophic aftermath.
The Guard supplied 31 rotary wing aircraft, approximately 500 high-wheeled tactical vehicles, 180 high-wheeled tactical vehicles, and over a dozen boats.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has conducted seven rescues, three welfare checks, and two arrests. Over 100 officers are assisting with the aftermath.
There have been 407 health care facilities to report evacuations.
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Shirleen Guerra is a staff reporter for The Center Square. Shirleen attended Odessa College where she completed an apprenticeship through The Odessa American where she previously freelanced.
Photo “Ron DeSantis” by Ron DeSantis.
