Floridians face a fuel shortage while recovering from Hurricane Milton, with Governor DeSantis responding by opening fuel distribution sites. Residents return to assess damage exacerbated by the storm, leading to a significant economic impact, while federal support is being sought to aid in recovery efforts. The ongoing safety risks from flooding and power outages complicate the recovery process.
Floridians are grappling with a fuel shortage in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, with many residents, including Daniel Thornton and his young daughter, enduring long waits at gas stations that are running dry. Thornton, who has been waiting for hours at a St. Petersburg station, shared his frustrations, stating, “They told me they have gas coming but they don’t know when it’s going to be here. I have no choice. I have to sit here all day with her until I get gas.” In response to the fuel crisis, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the initiation of three fuel distribution sites in the state, with plans to open additional locations, offering residents up to 10 gallons of gasoline free of charge. DeSantis asserted, “Obviously as power gets restored … and the Port of Tampa is open, you’re going to see the fuel flowing. But in the meantime, we want to give people another option.” Assistance was also rendered in the form of replenishing tropical fuel stocks and providing generators to gas stations lacking power. As those returning home assessed the storm’s damage, many found their homes severely impacted. Bill O’Connell recounted how Hurricane Milton further devastated properties previously repaired after Hurricane Helene, stating, “It reflooded everything that was already flooded, brought all the sand back on our property that we removed.” Communities, such as the fishing village of Cortez, were left to recover from the compounded destruction. Resident Mark Praught lamented, “Everything is shot,” expressing the challenges of restoration after enduring two severe hurricanes. His wife, Catherine, shared the feelings of distress and uncertainty upon being forced to evacuate due to hurricane warnings, yet remained hopeful for assistance from their insurance company. As recovery efforts began, Jen Hilliard illustrated the communal spirit, exclaiming, “You roll with the punches. Community is the best part, though. Everybody helping each other.” Hilliard, who recently relocated to Florida, described her involvement in aiding friends whose homes were inundated during the storms. The toll from Hurricane Milton, which reached a Category 3 hurricane intensity, is grave, with at least ten lives lost and widespread hazards persisting. Gov. DeSantis highlighted the rescue of over a thousand individuals post-storm, as President Biden is set to survey the damage and discuss funding for disaster relief, stressing the need for congressional action to support FEMA and the Small Business Administration during the ongoing hurricane season. In a grim assessment, Moody’s Analytics projected economic damages could surpass $85 billion, spurred by extensive property loss and diminished economic output. Amidst ongoing recovery, Governor DeSantis has warned communities to remain cautious as safety threats continue, with 1.3 million residents still without power. National Weather Service Meteorologist Paul Close remarked on the continuing rise of local rivers, exacerbated by recent rainfall, though a respite from additional precipitation is forecasted, allowing a temporary reprieve for recovery efforts.
Hurricane Milton has led to a significant fuel shortage in Florida, complicating the recovery process for residents returning home after evacuation. The state government has initiated measures to distribute fuel and provide support to gas stations across the affected areas. The aftermath of Milton has unveiled extensive damage, particularly in communities previously impacted by Hurricane Helene, resulting in a dual crisis scenario for many Floridians. Additionally, the economic repercussions of the hurricane are anticipated to be vast, prompting federal attention and assistance as communities strive to navigate the challenges of recovery amidst continued threats such as flooding and power outages.
The situation in Florida delineates the challenges faced by communities recovering from Hurricane Milton amid a critical fuel shortage and extensive property damage. The proactive measures undertaken by state officials, including fuel distribution initiatives, illustrate the ongoing efforts to support residents during this crisis. The economic ramifications are expected to be profound, with federal assistance on the horizon as the state grapples with the dual impacts of two hurricanes in quick succession. Residents remain hopeful for aid and collective community action as they tackle the daunting recovery ahead.
Original Source: fortune.com
