Hurricane Milton death toll rises to 14 in Florida
The death toll from Hurricane Milton has climbed to at least 14, with the latest fatality reported in Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa. A woman in her late 70s tragically lost her life when a large tree branch fell on her during post-hurricane restoration efforts. This incident occurred shortly after 11:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, according to a news release from the city.
“Although the storm has passed, its devastation has tragically taken the life of one of our community members,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. “Our thoughts are with the family as they grieve their loved one.”
In St. Lucie County, the situation remains dire as rescue efforts continue. County Sheriff Keith Pearson reported that 25 individuals were rescued from a mobile home park, where six deaths have been confirmed. Rescue teams are tirelessly working through the rubble of destroyed homes, but challenging conditions are hindering their progress.
President Joe Biden has urged residents to exercise caution in the wake of the hurricane. In a message on X, he stated, “To everyone impacted by Hurricane Milton: I urge you to stay inside and off the roads. Downed power lines, debris, and road washouts are creating dangerous conditions. Help is on the way, but until it arrives, shelter in place until your local officials say it’s safe to go out.”
Biden also commended the resilience and unity displayed in the aftermath of the storm, acknowledging the efforts of first responders and community members. “As difficult as these past days have been, we’ve seen incredible courage from so many Americans coming together,” he said.
As recovery efforts continue, gas shortages are becoming a significant issue. By Wednesday morning, over 23 percent of Florida gas stations were out of fuel, with the Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg area particularly affected—more than 59 percent of stations reported being without fuel, according to CBS News and data from GasBuddy.
In addition to ongoing hurricane and storm surge warnings, tornado warnings remain in effect for several cities, further complicating recovery efforts across the region. Residents are urged to remain vigilant as authorities work to restore safety and order.
