After Hurricane Milton slammed Florida’s Gulf Coast, residents and leaders in the region took to the streets to survey the damage and clean debris. The aftermath in some of the hardest-hit areas showed widespread destruction, with broken water lines, washed-up wood decks, scattered debris, and damaged homes. Locals like Mike Giard, Brian Rhodes, Trish Cloutier, and Karre Willis were seen assessing the damage and beginning the cleanup process. The Cortez Bridge to Anna Maria Island was only open for emergency responders, highlighting the extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Milton.
Residents of Luxor Mobile Home Park in Bradenton, Florida, were seen surveying the damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. Steve Macfarlane and his kids were surprised to find that their tree fort had survived despite the tree toppling on their property. Cindy Herman inspected the damage to her home caused by both Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene, which struck the area two weeks prior. The 7-11 in Bradenton lost the roof over the gas pumps, and sandbags were being loaded in preparation for possible flooding due to the hurricane in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
Debris was scattered throughout neighborhoods, mobile home parks, and business establishments in Charlotte County, Sarasota, Bradenton, and other areas affected by Hurricane Milton. The Iron Block Building in Bradenton and Manatee Fruit’s greenhouses suffered damage from the storm. A plane at the Venice Municipal Airport was overturned, and Sunny Shores Mobile Home Park experienced further destruction. Waterway Condominiums lost sections of their roof, while film canisters and other items were found among the debris in Charlotte County. The Longboat Key community was waiting for assessments from FDOT before access to the island could be restored.
Local authorities urged residents to stay off the roads to allow rescue and restoration crews to survey the damage and begin their work. The Bradenton Police Department’s Crime Reduction Team helped clear trees to assist rescue crews in locating residents who had chosen not to evacuate. Road closures were reported due to downed power lines, fallen trees, and malfunctioning traffic signals. In St. Petersburg, a crowd gathered to witness a fallen crane as the sun rose, showcasing the widespread impact of Hurricane Milton on the region. The community came together to support one another in the aftermath of the storm, with efforts focused on cleanup and recovery following the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton.
