Restoring power, clearing debris, and distributing fuel are now the top priorities in Florida as the state continues to reel in the wake of Hurricane Milton. More than 1.5 million residents are without power, and at least 17 fatalities have been confirmed as recovery efforts continue into the weekend.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis stated that efforts are still underway to assist residents and provide resources to hard-hit areas across the state. Parts of western and central Florida continue to face the risk of significant flooding as creeks and rivers rise.
DeSantis emphasized that the state is addressing the need for fuel in heavily impacted areas. Free fuel distribution depots have been opened in Plant City, Bradenton, and St. Petersburg, with more depots expected to open in Hillsborough County and Pinellas County.
Nearly 30% of Florida’s gas stations are reportedly without fuel, according to GasBuddy, a web tool that crowdsources fuel pricing and availability. The Tampa and St. Petersburg area is particularly lacking gasoline, with 78% of stations reportedly out of fuel.
All major highways and bridges in the Tampa Bay area have reopened. Airports across southwest Florida have also resumed normal operations, except for Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, which is expected to reopen Wednesday.
DeSantis noted that while the Tampa Bay area avoided the worst-case scenario of a storm surge of up to 15 feet, strong winds caused considerable damage, and heavy rain led to severe urban and inland flooding.
“Tampa Bay did not get the surge that everyone feared, but what you ended up seeing is just massive — on the north side of the storm — huge amounts of water,” he said. “You did have wind, of course, and that created inland situations where you had a lot of flooding, and water continued to rise even after the storm left.”
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President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for Florida following Hurricane Milton. The declaration allows funding to flow for federal assistance programs.
Individuals affected in 34 Florida counties and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida are eligible for federal support for temporary housing, low-cost loans, and other programs, according to a White House news release. Funding will also support local governments and nonprofits in emergency efforts.
Flooding remains a possibility in parts of the state as river levels are expected to continue rising into next week.
Major hurricanes like Milton can dump enormous amounts of rain over land, causing rivers, lakes, and creeks to swell for days — and sometimes weeks — after the storms make landfall.
Milton’s rainfall totals in the Tampa Bay area reached 18.31 inches in St. Petersburg, 14.01 inches in Clearwater Beach, 11.43 inches in Tampa, and 10.12 inches in Seminole.
Several waterways in the Tampa area, including the Anclote River, Hillsborough River, Withlacoochee River, Cypress Creek, and Alafia River, reached major flood stage on Saturday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
NOAA has four categories to communicate risk to the public regarding rising streams. In a “major” flood stage, the agency expects “extensive inundation of structures and roads,” with possible evacuations.
The Alafia River crested at 24.34 feet on Friday, and while it has begun to slowly recede, forecasts show it will remain in major or moderate flood stage through early next week.
The Hillsborough River near Zephyrhills crested at 17.14 feet early Friday, marking its highest recorded flood level. Hillsborough County officials issued several flood warnings, stating that rising river levels are creating dangerous conditions for residents.
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Officials in Pasco County stated on X that neighborhoods near rivers and lakes are experiencing “historical flooding” and urged residents to seek higher ground immediately.
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office reported that it assisted around 100 residents in a suburban community off Wesley Chapel Boulevard. They advised residents to leave low-lying areas.
Pasco County Fire Rescue conducted a swift-water boat patrol on Saturday, checking water depth and searching for anyone potentially stranded in their homes.
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A heavy current surged down neighborhood streets, with water rising as high as four feet, submerging many mailboxes to the top.
Street signs poked up from the murky depths as rescuers patrolled floodwaters in a candy-apple red inflatable boat.
Keith March, a captain with Pasco County Fire Rescue, noted that the current was deceptively strong and had enough power to carry people away.
“When the river is moving, it can move up to 4,000 pounds per square inch, and you can’t fight that as a human,” March said.
The rescues began to blur for the crew, with memories of Hurricane Helene mixing with operations for Milton.
“We’ve gotten lucky. We haven’t had to deal with any gators or anything so far,” March added.
Water levels are expected to continue rising in the coming days, posing a significant flood risk in low-lying areas of the county, officials stated.
Parts of central Florida are also facing elevated flooding risks due to high water levels in the St. Johns River and Ocklawaha River.