Florida Seniors Struggle After Back-to-Back Hurricanes

Eighty-five-year-old Libbie Bowers faced extensive damage to her belongings after Hurricane Milton swept through her retirement community in Bradenton, Florida, with winds exceeding 100 mph. Despite choosing to stay and regretting her decision, she found support from friends and neighbors during the cleanup process. Many seniors in the area, including Bowers, have struggled to recover from back-to-back hurricanes, Helene and Milton, which have highlighted the inadequacies of structures in communities designed for older adults. While Bowers experienced significant loss, she expressed gratitude for her home remaining intact. Florida's appeal to retirees is now overshadowed by the harsh realities of hurricane preparedness in vulnerable housing. This ongoing storm season has left many in similar situations, signaling a need for improved resilience in senior living environments.