Hurricane Milton Hits Siesta Key, Causes Destruction

Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm, made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, causing widespread destruction across the state as it moved eastward. The storm triggered numerous tornadoes, leading to significant damage and multiple fatalities, particularly in St. Lucie County's Spanish Lakes Country Club neighborhood. Extensive damage includes downed power lines, severe flooding, and destroyed infrastructure, with over 529,000 power outages reported in the Tampa Bay area. Emergency management officials have urged residents to stay indoors due to hazardous conditions, including downed wires and debris. Search-and-rescue missions are ongoing, with emergency shelters open across affected counties. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed 19 tornadoes and emphasized the seriousness of the situation, urging caution and compliance with safety advisories.