Hurricane Milton Devastates Florida, Alters Political Focus

Hurricane Milton has caused widespread devastation across Florida, leaving more than 3.3 million homes without power at its peak and resulting in at least 16 deaths. The Category 3 storm made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, bringing strong winds, torrential rain, and spawning deadly tornadoes that forced mandatory evacuations. In response, over 50,000 utility workers have been deployed to restore power, with 2.2 million customers still without electricity as of Friday. Recovery efforts are underway, including rescues and damage assessments in affected areas such as Siesta Key, which is now partially reopening. Despite the destruction, officials, including Governor Ron DeSantis, remain optimistic about the state's resilience, emphasizing the need for continued support and relief efforts. Additionally, the storm has impacted political activities, directing attention to disaster response as a crucial issue ahead of the upcoming presidential election.