
Darkness fell as the storm roared ashore on Florida’s Gulf Coast, unleashing deadly tornadoes and relentless flooding that left millions powerless, shattering communities in its wake.
Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 3 storm, made landfall near Siesta Key in Sarasota County, Florida, on October 10, around 8:30 in the evening.
With winds exceeding 120 mph and torrential rain, the hurricane left a path of devastation, resulting in power outages for more than 1.1 million homes and businesses, particularly in Sarasota, Manatee, and Hardee counties.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) urged residents in an official Facebook post to “continue to shelter in place & remain vigilant.”
As Hurricane Milton approached, multiple tornadoes ripped through St. Lucie County, causing severe damage and fatalities. Sheriff Keith Pearson confirmed “multiple fatalities” at the Spanish Lakes Country Club, a senior community near Fort Pierce.
The exact number of deaths remains unknown as search and rescue teams continue to comb through the area. “They are listening for life,” Pearson said, describing efforts to find survivors amid the wreckage.