Rivers Continue to Flood Weeks After Hurricane Milton & Debris Removal Continues
October 24, 2024 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Rivers Continue to Flood Weeks After Hurricane Milton Passed
Hurricane Milton brought devastation to west Central Florida after making landfall on October 9, but the storm’s impact will last for weeks after it is long gone. The Withlacoochee River which spans 141 miles through several counties, from Polk northward to Levy County, continues to rise following the double-digit rainfall brought by the tropical system, reaching a record high not seen since about 1960. The Anclote River in Pasco County has also experienced significant flooding, cresting at over 26 feet more than 24 hours after the hurricane passed. The rising waters of the Withlacoochee and Anclote rivers have put homes along its path underwater, especially in Hernando and Pasco counties, submerging cars and mailboxes beyond levels ever witnessed for most residents. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and local law enforcement agencies have assisted with high-water evacuations as numerous other households in the drainage basin remain at risk of major flooding. Officials with the Southwest Florida Water Management District say water could continue to rise for a few more weeks. Experts say the cresting Withlacoochee and Anclote rivers is part of the hydrological cycle of how rivers respond to heavy rainfall events. It takes time for water to flow from higher elevation land, often draining toward rivers and streams, plus the saturated ground and high aquifer levels make it difficult for water to absorb into the soil. This excess water can then run off into rivers. Furthermore, as the Withlacoochee River system is large and complex, water levels will peak at different times along its winding course as the floodwater must make its way downstream, causing areas to rise to historic levels. This is despite no added rainfall. Near Dade City, the river rose 5.5 feet in just a few days after Hurricane Milton, and in Trilby, it saw levels increase 10 feet with expectations to rise further. Unfortunately, for the dozens of homes that have flooded, there are no water control structures to divert or drain the river, and residents will have to wait as it naturally recedes. Officials say downstream areas will continue to rise for at least one to two more weeks as peak levels have yet to be seen.
DeSantis Commits State Resources to Hurricane Milton Debris Removal
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced last week that Florida will use state forces to assist with debris removal following Hurricane Milton. In response to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approving a 100% reimbursement rate for debris collection in affected areas for the next 90 days, DeSantis emphasized the importance of acting quickly to take advantage of this funding. Normally, FEMA covers 75%, with state and local governments sharing the remaining cost. He has mobilized over 2,800 personnel from the Florida Department of Transportation, the National Guard, Highway Patrol, and other agencies to focus on storm debris collection in areas like Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. The state is also requiring local governments are required to identify debris sites and report daily removal progress via publicly accessible dashboards. DeSantis called the state's effort "unprecedented," adding that early debris collection would save costs with the federal reimbursement. Though debris is typically a local responsibility, the state is stepping in to speed up the process and aid in disaster recovery. The response matches similar actions after Hurricane Helene, mobilizing state personnel and equipment to haul debris from hard-hit areas along the Gulf Coast.
DeSantis Rejects Limiting Coastal Development Despite Hurricane Risks
In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the destruction brought to many homes near the coast or in floodplains, Governor DeSantis has dismissed suggestions to limit development in these vulnerable, disaster-prone areas. DeSantis maintains that such restrictions are not the government's role, emphasizing property owners' rights to make decisions about their land, stating, "It is not the role of government to forbid them or to force them to dispose or utilize their property in a way that they do not think is best for them." Instead, the Republican governor highlighted the resilience of Florida residents and the persistent demand for coastal living, even in areas recently hit by hurricanes. He noted that after Hurricane Ian, people were quickly buying homes in affected areas, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Florida's coastal regions. The governor's stance comes as Florida faces increasing challenges from climate change and more frequent, intense extreme weather events like hurricanes. While acknowledging the difficulties posed by these natural disasters, DeSantis believes that the state's attractiveness outweighs the risks for many residents and potential newcomers. “There’s always going to be a demand to live in a beautiful part of the world,” he said.
Tampa Races Against Time to Clear Massive Storm Debris
In the wake of back-to-back Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Tampa's Solid Waste Department faces an unprecedented challenge: removing an estimated 1 million cubic yards of storm debris within 90 days. This daunting task, equivalent to clearing 10,000 football fields, is crucial as FEMA will cover 100% of collection costs if completed within this timeframe. Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the urgency, noting the city has deployed 32 municipal trucks and 23 contracted vehicles to meet this deadline while still prioritizing household waste before tackling vegetation and yard debris. The City of Tampa is also increasing hourly rates to attract more haulers and has created an online map for residents to track debris collection progress. Hillsborough County is also working around the clock to remove debris within 90 days, and neighboring Pinellas County is doing the same in unincorporated areas. Pinellas estimates 1 million cubic yards of debris in unincorporated areas alone. As of October 17, Pinellas contractors had collected over 1,161 loads of storm debris, including construction and demolition debris, amounting to 20,833 cubic yards hauled. Meanwhile, municipalities across the region are undergoing the same cleanup effort for their residents, working with local, state, and federal partners to ensure debris is collected as expeditiously as possible.
Judge Blocks DeSantis Administration from Censoring Abortion TV Ads
A federal judge has ordered the Florida Department of Health to stop threatening television stations over abortion-related advertisements supporting Amendment 4, which seeks to overturn the state's six-week abortion ban. U.S. District Judge Mark Walker granted a temporary restraining order, criticizing the state's attempts to silence political speech. The state health department had sent letters to TV stations, threatening criminal prosecution if they continued airing the ads favoring the pro-abortion amendment, claiming it was false and dangerous. State lawyers warned airing it could be considered a second-degree misdemeanor and at least one station pulled the ad after receiving the notice. The ad features a woman who received a potentially life-saving abortion after a cancer diagnosis, claiming Florida's current six-week abortion ban law would have prevented her treatment. While the state argues the ad is “unequivocally false and detrimental to public health,” the judge ruled that the First Amendment protects such political speech.
Hurricanes Wreak Environmental Havoc on Tampa Bay
Following two hurricanes, Tampa Bay has been left in an environmental crisis, exacerbating the region’s already fragile water systems. Following closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene, Milton overwhelmed the area’s stormwater infrastructure, causing more than 160 pollution spills across seven counties. Over 30 waterways across the region were polluted, with an estimated 68 million gallons of spilled pollution reported by local governments and utilities to state environmental regulators. This number is expected to dramatically increase as officials assess their facilities and the impact of widespread failures. The toll already includes millions of gallons of partially treated wastewater dumped into lakes, rivers, and bays as storm surge and historic rainfall crippled treatment facilities. Sewage, gasoline, and stormwater runoff contaminated notable water bodies like Booker Creek, Boca Ciega Bay, and Lake Maggiore. About 38 million gallons of wastewater were dumped into the Manatee River in Bradenton over four days and 3 million gallons overflowed into Tampa Bay from the city’s wastewater plant. St. Petersburg was responsible for 5.9 million gallons of sewage spilling out of more than four dozen manholes into local waterways and neighborhoods. Experts warn the problems faced across the region are likely to be more common in a growing metro with increasingly outdated infrastructure that cannot keep up with growth. Meanwhile, the sewage overflows raise concerns of fecal bacteria, nutrients fueling harmful algal blooms, and pharmaceuticals that linger behind long after the storm has passed. Scientists with the nonprofit Tampa Bay Waterkeeper found unhealthy levels of bacteria in eight of nine area waterways tested for fecal pollution. Six water bodies were reported “poor,” including near the Gandy boat ramp, the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus, the Davis Island boat ramps, and a few parks. Gasoline also contaminated waters in Tampa Bay after boats began to sink or capsize. Other pollutants include stormwater carrying harmful nutrients from Tampa-based phosphate company Mosaic that flowed into Tampa Bay and likely exceeded 17,500 gallons. Now, researchers are monitoring a red tide bloom off the coast in the Gulf, with red tide-causing algae species detected – a plausible consequence of the abundance of pollutants and nutrients that found its way into water bodies following the recent storms.
Foreign Actors Suspected of Amplifying Hurricane Misinformation
In the wake of back-to-back Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which brought devastation to several southeastern states, researchers have uncovered evidence suggesting that foreign adversaries, particularly China and Russia, are amplifying misinformation about the storms on social media platforms. This trend mirrors similar disinformation campaigns observed after previous natural disasters and national tragedies. Analysts at companies that examine social media misinformation have identified instances of Chinese state-linked actors, including accounts masquerading as U.S. citizens, spreading false narratives about Hurricane Helene, and seeking to influence political debate. Russian involvement has also been noted, with state-controlled media outlets sharing manipulated images, such as AI-generated photos of a flooded Walt Disney World following Hurricane Milton. These tactics align with broader anti-Western propaganda efforts by both countries and aim to undermine public trust in U.S. government leadership at federal and local levels. State-owned Russian media companies and social accounts that frequently promote pro-Kremlin stories pushed false accounts and shared fake images about flooding and other storm-related impacts. Meanwhile, a state-funded Chinese radio station publicized Trump’s claim that disaster relief funds were funneled to migrants as a Chinese social media website reported such funds went “to support illegal immigration programs.” The spread of misinformation has complicated relief efforts and distorted public understanding of available assistance. Conspiracy theories range from claims about FEMA aid to allegations of weather manipulation. While U.S. officials are combating storm-related misinformation, they have not explicitly blamed foreign adversaries. However, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell described the current wave of misinformation as "absolutely the worst" she has ever seen. Experts warn that such foreign-driven misinformation campaigns serve to exacerbate political polarization and portray the U.S. as chaotic and a global power in decline.
Florida’s Largest Insurer Deny Hurricane Claims
The state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, Florida's largest property insurer, is under fire for reportedly denying 77% of claims related to Hurricane Debby, which struck in early August. This high denial rate has raised concerns about potential similar outcomes for claims from recent Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Across all Florida insurers as of September 27, 51% of residential claims for Debby were closed without payment, according to a report by the nonprofit news publication NOTUS. While reporting indicates the majority of denied claims were flood-related, which is not covered by traditional property insurance policies, Citizens’ policyholders that reside in special flood hazard areas (SFHA) must secure and maintain a flood policy, per Senate Bill 2A that passed in 2022. By 2027, the legislation requires all Citizens’ policyholders to carry separate flood insurance. Created as a not-for-profit last resort option for homeowners facing challenges securing property insurance, Citizens now holds over 1.2 million active policies. This surge in policyholders comes as private insurers have retreated from the market due to financial pressures. U.S. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) opened an investigation into the state-run insurer earlier this year, citing concerns about Citizens' financial stability, warning the insurer could face billions in losses from a catastrophic hurricane. Despite these worries, Citizens CEO Tim Cerio maintains the company is structured to protect policyholders and pay claims. However, as the insurer has shifted policies back to private carriers, Floridians are already paying significantly higher insurance rates than the national average, and questions arise about the feasibility of recovering potential losses.
DeSantis Blames Gas Shortage on Station Owners, State Law 'Loophole'
As Florida was crippled by fuel supply shortages in the immediate wake of Hurricane Milton, Gov. DeSantis pointed to a loophole in state law and the reluctance of gas station owners to use generators as key reasons for the chaos. During a news conference last week, DeSantis explained that many gas stations along emergency routes, although equipped to accept generator power, lacked generators or hesitated to deploy them. Florida law mandates stations built after 2006 be generator-compatible, but it doesn’t require every station to have one on-site. DeSantis criticized the law, saying some corporations avoid the requirement by relying on power companies to restore electricity instead. Many stations opted to wait for power to return rather than manage generators, hoping that grid repairs would be completed within 48 hours. DeSantis suggested revisiting the law but was cautious about state intervention. "Fuel is in the private sector, and we’re not Venezuela," he said. To alleviate the shortage, the state implemented free fuel distribution sites across the impacted areas of west central Florida, offering up to 10 gallons per vehicle. DeSantis framed this as a benefit of the state's budget surplus.
Florida Condo Market Faces Crisis as Sales and Prices Plummet
Fort Lauderdale's condominium market is experiencing a significant downturn, with sales plummeting 14% in the third quarter of 2024. Only 386 condo units were sold during this period, and the median price dropped 3.9% to $427,500, according to a recent report by real estate appraisal and consulting firm Miller Samuel. This trend is part of a broader crisis affecting South Florida's condo market, with major cities seeing substantial drops in sales and rising inventory levels. The situation is exacerbated by new state laws requiring condo owners to undergo structural surveys following the deadly Champlain Tower South collapse in 2021. The inspections, aimed at preventing further tragedies, have driven up costs for condo owners, many of whom are struggling to afford the required repairs. Miller Samuel says high mortgage rates, rising insurance costs, and recent hurricanes are also contributing to the slowdown in sales. While prices remain high in some markets, buyer demand is falling, causing experts to predict a market correction as prices adjust to changing sentiment. Fort Lauderdale isn't alone in facing this downturn. Miami Beach and the surrounding barrier island market saw sales drop by 23%, with inventory for condos jumping 40.6% in this year’s third quarter. Meanwhile, Palm Beach defied the trend, posting a 70% increase in sales but also a spike in inventory.
Universal Orlando Sets Opening Date for Epic Universe Theme Park
Universal Orlando Resort has officially announced that its highly anticipated new theme park, Epic Universe, will open on May 22, 2025. Ticket sales will begin in phases, with the first round starting on October 22, 2024. Initial offerings will include multi-day packages that incorporate one day at Epic Universe. Annual passholders will have early access to single-day tickets starting October 24. The new park will feature five immersive worlds, including Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe, and Celestial Park. Epic Universe will be Orlando’s first new major theme park since 1999 and will be larger than Universal’s other nearby parks. Universal Orlando has also announced their new 500-room Helios Grand Hotel, located adjacent to the new theme park, will begin taking reservations this week for stays beginning on the opening day for Epic Universe. Two other nearby hotels, Stella Nova and Terra Luna, are set to open in early 2025.
Recent Hurricanes Devastate Florida Agriculture
Florida farmers and ranchers could face up to $2.5 billion in damages from Hurricane Milton, potentially doubling the agricultural destruction from three other storms—Idalia, Debby, and Helene—since August 2023, according to Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson. The preliminary estimate, outlined in a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, calls for immediate federal aid to help the state's agriculture sector recover. “Our agriculture communities have been hit repeatedly, causing unprecedented financial strain,” Simpson wrote. Milton’s damaging winds of 120 mph affected 51 counties and followed destruction from Idalia, Debby, and Helene, which had already caused $1.5 billion in agricultural losses. The report found significant damage to nurseries, cattle ranches, and crops including vegetables, cotton, peanuts, citrus, and tropical fruits. Power outages disrupted dairy operations, and the citrus industry, already facing a low production season, is dealing with severe fruit loss and concerns about tree mortality due to flooding. Simpson emphasized the need for federal support to help farmers rebuild, noting that many areas are still recovering from 2022’s Hurricane Ian, which caused up to $1.89 billion in losses.
Rays Search for Stadium to Play 2025 Season After Tropicana Field Damage
The Tampa Bay Rays are confronting a major challenge following the destruction of their home stadium, Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, following the recent hurricane. Reports suggest the stadium may not be playable for the 2025 MLB season after the Category 3 storm tore off part of its roof, forcing the team to seek alternative venues. Access to Tropicana Field has been severely restricted due to safety concerns, including structural integrity issues, with the damage extending beyond the playing field and exposing team offices to the elements. The Rays were already planning to move into a new ballpark in 2028, with construction set to begin in 2025, further complicating potential repair decisions for Tropicana Field. Possible alternatives for their March 27 season opener include nearby Spring Training stadiums such as the New York Yankees’ Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the Philadelphia Phillies’ BayCare Park in Clearwater, and even the Rays’ training facility in Port Charlotte. Other alternative venues being explored are Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Orlando’s Camping World Stadium, and even Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Puerto Rico. All pose challenges to being a suitable playing site for a professional baseball team, including significant upgrades that would be necessary to meet MLB standards for regular-season games and scheduling constraints with existing teams. Moreover, most of the replacement sports venues in Florida lack a roof covering, making them susceptible to unbearable summer heat and frequent rainstorms. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stated that the league aims to find a solution for the Tampa Bay Rays to stay in their local market, either by repairing Tropicana Field or securing an interim home in the area. He emphasized the importance of keeping the team in the Tampa Bay region and avoiding a potential relocation that could impact fan engagement.
Florida's Orange Crop Devastated by Hurricane Milton, Industry Faces New Crisis
Hurricane Milton has dealt a severe blow to Florida's citrus industry, impacting an estimated 70% of the state's most productive orange groves. This latest disaster compounds the challenges faced by citrus farmers, who have been grappling with multiple hurricanes and the persistent citrus greening disease over the past two decades. According to Florida Citrus Mutual CEO Matt Joyner, the industry was already struggling before Milton struck. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's October survey projected a 16% decline in orange production for the 2024-2025 season, with only 15 million boxes expected - a forecast made before the hurricane's landfall. The timing of Milton's arrival is particularly devastating, coinciding with the early orange harvest. Farms are reporting substantial fruit loss, with more expected in the coming weeks. This damage is likely to significantly impact the harvest and drive up orange and orange juice prices, which are already near record highs. The citrus industry's recent history of hurricane damage is sobering. Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused losses of 30-70% across all citrus-producing counties, with damages exceeding $700 million. Hurricane Ian in 2022 resulted in an estimated $1 billion in agricultural losses.
Tampa Bay Crisis Hotline Receives Spike in Calls Following Hurricanes
Tampa Bay’s Crisis Center has received nearly 2,500 storm-related calls in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, highlighting the widespread impact of the disasters on the community's mental health and basic needs. The center reported over 1,000 hurricane-specific calls following Helene and nearly 1,500 after Milton, with local residents seeking help with sandbags, shelter, food, and debris removal. Notably, the center reports that 90% of these calls also required emotional support, underscoring the psychological toll of the hurricanes. These numbers represent a significant increase from their typical weekly call volume of 2,000. While suicide-related calls haven't increased, long-term behavioral health impacts are anticipated from the 2024 hurricane season as recovery efforts continue.
Phosphate Plant Spills Polluted Water in Tampa Bay After Hurricane
Hurricane Milton's heavy rainfall caused a breach in the water collection system at Mosaic’s Riverview phosphate plant, likely spilling polluted water into Tampa Bay, according to a company statement. The Riverview facility stores phosphogypsum, a byproduct containing radioactive materials, and received nearly 15 inches of rain during the storm. Mosaic reported that stormwater likely entered a drainage outfall connected to the bay but described the water quality issues as “modest.” While the exact amount of water spilled is unknown, the company indicated it could exceed the 17,500 gallons that require regulatory reporting. Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection is collecting water samples to assess the spill's impact.
Pinellas County Tourism Officials Launch "Still Shining" Campaign After Hurricanes
Tourism officials in Pinellas County are working to counter negative perceptions and attract visitors back to the area in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Despite destruction from the storms making national and international headlines, the area’s official tourism marketing agency, Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, has initiated the "Still Shining" campaign, emphasizing the region's resilience and ongoing appeal despite recent damage. Officials are collaborating with county and city leaders to present a unified message that emphasizes that the region remains open for visitors, especially as snowbirds prepare for their annual migration to Florida. "We want to show that we’re still here and the sun is still shining," the organization’s chief marketing officer Steve Grimes said. While some areas are still recovering, many hotels, restaurants, and other amenities are back in business. The focus is on communicating "damage, not destruction," acknowledging challenges but balancing the need to attract visitors with sensitivity to ongoing recovery efforts. The county's strategy is to focus on the region’s enduring attractions aside from the beaches, such as golf courses and arts and culture, to draw in visitors, particularly Floridians looking for staycations.
Historic Ocean Liner Set to Become World's Largest Artificial Reef off Florida Coast
The historic SS United States, once a luxury ocean liner, is set to become the world's largest artificial reef off the coast of Destin, Florida, in a move expected to boost eco-tourism. Okaloosa County acquired the 990-foot ship after a long legal battle and plans to sink it in the Gulf of Mexico to create a new diving and fishing hotspot. The $10.1 million project is part of the county's broader initiative to enhance artificial reefs, which serve as vital habitats for marine life and drive tourism. The ship will soon undergo preparation before its submersion in 2026. County officials expect the reef to attract divers and anglers from around the globe. In addition to the reef, a museum is planned to showcase the ship's history.
Storm-Damaged Albert Whitted Airport Faces Extensive Repairs
St. Petersburg's Albert Whitted Airport is grappling with significant damage from the recent hurricanes, prompting officials to expand their renovation plans. Airport manager Rich Lesniak reported that the storms damaged lighting systems, eroded a runway safety area, and collapsed hangars. In response, an evaluation committee has selected four consulting and design firms to oversee approximately nine initiatives at the waterfront municipal airport. The selection process, initially planned for three firms, was expanded due to the unexpected storm impacts. The airport is also considering a potential runway extension into the bay, which if approved, would be the most significant of all projects. The consulting firms selected to manage repair projects were chosen for their project experience following other natural disasters and environmental expertise, with a focus on storm-hardening projects. Airport officials emphasized the importance of firms' ability to secure grants, given the increased costs associated with storm damage. With the repair and renovation work at Albert Whitted Airport, plans are also calling for modernization that accommodates advanced air mobility services, preparing the small airport for the future and expanded development.
Bucs Owners Double Hurricane Relief Donation
Following the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Glazer family, have doubled their hurricane relief donation. After initially pledging $1 million following Helene, they announced an additional $1 million after Milton, bringing their total contribution to $2 million. The storms brought intense storm surges, torrential rain, and heavy winds, causing significant damage to the surrounding communities of Tampa Bay.
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It's hard to sympathize with a state full of climate change deniers, including their denier governor they voted in. We've already seen too many climate refugees up north and the destruction is going to get much worse. It's far to late to do anything about climate change, but it's not to late to learn how to protect your loved ones as much as is possible. It would help if some of your tax dollars were spent on protecting people and critical infrastructure better. The endless blank check rescues cost a great deal more than getting prepared and also some areas should be abandoned. That is something regular people need help with.