Law enforcement in Florida's Pinellas County has been actively engaged in rescue missions following the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. One such mission took place at an apartment complex where 430 residents were rescued from flooding that had reached the second-floor balcony, as reported by a county emergency management official.
Pinellas County is currently facing the daunting task of clearing roads, repairing infrastructure, and restoring critical services after being hit by a series of major hurricanes in quick succession. According to Ashley Giovannetti, the public information officer for Pinellas County Emergency Management, the county experienced a 'one-two punch' with hurricanes Helene and Milton striking less than two weeks apart.
Hurricane Milton brought over 18 inches of rainfall and wind gusts exceeding 100 mph to Pinellas County, causing widespread damage and disruption. As a result, nearly 400,000 homes and businesses, accounting for about 70% of customers in the county, are still without power. Additionally, some residents are facing water service outages, compounding the challenges in the area.
Giovannetti emphasized the need for empathy towards residents who have endured the impact of two major hurricanes, resulting in the loss of homes and livelihoods. Many individuals are now in the process of seeking new places to call home, adding to the urgency of the situation.
County officials are actively working to secure temporary or permanent housing solutions for residents currently housed in shelters. However, the process is expected to take time due to the scale of the displacement and destruction caused by the consecutive hurricanes.
