On October 11, 2024, Hurricane Milton wreaked havoc across Florida, particularly impacting the west-central regions. The storm spawned numerous tornadoes and resulted in rainfall exceeding a foot in some areas. In the aftermath, large sinkholes emerged in Polk and Hillsborough counties, prompting local authorities to issue warnings to residents about the potential for further ground instability.
In Bradenton, the destruction was extensive, with dozens of mobile homes severely damaged. Residents returned to find their homes stripped of roofs and debris scattered throughout the community. At least eight fatalities have been reported, and many residents, including retirees, are reconsidering their future in Florida due to the catastrophic impact of the storm.
In response to the devastation, President Joe Biden announced plans to visit Florida on Sunday to assess the damage firsthand. The visit comes amid ongoing recovery efforts and as the administration seeks to reassure affected voters that they are committed to providing assistance. This situation also has political ramifications as Biden aims to counter criticism regarding the federal response to the storms.