United States President Joe Biden has pledged ongoing assistance to Florida communities impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. During a news conference in St Pete Beach on October 13, Biden acknowledged the significant losses faced by residents, including the deaths of at least 18 individuals and the destruction of over 100 buildings due to the storms.
Hurricane Milton, while less severe than expected, brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region, exacerbating the damage from Hurricane Helene, which struck in late September. The storms have left many neighborhoods flooded and approximately 927,000 customers without power, although efforts to restore electricity are underway.
Biden announced $612 million in funding for energy projects in affected areas, emphasizing the need for federal resources to support recovery efforts. Local officials, including St Pete Beach Mayor Adrian Petrila, have echoed calls for continued federal aid to rebuild their communities.
The response to the hurricanes has sparked political debate, with former President Donald Trump criticizing the Biden administration's handling of the situation. In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris defended the administration's efforts and condemned the spread of misinformation regarding disaster relief.
As recovery efforts continue, the National Weather Service has warned of ongoing flooding risks in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding regions.