Milton Death Toll Rises to 16, 2.2 Million Still Without Power

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Hurricane Milton has claimed the lives of at least 16 people. Their deaths were spread across eight counties: St. Lucie, Volusia, Citrus, Polk, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Sarasota, and Orange.

Over time, we may see this number change because local agencies are still assessing the damage in their local communities to determine whether certain deaths are directly storm-related. 

Local Rescues

Last night, Governor Ron DeSantis stated 340 people and 49 pets have been rescued since Milton made landfall on Wednesday evening. 

In Tampa alone, over 135 residents were rescued from an assisted living facility. Entire homes were nearly underwater in certain Tampa neighborhoods.