ST. PETE BEACH, FL, Oct 14, (V7N) — President Joe Biden returned to Florida on Sunday, (Oct 13) to survey the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Milton, just days after assessing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This visit underscores the urgent need for federal assistance as the state grapples with the fallout from two powerful storms in rapid succession.

Hurricane Milton made landfall on October 9 as a Category 3 storm, inflicting widespread destruction across Florida's Gulf Coast, particularly in the Tampa Bay area. Nearly a million residents remain without power, and gasoline shortages are complicating recovery efforts.

Upon arriving at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Biden embarked on a helicopter tour of affected areas, meeting with state and local officials and directly engaging with residents and first responders in St. Pete Beach. Addressing the media in front of a collapsed home, he vowed, “We’re going to do everything we can to get power back in your home and help you build back stronger.”

The devastation from both storms is staggering, with reports indicating over 200 fatalities from Helene and at least 17 from Milton. Coastal communities are reeling from storm surge flooding, wind damage, and tornados spawned by Milton, further complicating recovery efforts.

Amid political challenges, including criticism from Republican leaders regarding the federal response, Biden stressed the need for unity during such crises. “It’s in moments like this we come together to take care of each other, not as Democrats and Republicans, but as Americans,” he emphasized.

Bipartisan support was evident during Biden's visit, with GOP officials like Senator Rick Scott and Representative Anna Paulina Luna in attendance. However, Biden did not engage directly with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, despite an invitation extended to him.

In a show of federal support, the White House outlined ongoing efforts, including the delivery of 1.2 million meals, 300,000 liters of water, and 2 million gallons of fuel by FEMA. More than 250,000 individuals have registered for disaster assistance, and the administration is investing $614 million to strengthen electric grids across affected communities, including $94 million earmarked for Florida.

Local officials expressed gratitude for the federal response. Cathi Perkins, Pinellas County's emergency management director, acknowledged that while recovery is slow, the commitment from both state and federal governments brings hope. “We’re just very grateful that both the state and federal governments are here to help us,” she remarked.

As the community faces a long road to recovery, residents like Paul Giardina remain hopeful. Despite experiencing some damage, he noted the widespread devastation in St. Pete Beach, describing the scene as resembling a war zone.

As recovery efforts proceed, the resilience of Florida's communities shines through, supported by federal assistance and a spirit of unity in the face of adversity.

END/NYC/SMA/