MIAMI - Miami-Dade Democratic sheriff candidate James Reyes issued a statement Thursday after Hurricane Milton brought high winds, flooding rain, and storm surge across Florida's central west coast.
"Our hearts are heavy as we can see the devastation Hurricane Milton has left behind in so many parts of Florida," Reyes said. "The loss and destruction are unimaginable, and we are keeping the affected communities in our prayers."
While making landfall as a Category 3 Hurricane near Siesta Key in Sarasota County, Milton caused extensive damage on Florida's Atlantic coast as well. Specifically, the storm reportedly spawned 38 Tornadoes, including multiple in St. Lucie County that killed at least six people.
Overall, the storm initiated 126 Tornado warnings from the National Weather Service. It also was the second-highest total in the U.S. for a single calendar day, trailing only the Alabama outbreak in 2011.
Moreover, Milton dumped more than 18 inches of rain in St. Petersburg and five to six feet of storm surge in southwest Florida. As of Thursday afternoon, more than three million people were also without power from the storm.
With destruction widespread, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said more than 50,000 linemen were ready to assist with Milton's recovery effort. Former President Donald Trump also hosted 275 linemen from Florida Power & Light at Trump National Doral in Miami with the hurricane approaching.
"Times of tragedy present us with an opportunity to come together, to rebuild and to support one another," Reyes added. "While Miami-Dade was thankfully spared the worst, we cannot rest easy knowing our neighbors are suffering. We will do all we can to support their recovery."
