President Joe Biden will visit Florida for the second time in a little over a week to tour communities devastated by Hurricane Milton. The storm caused widespread power outages, gas shortages, and flooding, with nearly 1 million homes and businesses still without power. Biden is expected to deliver remarks in St. Petersburg, a city hit hard by the storm. The White House approved a disaster declaration to provide federal funding for affected counties, including grants for temporary housing and repairs. The total cost of the damage caused by Milton is estimated to be around $50 billion, with potential economic loss exceeding $160 billion. Biden’s itinerary includes an aerial tour of the affected areas and meetings with federal, state, and local officials.
This visit comes shortly after Biden’s last visit to Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. During that visit, he toured areas impacted by the storm, met with residents and first responders, and received a briefing on the damage. Hurricane Helene hit Taylor County, which has been hit by three hurricanes in a single year. Biden spent time speaking with first responders in Taylor County and surveyed the damage caused by Helene. The back-to-back visits highlight the significant impact of hurricanes on Florida and the need for federal support in the recovery process.
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