Power has been restored to millions, but thousands still await reconnection.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Governor Ron Desantis ordered voter-related flexibility for election supervisors after massive storm damage. He permitted election officials to make “modest but reasonable, accommodations if they have had damage to any of their voting sites because of the storm.“ Pinellas County experienced damage to 15 precincts from Hurricane Helene before Milton struck.
The governor reported that the Florida Department of Transportation removed 2,200 truckloads of debris, amounting to over 40,000 cubic yards, from the barrier islands near Tampa Bay. Millions of customers have been reconnected to the power grid, though at least ten thousand were still without electric as of Friday.
Residents in Sarasota County have returned to assess the ability to rebuild after the devastation of tornados, storm surges, and flooding. Many are appreciative of the community spirit that supports resilience in the face of catastrophic damages.
Meanwhile, in North Carolina, as the state continues efforts to recover from the terrible destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, first-day early voting broke records on Thursday. Several areas are still under a state of emergency and curfews as cleanup continues and water, power, and internet services are gradually restored. Certain regions are under water boil advisories. Half the public parks in the Asheville area are still closed to the public.
Around six thousand were still without power in North Carolina, as of Friday. About 90 people are still missing three weeks after the flooding and mudslides of Hurricane Helene.
Churches and communities have come together to provide hot meals and supplies. FEMA has six recovery centers situated in North Carolina to help survivors whose homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flooding. The agency is also coordinating supplies for residents. Active-duty Army personnel are assisting city workers in providing rations and bottled water.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For federal, state, and local officials as they oversee recovery efforts.
- For wisdom for state election supervisors as they seek to implement reasonable accommodations for voters after the hurricane damage to precincts.
- For God’s strength and comfort for the survivors of the devastation.
Sources: WLRN, Reuters, Axios, Palm Beach Post, Post and Courier
