SUMMARY: In Central Florida, the importance of flood insurance is highlighted, especially after recent hurricanes, which many insurers classify as flood events. Residents like Claudia have faced significant damage, such as flooded homes, and stressed the struggle of filing claims. Only about 20% of Floridians have flood insurance, often through FEMA, which caps coverage at $250,000 for buildings and $100,000 for contents. Experts warn that without this insurance, homeowners are at significant financial risk due to increasing flood events. While the insurance market remains stable for now, many are still concerned about rising costs and the adequacy of their coverage.

CBS News Miami’s Joe Gorchow reports on the importance of having flood insurance.

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SUMMARY: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that electric service has been restored to four million accounts following Hurricane Milton, marking the fastest recovery for so many accounts. Approximately 170,000 accounts remain without power, especially in Hillsborough County. DeSantis emphasized that over 50,000 linemen worked diligently on repairs. Additionally, fuel is being distributed from Port Canaveral and Tampa, with 2 million gallons provided to gas stations. However, 15.5% of Florida gas stations are out of fuel, particularly in the Tampa/Sarasota area. The average gas price in Florida is $3.10, slightly lower than last month and last year.

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SUMMARY: Chad Mills reports from Lakeland, where residents are grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. Misty Wells describes how her once-safe lakefront home became submerged as floodwaters rapidly encroached. In stark contrast to previous experiences, Lake Bonnie flooded for the first time, impacting multiple homes. Despite their efforts, water levels continued to rise days after the storm, leaving Wells’ home in jeopardy and memories lost. The City of Lakeland is actively working to drain the area, pumping water from Lake Bonnie. Wells, who has flood insurance and temporary accommodations, seeks support for her devastated neighborhood.

It all happened so fast. One second, Misty Wells had a lakefront home. Next second, her home was part of Lake Bonny in Lakeland.

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