SUMMARY: A fire occurred last night at Egan Park in St. Pete Beach at 7:28 p.m., prompting the fire department to respond and extinguish it by 1:20 a.m. A second fire broke out at 2 a.m. today, leading to another response from the fire team. Residents are frustrated by a makeshift landfill in the area, where they wake up to see large piles of debris, with a third pile starting to form. The community is seeking answers from the city, fire department, and FEMA about how the fires started, prevention measures, and the future of the landfill site.

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SUMMARY: During Hurricane Milton, Florida experienced a record number of tornadoes, including two EF3 tornadoes in Wellington and Palm Beach Gardens, a rarity in the region. The National Weather Service confirmed 15 tornadoes touched down on October 9, amid conditions commonly associated with severe storms in Texas. Residents faced significant damage, with one homeowner reporting the loss of 80% of roof tiles and debris scattered throughout neighborhoods. Meteorologist Casey Sherman noted that unusual weather conditions, including warmth and humidity, facilitated the formation of these powerful tornadoes. Recovery from the devastation is expected to take substantial time, with one homeowner estimating up to a year.

By Florida standards, the tornado in Wellington and another one in Palm Beach Gardens are monster storms. The National Weather Service confirms they were EF 3s, like you might see in Texas. They’re the only two on record here in the past 17 years.

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SUMMARY: Gas distribution in Florida is gradually improving after major disruptions caused by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Long lines ensued as residents struggled to refuel during evacuations, with over 4 million losing power following Hurricane Milton, which downgraded to a Category 3 storm. GasBuddy reported that 13.6% of Florida’s gas stations were out of fuel, with rates varying by metro area. Governor Ron DeSantis announced the distribution of 2.5 million gallons of free gas to affected residents. Despite criticism from Democratic Chairwoman Nikki Fried regarding the response, expectations for lower gas prices may arise as restoration efforts continue.

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