Hurricane Milton caused widespread damage across Florida, leaving millions without power and destroying structures. However, some areas, such as Sarasota County’s beaches, seemed to have escaped major impact. Despite the devastation, residents like James and Jessica Dupont still found solace in simple pleasures, such as taking their kids to the beach. While many attractions, such as the Salvador Dali Museum, were closed temporarily, they were largely undamaged.
The storm surge was not as severe as predicted, providing some relief to affected communities. However, famous beaches like Siesta Key, Venice, and Lido Key Beach faced significant damage. In St. Petersburg, the roof of Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, was damaged by high winds. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported.
ZooTampa successfully sheltered its animals during the storm, with staff ensuring their safety throughout the night. The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium on Anna Maria City Pier took a direct hit, leading to its closure. Similarly, the Salvador Dali Museum sustained minor damage to its outer dome but was relieved to report that none of the artwork was harmed.
Overall, while Hurricane Milton caused significant destruction across Florida, there were some small pockets of good fortune and resilience demonstrated by residents, emergency responders, and cultural institutions in the aftermath of the storm.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com