President Joe Biden is set to visit Florida for the second time in less than two weeks to tour storm-ravaged communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. Biden is expected to deliver remarks in St. Petersburg, where the area was hit by both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, causing significant damage including flooding, destroyed homes, and power outages. The storm has left nearly 1 million homes and businesses without power as of Sunday morning.
The White House has approved a disaster declaration to provide federal funding for people affected by Hurricane Milton in over half of Florida’s counties, offering grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and loans. The damage caused by the storm is estimated to be as high as $50 billion, with potential economic losses exceeding $160 billion.
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport remains closed due to damage caused by Hurricane Milton, with repairs underway and the airport expected to reopen on Wednesday. The total cost of the damage from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton is estimated to be between $225-250 billion.
President Biden’s itinerary for his visit to Florida includes an aerial tour of affected areas, meeting with federal, state, and local officials, greeting first responders and residents, and delivering remarks in St. Petersburg before departing for Philadelphia. Biden’s previous visit to Florida after Hurricane Helene involved touring the affected areas, speaking with residents and first responders, and receiving a briefing on the storm’s impact.
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