ORLANDO, Fla. — (AP) — Florida residents repaired damage from Hurricane Milton and cleaned up debris Friday after the storm smashed through coastal communities and tore homes to pieces, flooded streets and spawned a barrage of deadly tornadoes.
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At least eight people were dead, but many expressed relief that Milton wasn’t worse. The hurricane spared densely populated Tampa a direct hit, and the lethal storm surge that scientists feared never materialized.
Arriving just two weeks after the devastating Hurricane Helene, the system flooded barrier islands, tore the roof off the Tampa Bay Rays ' baseball stadium and toppled a construction crane.
As residents assessed damage to their property, over 2.5 million customers in Florida remained without power Friday morning, according to poweroutage.us. But the state’s vital tourism industry started to return to normal, with several theme parks preparing to reopen.
Watch: Flooding along St. Johns River remains major concern after Hurricane Milton
A flood of vehicles headed south Thursday evening on Interstate 75, the main highway that runs through the middle of the state, as relief workers and evacuated residents returned to assess the aftermath. Bucket trucks and fuel tankers streamed by, along with portable bathroom trailers and a convoy of emergency vehicles.
As residents raced back to find out whether their homes were destroyed or spared, finding gas was still a challenge. Fuel stations were still closed as far away as Ocala, more than a two-and-a-half-hour drive north of where the storm made landfall as a Category 3 near Siesta Key in Sarasota County on Wednesday night.
Natasha Ducre and her husband, Terry, were just feeling lucky to be alive. Milton peeled the tin roof off of their cinderblock home in their neighborhood a few blocks north of the Manatee River, about a 45-minute drive south of Tampa.
Hurricane Milton A Port Orange, FL mobile home's wall was ripped away by Hurricane Milton in Oct. 2024. (Nick Papantonis)
Hurricane Milton A woman walks through flood waters to get food after Hurricane Milton blew through South Daytona, FL in Oct. 2024. (Nick Papantonis)
Hurricane Milton Police watch as a car is towed in Port Orange, FL following Hurricane Milton in Oct. 2024. (Nick Papantonis)
Hurricane Milton A car submerged in a pond after Hurricane Milton blew through Port Orange, FL in Oct. 2024. (Nick Papantonis)
Hurricane Milton SoDo District (Jason Kelly /Jason Kelly)
Hurricane Milton Lake Davis (Jason Kelly /Jason Kelly)
Hurricane Milton (Jason Kelly /Jason Kelly)
Hurricane Milton SoDo District (Jason Kelly /Jason Kelly)
Hurricane Milton SoDo District (Jason Kelly /Jason Kelly)
Hurricane Milton Lake Cherokee (Jason Kelly /Jason Kelly)
Hurricane Milton Lake Cherokee (Jason Kelly /Jason Kelly)
Hurricane Milton Lake Davis (Jason Kelly /Jason Kelly)
Hurricane Milton Weather A house loses its awning after Hurricane Milton on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Tampa. (Jefferee Woo/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Jefferee Woo/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A tree falls on the sidewalk in downtown in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Tampa. (Jefferee Woo/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Jefferee Woo/AP)
APTOPIX Hurricane Milton Weather Debris along Commonwealth Drive clogs the roadway after Hurricane Milton made landfall nearby Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Siesta Key, Fla. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A man negotiates driving through flood waters into a community surrounded with floodwaters the morning after Hurricane Milton hit the region, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Debris and an awning of a gas station sits on the ground the morning after Hurricane Milton hit the region, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather This photo provided by Orange County Fire Rescue Department shows OCFRD along with OCSO working on water rescues after Hurricane Milton early Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 near Orlando, Fla. (Orange County Fire Rescue Department via AP) (Uncredited/AP)
Hurricane Milton High water is seen near Hillsborough street in the aftermath of hurricane Milton, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A fallen tree lays over the street in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Valrico, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A traffic light hangs low as flood waters cover a road the morning after Hurricane Milton hit the region, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A house, center, lies toppled off its stilts after the passage of Hurricane Milton, alongside an empty lot where a home was swept away by Hurricane Helen, in Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island, Fla., Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A water rescue boat moves in flood waters at an apartment complex in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Hurricane Milton High water is seen on Hillsborough street in the aftermath of hurricane Milton, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A house lies in ruins after sustaining tornado and flood damage from Hurricane Milton, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Matlacha, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) (Marta Lavandier/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A construction crane fell over into an office building that houses the Tampa Bay Times headquarters, after Hurricane Milton, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Uncredited/AP)
APTOPIX Hurricane Milton Weather A water rescue boat moves in flood waters at an apartment complex in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
APTOPIX Hurricane Milton Weather Small boats rests on a pier after they were unmoored during Hurricane Milton, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Fort Myers, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) (Marta Lavandier/AP)
APTOPIX Hurricane Milton Weather A car is submerged in flood water at an apartment complex in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather People are rescued from an apartment complex in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather People await being rescued from an apartment complex in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A water rescue team member walks through flood waters at an apartment complex in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A man and child leave a rescue boat after high flood waters entered their apartment in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A house lies toppled off its stilts after the passage of Hurricane Milton, in Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island, Fla., Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Houses lie in ruins after sustaining tornado and flood damage from Hurricane Milton, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Matlacha, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) (Marta Lavandier/AP)
APTOPIX Hurricane Milton Weather The roof of the Tropicana Field is damaged the morning after Hurricane Milton hit the region, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
APTOPIX Hurricane Milton Weather Drone images above Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, show the shredded roof of the dome and the cots on the field, set up for first responders, among the debris, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Max Chesnes/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (MAX CHESNES/AP)
Hurricane Milton
Possible Tornado Conway area of Orange County
Hurricane Milton Weather An aerial view of Tropicana Field's shredded roof in downtown St. Petersburg, Fla., in the wake of Hurricane Milton early Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (Max Chesnes/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (MAX CHESNES/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A car sits in high water in front of a home in the aftermath of hurricane Milton, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A car sits in high water in front of a home in the aftermath of hurricane Milton, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: Brandon Marlow walks through surge waters flooding the street after Hurricane Milton came ashore in the Sarasota area on October 09, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. People are waiting to assess the damage after the Cat 3 hurricane came ashore. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Weather A downed tree lies across a road after the passage of Hurricane Milton, in downtwon Tampa, Fla., Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A downed tree lies across a road after the passage of Hurricane Milton, in downtown Tampa, Fla., Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather The Ponce De Leon Hotel sign fell to the ground after Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in St Petersburg. (Lauren Peace/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Lauren Peace/AP)
Hurricane Milton Volusia County
Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton Clearwater
Hurricane Milton Clearwater
Hurricane Milton Winter Garden
Hurricane Milton Clearwater
Hurricane Milton Volusia County
Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: A woman in a wheelchair makes her way along a downtown sidewalk as Hurricane Milton makes landfall on October 09, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though avoiding the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: A person walks through surge waters after Hurricane Milton made landfall in the Sarasota area on October 09, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though veering south of the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports.. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Weather Doug Manning surveys damage to his Siesta Key, Fla., home after Hurricane Milton made landfall nearby Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (CHRIS URSO/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Doug Manning walks to his home along Commonwealth Drive after Hurricane Milton made landfall nearby Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Siesta Key, Fla. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (CHRIS URSO/AP)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: A person walks through surge waters after Hurricane Milton made landfall in the Sarasota area on October 09, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though veering south of the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports.. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida SARASOTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 10: Storm debris after Hurricane Milton October 10, 2024 in Sarasota, Florida. The storm made landfall at Siesta Key. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: Surge waters flood the street after Hurricane Milton made landfall in the Sarasota area on October 09, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though veering south of the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports.. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: Brandon Marlow walks through surge waters flooding the street after Hurricane Milton came ashore in the Sarasota area on October 09, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. People are waiting to assess the damage after the Cat 3 hurricane came ashore. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: A television reporter stands on a downtown street as Hurricane Milton makes landfall on October 09, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though avoiding the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: People walk along a street through the wind and rain after power was knocked as Hurricane Milton made landfall in the Sarasota area on October 09, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though veering south of the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports.. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida SARASOTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 10: Boats at Marina Jack following Hurricane on Milton October 10, 2024 in Sarasota, Florida. The storm made landfall at Siesta Key. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: A television reporter stands in a downtown street as Hurricane Milton makes landfall on October 09, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though avoiding the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: A television reporter stands on a downtown street as Hurricane Milton makes landfall on October 09, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though avoiding the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida SARASOTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 9: Wind and rain batter the area as Hurricane Milton approaches on October 9, 2024 in Sarasota, Florida. Milton, which comes just after the recent catastrophic hurricane Helene, will hit Florida's central Gulf Coast and is expected to make landfall with destructive winds and flooding. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: Members of the media work in flooded streets after Hurricane Milton made landfall in the Sarasota area on October 09, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though veering south of the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports.. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida PORT CHARLOTTE - OCTOBER 10: A boat rests on a road after Hurricane Milton came ashore on October 10, 2024, in Port Charlotte, Florida. The storm came ashore as a Category 3 hurricane in the Siesta Key area of Florida, causing damage and flooding. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Weather Amy Sapanara, of Pinellas, Fla., walks with her dogs, Frankie and Dudley, near the hotel where she's taking shelter during Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Volusia County pounded by dangerous winds as Hurricane Milton moves away from Florida
Putnam County Milton damage The Crill Avenue underpass was closed Wednesday prior to the storm due to flooding.
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida PORT CHARLOTTE - OCTOBER 10: A boat rests on a road after Hurricane Milton came ashore on October 10, 2024, in Port Charlotte, Florida. The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in the Siesta Key area of Florida, causing damage and flooding throughout Central Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Weather Davis Jones, an insurance adjuster from Biloxi, Miss., looks out the door of the hotel where he is riding out Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather The roof of Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays, appeared to be badly damaged as Hurricane Milton passes Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Debris covers the ground near a crane that fell onto a building along 1st Avenue South in St. Petersburg, Fla., as Hurricane Milton's strong winds tore through the area Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
Clay County Sheriff's Office Clay County Sheriff's officials gathered Thursday morning before hitting the streets to survey damage from Hurricane Milton. (Clay County Sheriff's Office)
St. Johns County Flood damage St. Johns County flooding Thursday morning in the wake of Hurricane Milton
St. Johns County Flood damage St. Johns County flooding Thursday morning in the wake of Hurricane Milton
St. Johns County Flood damage St. Johns County flooding Thursday morning in the wake of Hurricane Milton
More than 3 million without power as Hurricane Milton slams Florida, causes deaths and flooding
Hurricane Milton A group is silhouetted against a fallen crane along 1st Avenue South near the Tampa Bay Times offices in St. Petersburg, Florida, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, as Hurricane Milton's strong winds tore through the area. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
Hurricane Milton Joe Lindquist, 32, of St. Petersburg, walks over bricks near a fallen crane along 1st Avenue South near the Tampa Bay Times offices in St. Petersburg, Florida, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, as Hurricane Milton's strong winds tore through the area. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather The roof of Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays, appeared to be badly damaged as Hurricane Milton passes Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
Hurricane Milton A crane is seen across 1st Avenue South near the Tampa Bay Times offices in St. Petersburg, Florida, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, as Hurricane Milton's strong winds tore through the area. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Police respond to a traffic accident between a car and a fire truck returning from a call, on near-deserted streets in downtown Tampa, Fla., during the approach of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A crane falls onto a building along 1st Avenue South in St. Petersburg, Fla., as Hurricane Milton's strong winds tore through the area Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
Damage in Cocoa Beach, Florida after Hurricane Milton
Flooding in Florida after Hurricane Milton
Damage in Cocoa Beach, Florida after Hurricane Milton
Damage in Cocoa Beach, Florida after Hurricane Milton
Flooding in Florida after Hurricane Milton (Accuweather)
Flooding in Florida after Hurricane Milton
Damage in Cocoa Beach, Florida after Hurricane Milton
Heavy rain and winds in Florida during Hurricane Milton
Damage in Cocoa Beach, Florida after Hurricane Milton
Flooding in Florida after Hurricane Milton (Accuweather)
Heavy rain and winds in Florida during Hurricane Milton
Transformer blows in Florida during Hurricane Milton
Heavy rain and winds in Florida during Hurricane Milton
Flooding in Florida after Hurricane Milton (Accuweather)
Damage in Cocoa Beach, Florida after Hurricane Milton
Tropicana Field's roof torn off by Hurricane Milton's winds Photo contributed by WTSP TV (contributed by NewsPath) (WTSP TV (contributed by NewsPath) /WTSP TV (contributed by NewsPath))
Heavy rain and winds in Orlando, Florida as Hurricane Milton moves through (WSB-TV)
Heavy rain and winds in Orlando, Florida as Hurricane Milton moves through (WSB-TV)
Heavy rain and winds in Orlando, Florida as Hurricane Milton moves through (WSB-TV)
Hurricane Milton Weather The roof of Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays, appeared to be badly damaged as Hurricane Milton passes Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
APTOPIX Hurricane Milton Weather Chris Nation, of Commerce, Ga., climbs a tree and gestures while hanging out with coworkers outside the hotel where they are riding out Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. Nation, who works for a towing company, was deployed with colleagues to Florida to aid in the aftermath of the storm. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Volusia County Sheriff's Office Hurricane Milton Volusia County Sheriff's briefing with high water rescue teams ahead of anticipated flooding in Volusia County overnight. (WFTV)
Volusia County Sheriff's Office Hurricane Milton Volusia County Sheriff's briefing with high water rescue teams ahead of anticipated flooding in Volusia County overnight. (WFTV)
Polk Fire Rescue Hurricane Milton Polk County Fire Rescue personnel are prepping department specialty equipment for post-storm recovery efforts. (WFTV)
Orlando Police Department Hurricane Milton OPD's Emergency Services Unit, working hard to ensure all equipment needed to support residents and visitors of Orlando is ready. (WFTV)
Polk Fire Rescue Hurricane Milton Polk County Fire Rescue personnel are prepping department specialty equipment for post-storm recovery efforts. (WFTV)
Polk Fire Rescue Hurricane Milton Polk County Fire Rescue personnel are prepping department specialty equipment for post-storm recovery efforts. (WFTV)
Polk Fire Rescue Hurricane Milton Polk County Fire Rescue personnel are prepping department specialty equipment for post-storm recovery efforts. (WFTV)
Orlando Police Department Hurricane Milton OPD's Emergency Services Unit, working hard to ensure all equipment needed to support residents and visitors of Orlando is ready. (WFTV)
Hurricane Milton Weather People board up a convenience store ahead of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Brandon, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A few of the 283 registered animals, birds and reptiles line a hallway in the evacuation shelter at River Ridge Middle/High School in preparation for Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in New Port Richey, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Wind-driven rain soaks a street in downtown Tampa, Fla., during the passage of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
APTOPIX Hurricane Milton Weather Max Watts, of Buford, Ga., walks in the parking lot to check on a trailer parked outside the hotel where he is riding out Hurricane Milton with coworkers, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. Watts, who works for a towing company, was deployed with colleagues to Florida to aid in the aftermath of the storm. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A man walking his dogs takes a picture from the sheltered entryway of the Hyatt Place Downtown Tampa hotel, as strong gusts of wind from Hurricane Milton blow sheets of rain along the street in Tampa, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A tow truck responds following a traffic accident between a car and a fire truck returning from a call, on near-deserted streets in downtown Tampa, Fla., during the approach of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A car drives past a pile of debris from Hurricane Helene flooding, along a street that had already begun flooding from rain ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, in Gulfport, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton People walk through nearly-deserted downtown Tampa, Fla., in windy and rainy conditions during the approach of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Melvin Lee HIcks, who is homeless, wears a trash bag to protect against wind-driven rain, as he stands on a street in downtown Tampa, Fla., during the approach of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Logan Smith takes his dog Zak through some of the 283 registered pets in the evacuation shelter at River Ridge Middle/High School in preparation for Hurricane Milton on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in New Port Richey, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Melvin Lee Hicks, who is homeless, lies under a sheet donated by a nearby hotel, as he shelters alongside a parking garage in downtown Tampa, Fla., during the approach of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Melvin Lee HIcks, who is homeless, wears a trash bag to protect against wind-driven rain, as he stands on a deserted street in downtown Tampa, Fla., during the approach of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Tampa Hurricane Milton
Channel 9's Daryl Matthews shares what Osceola County is doing as Hurricane Milton nears
Hurricane Milton A homeless person sleeps under a wheelchair alongside a parking garage in deserted downtown Tampa, Fla., during the approach of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather The city of Sunny Isles Beach, Fla., is seen from Surfside, Fla., as the outer bands of Hurricane Milton kick up the sand, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) (Wilfredo Lee/AP)
APTOPIX Cuba Hurricane Milton Weather People take photos of the spray from waves crashing against the Malecon seawall, brought by the passing of Hurricane Milton in the Gulf of Mexico, in Havana, Cuba, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) (Ramon Espinosa/AP)
Flagler County inmates fill sandbags In preparation for Hurricane Milton, inmate work crews helped fill and distribute over 10,000 sandbags at Hidden Trails Community Center and Bay Drive Park. Sheriff Rick Staly met with the crews, thanking them for their contribution to our community. (WFTV)
Flagler County inmates fill sandbags In preparation for Hurricane Milton, inmate work crews helped fill and distribute over 10,000 sandbags at Hidden Trails Community Center and Bay Drive Park. Sheriff Rick Staly met with the crews, thanking them for their contribution to our community. (WFTV)
Flagler County inmates fill sandbags In preparation for Hurricane Milton, inmate work crews helped fill and distribute over 10,000 sandbags at Hidden Trails Community Center and Bay Drive Park. Sheriff Rick Staly met with the crews, thanking them for their contribution to our community. (WFTV)
Flagler County inmates fill sandbags In preparation for Hurricane Milton, inmate work crews helped fill and distribute over 10,000 sandbags at Hidden Trails Community Center and Bay Drive Park. Sheriff Rick Staly met with the crews, thanking them for their contribution to our community. (WFTV)
APTOPIX Hurricane Milton Weather Ron Rook, who said he was looking for people in need of help or debris to clear, walks through windy and rainy conditions on a deserted street in downtown Tampa, Fla., during the approach of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Impact of Hurricane Milton is creeping through Brevard County
Hurricane Milton Weather Explainer Ron Rook, who said he was looking for people in need of help or debris to clear, walks through windy and rainy conditions on a deserted street in downtown Tampa, Fla., during the approach of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Explainer This GOES-16 GeoColor satellite image taken at 11:46 a.m. EDT and provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows Hurricane Milton in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (NOAA via AP) (Uncredited/AP)
Possible Tornado Conway area of Orange County
Hurricane Milton Weather An apparent tornado caused by Hurricane Milton, tore the awning off a 7-Eleven convenient store, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Cape Coral, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) (Marta Lavandier/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Stephen Gandy, one of 700 evacuees sheltering in the gymnasium at River Ridge Middle/High School in preparation for Hurricane Milton, smiles on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in New Port Richey, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Christian Burke stands on the third floor of his home, where he, his mother, and his aunt plan to ride out Hurricane Milton with views through hurricane proof glass over Tampa Bay, in Gulfport, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. Burke, who said his engineer father built the concrete home to withstand a Category 5 hurricane, expects his home to turn into an island, with up to 8 feet of water filling the raised first floor. Behind Burke, a window reflects a boat deposited by Hurricane Helene in the bay front park across the street. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
APTOPIX Hurricane Milton Weather Christian Burke stands at the door of his home, where he, his mother, and his aunt plan to ride out Hurricane Milton on the third floor overlooking overlooking Tampa Bay, in Gulfport, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. Burke, who said his engineer father built the concrete home to withstand a Category 5 hurricane, expects his raised ground floor to get up to 8 feet of water in Milton. A boat deposited by Hurricane Helene sits lodged in the bay front park outside his front door. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather An apparent tornado caused by Hurricane Milton tossed an ice machine into the parking lot of a 7-Eleven convenient store, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Cape Coral, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) (Marta Lavandier/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, center, addresses members of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's Urban Search and Rescue Florida Task Force One before they deploy ahead of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Doral, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) (Wilfredo Lee/AP)
Hurricane Milton A Lee County Sheriff's officer patrols the streets of Cape Coral, Fla., as heavy rain falls ahead of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) (Marta Lavandier/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather An apparent tornado caused by Hurricane Milton, tore the awning off a 7-Eleven convenient store, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Cape Coral, Fla.(AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) (Marta Lavandier/AP)
Traffic leaving Tampa ahead of Milton
Hurricane Milton Weather A vehicle crosses a bridge as rain begins to fall ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Tornadoes spotted in South Florida as Hurricane Milton creeps closer (The National Weather Service /The National Weather Service)
Hurricane Milton Weather A person walks under light rain ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A jogger trots in light rain ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton ISS
Hurricane Milton produces tornadoes in Florida Hurricane Milton produces tornadoes in Florida
Hurricane Milton Weather A jogger trots as rain falls ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A person walks under light rain ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Personal items sit abandoned on the side of a road on Deadman Key, ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, in South Pasadena, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Personal items sit abandoned on the side of a road on Deadman Key, ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, in South Pasadena, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Police block off a bridge leading to the barrier island of St. Pete Beach, Fla., ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, in South Pasadena, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
APTOPIX Hurricane Milton Weather A boat damaged in Hurricane Helene rests against a bridge ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, in South Pasadena, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Boards on the window of a store display a message ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, in Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island, Fla., Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton preps ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 8: Workers board up a business ahead of Hurricane Milton's expected landfall in St. Petersburg, Florida, US, on October 8, 2024. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Weather Members of the Florida Army National Guard check for any remaining residents in nearly-deserted Bradenton Beach, where piles of debris from Hurricane Helene flooding still sits outside damaged homes ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, on Anna Maria Island, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton preps ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 8: Workers board up a business ahead of Hurricane Milton's expected landfall in St. Petersburg, Florida, US, on October 8, 2024. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 8: Workers board up a business ahead of Hurricane Milton's expected landfall in St. Petersburg, Florida, US, on October 8, 2024. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images)
She pushed to leave as the storm barreled toward them Wednesday night after he resisted evacuating their three-bedroom house where he grew up and where the couple lived with their three kids and two grandchildren. She believes the decision saved their lives.
They returned to find the roof of their home scattered in sheets across the street, the wooden beams of what was their ceiling exposed to the sky. Inside, fiberglass insulation hung down in shreds, their belongings soaked by the rain and littered with chunks of shattered drywall.
“It ain’t much, but it was ours. What little bit we did have is gone,” she said. “It’s gone.”
TIMELINE: Hurricane Milton weakens after slamming Central Florida
With shelters no longer available and the cost of a hotel room out of reach, they plan to cram into Terry Ducre’s mother’s house for now. After that, they’re not sure.
“I don’t have no answers,” Natasha Ducre said. “What is my next move? What am I going to do?”
Meanwhile, Florida theme parks including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld planned to reopen Friday after an assessment of the effects of the storm.
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Orlando International Airport, the state’s busiest, said departures for domestic flights and international flights would resume Friday, after resuming domestic arrivals Thursday evening. The airport had minor damage, including a few leaks and downed trees.
Milton prevented Simon Forster, his wife and their two children from returning to Scotland as planned Wednesday evening, so they enjoyed an extra two days of their two-week vacation on a bustling International Drive in Orlando’s tourism district on Thursday. Hurricanes seem to follow them since 2022′s Hurricane Ian kept them from returning to Scotland after another Orlando vacation.
Watch: Hurricane Milton plows across Florida, pounding cities and whipping up tornadoes
“Two extra days here, there are worse places we could be,” he said.
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