In the aftermath of hurricanes Milton and Helene, over two million Floridians remain without power as communities grapple with extensive damage and loss. The storms have been linked to at least ten fatalities, with more than 1,600 individuals rescued by search and rescue teams. Residents are now faced with the daunting task of assessing their homes and deciding what can be salvaged.

Matthew King, a resident of Bradenton, shared the emotional toll of the storms, recounting how his family had to prepare for flooding by moving belongings to higher ground. After enduring the impact of Helene just two weeks prior, Milton brought further destruction, leaving families questioning their future in the region. King expressed concern over the increasing severity of storms, noting, \"These storms are getting worse every year.\"

The state has deployed thousands of National Guard troops to assist with infrastructure repairs, including damaged roads and drinking water systems. However, many gas stations remain closed, complicating recovery efforts. President Biden announced plans to visit Florida this weekend and indicated he would seek additional funding from Congress, estimating the disaster's cost could reach $50 billion.

In the Buccaneer Bay mobile home community, residents like Laura Montgomery are contemplating leaving Florida altogether due to the relentless threat of hurricanes. Montgomery, who lacks homeowners insurance, stated, \"I'm done with hurricanes. We're gonna move out of state.\" Similarly, Ken Murray faced challenges evacuating his elderly mother as floodwaters rose, highlighting the personal struggles many are enduring.

As the state confronts the reality of climate change, residents are increasingly aware of the connection between rising sea levels and the intensity of storms. Experts in attribution science are studying how climate change exacerbates natural disasters, with recent studies indicating that the latest hurricanes have caused significantly more damage due to warmer ocean waters.

Amidst recovery efforts, misinformation surrounding the storms has emerged, with reports of extremist groups, such as the white supremacist organization Patriot Front, attempting to capitalize on the situation by offering aid while undermining local government efforts. This troubling trend adds another layer of complexity to the recovery process as communities strive to rebuild and heal.