Your support helps us tell the story
Most polls show this election remains close. In a race this close, reporters are needed on the ground to talk to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to this story.
The Independent is trusted every month by 27 million Americans from across the political spectrum. Unlike many other quality news organizations, we don’t lock you away from our reporting or analysis with a paywall. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Please help us continue to bring these important stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
The extent of the damage has been revealed after Hurricane Milton devastated parts of Florida, leaving at least 16 people dead.
Milton made landfall near Siesta Key in Sarasota County on Wednesday night as a Category 3 hurricane, producing dozens of tornadoes, 28-foot waves, strong winds, heavy rain, and a devastating storm surge.
Six people were killed in a St. Lucie County retirement village by a tornado sparked by a hurricane after more than a dozen twisters struck the area within 20 minutes.
Approximately 2.5 million homes and businesses are without power in Florida, with homes in the Midwest hardest hit. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Thursday that he has committed more than 50,000 linemen to restore power.
A crane fell into the river due to strong winds. of tampa bay times Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays announced that the roof of their Tropicana Field stadium was left in disrepair and was “damaged.”
All wind and storm surge warnings for Milton were canceled after the hurricane left Florida’s east coast. The National Hurricane Center warned that “dangers remain” from damaged buildings, downed power lines and flooding.
WATCH: Coast Guard makes dramatic rescue of man left clinging to icebox 30 miles out to sea
james riddellOctober 11, 2024 20:30
Coast Guard rescues captain clinging to cooler in Gulf of Mexico after Hurricane Milton
The man was found clinging to a makeshift life raft Thursday afternoon as a helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Miami pulled him from international waters to safety.
However, this is not the first time this week that sailors have been rescued, with the first time they ran into trouble on Monday, before the storm made landfall.
Julia MustoOctober 11, 2024 20:00
Video: Harris harshly criticizes President Trump’s Hurricane Milton, Herren speaks out in latest attack ad
President Donald Trump continues to attack the Biden administration over its response to two hurricanes that have hit Florida’s coastline in recent weeks.
President Joe Biden called Trump’s claims an “onslaught of lies.” Now, the Harris campaign has released a new attack ad calling President Trump a “liar” for “amplifying false claims.”
james riddellOctober 11, 2024 19:30
President Biden will visit Florida on Sunday
President Joe Biden will travel to Florida on Sunday to visit areas affected by Hurricane Milton.
Julia MustoOctober 11, 2024 19:00
Meteorologists accused of ‘creating and steering’ Hurricane Milton sent death threats
Meteorologists have received death threats following numerous conspiracy theories that they “created and steered” Hurricane Milton.
FEMA said misinformation spread by former President Donald Trump and his MAGA supporters is hampering its ability to assist the hardest-hit communities.
Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene promoted the outlandish conspiracy theory that “they,” the federal government, “can control the weather.”
Now, meteorologists are facing backlash for false claims.
“I’ve never seen a storm attract so much misinformation. We’re putting out misinformation fires all over the place,” said Michigan-based meteorologist Katie Nicholaw. That’s all,” he said. guardian.
“There are a lot of people who say I created and steered hurricanes. Some people think we control the weather.”
She added: “But there has been a shift towards more violent rhetoric, with some saying that the people who created Milton in particular should be killed.”
james riddellOctober 11, 2024 18:30
Baby girl born at Pinellas County shelter
A baby girl was born at a shelter in Pinellas County, officials announced at a news conference Friday morning.
Pinellas County Emergency Management Director Kathy Perkins said shelter staff assisted in the handover.
“It’s really beautiful to see new life being born in the midst of this destruction,” she said.
Julia MustoOctober 11, 2024 18:00
Dump truck crashes through couple’s roof – 6 days after site closure
Just six days after closing on their new home, a couple was involved in an accident when a two-ton dump truck trailer crashed through their roof.
The couple, known only as Bonnie and John, purchased the property on Avenir in Palm Beach days after Hurricane Helen tore through the state.
Then, before they could get their furniture into the house, the unthinkable happened: a tornado in the area blew a trailer onto the property, leaving a gaping hole in the roof.
“I could see the trash can from here,” Bonnie told local news station 12 News. “I was like, oh my god, I have to get out of here. I don’t know if the whole roof is going to fall in.”
She continued: “It was like in a movie. The wind was blowing, things were swirling, there were no cows in there, but everything else was fine, so this bathroom here with no glass. And it worked. We came out unscathed.”
james riddellOctober 11, 2024 17:20
Flights resume at Tampa and Orlando airports
Flights to and from Florida resumed Thursday night and Friday morning following suspensions due to Hurricane Milton.
Tampa International Airport shared a video of the first flight, which departed at 8 a.m. ET on Friday.
Orlando International Airport reopened Thursday night, but its central Florida hub suffered some damage. Officials posted photos of fallen palm trees blocking access roads.
Julia MustoOctober 11, 2024 17:00
Hillsborough County authorities continue evacuations as homes and cars submerge
james riddellOctober 11, 2024 16:29