In a recent government meeting, officials provided a comprehensive update on the response and recovery efforts following the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in Hillsborough County. The storms resulted in significant flooding, power outages, and extensive damage across the region.

Emergency management teams prepositioned fuel assets and opened 16 shelters to accommodate over 14,000 residents seeking refuge. They distributed more than 200,000 sandbags and coordinated with the National Guard to assist in debris removal, successfully collecting an estimated 5 million cubic yards of debris from both hurricanes.

The storms caused severe disruptions, with over 500,000 power outages reported and 99,000 structures assessed for damage. Tragically, the death toll has risen to six as a result of Hurricane Milton. Emergency responders, including fire rescue and law enforcement, were mobilized, with over 1,000 personnel involved in rescue operations.

Officials highlighted the deployment of new high-water rescue vehicles and the acquisition of additional pumps to address ongoing flooding issues. Despite the challenges, the county's public works teams are working diligently, with a goal to complete initial debris collection by November 16.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing recovery efforts, including the establishment of Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) and mobile assistance units to provide resources to affected residents. To date, over 219,000 applications for assistance have been submitted to FEMA, with more than $21 million allocated for individual household programs.

As the county continues to recover, officials emphasized the importance of community support and communication. They urged residents to report any unmet needs and assured that resources are available for those in distress. The meeting concluded with a commitment to restore infrastructure and services while ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.