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Call us 877-451-9251Water Damage Restoration in Palm Coast, FL
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Flagler Technical College in Palm Coast to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Palm Coast, FL is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Palm Coast. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
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Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Washington Oaks Gardens State Park in Palm Coast, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Palm Coast.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Palm Coast, FL
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Sancerre at Palm Coast in Palm Coast for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Palm Coast, FL, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Palm Coast?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park in Palm Coast. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Palm Coast, FL, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in Palm Coast, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Palm Coast restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Palm Coast, FL, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Palm Coast, FL
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Palm Coast, FL, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Delfinos Italian Chophouse in Palm Coast. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Palm Coast rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Palm Coast, FL
Hurricane Recovery Begins Following Hurricane Milton: October 10, 2024
Official Website for the City of Palm Coasthttps://www.palmcoast.gov/newsroom/home/details/hurricane-recovery-begins
Palm Coast, FL - The City of Palm Coast is actively recovering from Hurricane Milton, and Florida Power & Light is working to restore power. Here are today's updates:Downed Power Lines: If you see downed powerlines, immediately contact Florida Power & Light (FPL) at 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243) to report the hazard. Any downed powerlines should be considered live and dangerous.Tree Removal:Crews from the Palm Coast Fire Department, Public Works, Flag...
Palm Coast, FL - The City of Palm Coast is actively recovering from Hurricane Milton, and Florida Power & Light is working to restore power. Here are today's updates:
Downed Power Lines: If you see downed powerlines, immediately contact Florida Power & Light (FPL) at 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243) to report the hazard. Any downed powerlines should be considered live and dangerous.
Tree Removal:Crews from the Palm Coast Fire Department, Public Works, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Power & Light are clearing downed trees from public roads. Some residential roads remain impassable due to downed trees and powerlines. Please avoid these areas. If a tree from a public right-of-way has damaged your private property, contact Customer Service at 386-986-2360 to report it.
Traffic Signals:If you encounter a non-working traffic light, treat the intersection as a four-way stop. Slow down, look both ways, and take turns with other drivers.
Trash Pickup:Regular trash pickup will resume on Friday, October 11. However, there will be no recycling collection on that day. Be sure to keep swales clear and do not include yard debris.
Debris Removal:We understand many residents are dealing with storm debris. The City is working with an emergency debris contractor to assess the damage. Please do not place debris near the road, as it could block the stormwater system, which will prevent water from flowing out of neighborhoods. We will notify residents when debris collection is scheduled.
When debris collection begins, please help by separating items at the curb into these categories:
Wastewater System:The City’s wastewater system is significantly stressed. Even if you have power, please limit water usage—avoid doing laundry, and limit flushing toilets and taking showers as much as possible.
If you have a PEP tank and power is restored, your alarm may go off. Silence it by pressing the reset button on the bottom of the control panel. If the alarm continues to sound, submit a case through Palm Coast Connect or call Customer Service at 386-986-2360 for maintenance. The City has tanker trucks in the field pumping down the sewer system, but if it reaches capacity, backups could occur. Please limit water use as much as possible.
City Facilities Reopening:All city facilities will remain closed through Sunday, October 13, to allow staff to focus on cleanup efforts. City Hall, the Palm Coast Community Center, and the Southern Recreation Center will reopen to the public on Monday, October 14, 2024.
Parks and Playgrounds:Palm Harbor Golf Club, the Palm Coast Aquatics Center, and all parks, trails, and playgrounds will remain closed until cleanup is completed.
Hiring Licensed Contractors:If you have property damage, ensure any contractor you hire is licensed. To ensure you find a licensed and reliable provider, you can use our Local Business Search tool at Local Business Search.
Post-Storm Safety Tips:
Questions?For any hurricane recovery questions, contact Palm Coast Customer Service at 386-986-2360 or submit a case through Palm Coast Connect.
Stay informed with the latest news and information from the City of Palm Coast by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. You can sign up for weekly updates by visiting www.palmcoastgov.com/government/city-manager/week-in-review.
City of Palm Coast Urges Residents to Stay Home as Road Conditions Remain Hazardous Post-Hurricane Milton, Continue to Conserve Water
Official Website for the City of Palm Coasthttps://www.palmcoast.gov/newsroom/home/details/stay-home-hazardous-road-conditions
The effects of Hurricane Milton continue to impact our community, leaving many roads throughout Palm Coast impassable due to significant water over the crown of the road downed trees, and downed power lines. Do not attempt to drive on any road covered in water—it is extremely dangerous. ...
The effects of Hurricane Milton continue to impact our community, leaving many roads throughout Palm Coast impassable due to significant water over the crown of the road downed trees, and downed power lines. Do not attempt to drive on any road covered in water—it is extremely dangerous.
The effects of Hurricane Milton continue to impact our community, leaving many roads throughout Palm Coast impassable due to significant water over the crown of the road downed trees, and downed power lines. Several major roads, including Seminole Woods Blvd, Belle Terre Pkwy, Old Kings Road, and US1 in the southern part of the county, have high water levels. Do not attempt to drive on any road covered in water—it is extremely dangerous, and the depth or condition beneath the water can be misleading.
Over 50,000 residences across Flagler County are currently without power, and power restoration efforts are ongoing. We strongly urge residents to stay home for their safety. If you drive in these dangerous conditions and need to be rescued, it diverts emergency responders away from critical hurricane recovery efforts.
Palm Coast has deployed all essential city departments—Fire, Public Works, Utility, Stormwater, and Parks—to conduct a first push to clear debris and begin restoration work.
Additionally, there are numerous downed trees and power lines throughout the city and county, making travel even more hazardous. Please avoid any unnecessary travel, and refrain from going out to inspect damage or go sightseeing. The safest decision for you and your family is to continue to shelter in place.
Conserve Water
Along with the challenges of road conditions and power outages, we are asking all residents to conserve water as much as possible. The City’s wastewater system is under significant strain due to the heavy rainfall and limiting non-essential water use—such as laundry, showers, and excessive flushing—will help prevent further issues. Every bit of water you save helps ensure the system can continue to function effectively during this emergency.
Many homes in Palm Coast utilize a Pretreatment Effluent Pumping (PEP) tank for wastewater. Residents with PEP tanks should especially limit water usage if their power goes out. Water usage during these times could risk waste backing up into homes. PEP systems use electricity to pump the waste out to the sewer system.
The City of Palm Coast is fully mobilized and working diligently to address the impacts of Hurricane Milton, but we need the cooperation of all residents to help us recover quickly and safely.
For any questions or to report issues, our Customer Service Call Center is open 24/7 at 386-986-2360, or you can submit a case through Palm Coast Connect.
Stay home, stay safe, and let’s work together as we recover from Hurricane Milton.
Stay informed with the latest news and information from the City of Palm Coast by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. You can sign up for weekly updates by visiting www.palmcoastgov.com/government/city-manager/week-in-review.
The damage caused by Hurricane Milton in maps, photos and videos
Dylan Moriartyhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2024/10/10/hurricane-milton-damage-florida/
Milton’s quadruple-whammy of deadly tornadoes, heavy rain, hurricane-force wind and storm surge left damage from coast to coast, but the Tampa Bay area ...
Milton’s quadruple-whammy of deadly tornadoes, heavy rain, hurricane-force wind and storm surge left damage from coast to coast, but the Tampa Bay area escaped the monster inundation meteorologists had feared.
Hours after Milton’s outer bands spawned the first of many tornadoes in the southern half of the state, the Category 3 storm’s eye made landfall at 8:30 p.m. in Siesta Key, just south of Sarasota.
The storm carved an unusual path for a gulf hurricane, slamming directly into Florida from the west and crossing the state rather than veering north. Around midmorning Thursday, Milton lumbered northeast of Cape Canaveral into the Atlantic, still a Category 1 hurricane.
Florida hurricane history
2009-2024
Tropical storm
Category 1
2
3
4
5
Wind speed
75 mph
95
110
130
>157 mph
IDALIA 2023
ALABAMA
GEORGIA
SALLY 2020
Pensacola
Tallahassee
Jacksonville
HELENE 2024
DEBBY 2024
MICHAEL 2018
HERMINE 2016
Gainesville
MATTHEW 2016
Orlando
Tampa
NICOLE 2022
MILTON 2024
IAN 2022
Fort
Myers
Miami
IRMA 2017
100 MILES
Key West
It was the fifth hurricane to strike the Gulf Coast this year, after Beryl, Debby, Francine and Helene, tying 2024 with 2005 and 2020 for second-most ever behind 1886, which had six.
The storm dropped nearly two feet of rain in some areas along its north side, causing flooding inland and piling additional water on top of the storm surge on both coasts. In St. Petersburg, over 9 inches of rain fell in three hours on Wednesday evening.
Milton had taken just 24 hours to intensify from a ho-hum tropical storm on Sunday to a Category 5 hurricane in the warmer-than-usual gulf waters, with sustained winds of 180 mph. As it churned toward Florida for two days as a Category 4 and 5 hurricane, it had plenty of time to explode in size and accumulate water.
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Follow Climate & environment
Several towns and cities on both coasts experienced flooding, but preliminary estimates indicate storm surges of 5 to 6 feet in places such as Naples and Fort Myers, much less than the 10 to 15 feet that had been predicted if Milton had directly hit Tampa.
Milton carried sustained winds of 120 mph when it entered Florida and still had 85 mph winds when it left.
Along the way, it tossed around boats and cars, toppled trees, yanked down power lines and shredded the roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, where the Tampa Bay Rays play.
More than 3 million people lost electricity.
Milton spawned outbreaks of strong, long-lasting tornadoes beginning hours before it made landfall on Wednesday.
The National Weather Service tallied 45 reports of tornadoes across the southern half of Florida, from Cocoa Beach to Broward County, with a cluster around the Port St. Lucie area on the Atlantic Coast.
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday night that Milton spawned at least 19 tornadoes, but a total number won’t be known until damage surveys are completed.
About this story
Design by Emily Wright. Graphics editing by Tim Meko. Photo editing by Dominique Hildebrand. Video editing by Luis Velarde. Design editing by Joe Moore. Additional contributions by Alyssa Fowers. Additional editing by Chiqui Esteban.
Hurricane Milton leaves destruction across storm-weary Florida: Live updates
John Baconhttps://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/10/10/hurricane-milton-live-updates-florida-aftermath-thursday/75599239007/
...
TAMPA, Fla. − Hurricane Milton howled across the Florida Panhandle on Thursday, tearing a path of destruction from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic as it flooded neighborhoods, destroyed homes, tore the roof off a major sports venue and toppled a massive crane into an office building.
In downtown Tampa early Thursday, fierce winds tore down traffic lights, ripped signs out of the ground, and sent construction barricades scudding across the wet pavement. Milton’s winds also ripped off plywood meant to keep the storm out, and a portion of a downtown building’s brick facade collapsed, partially blocking a road.
But Tampa Bay apparently was spared a massive storm surge, instead experienced a reverse storm surge that drove water away from the shoreline.
Milton made landfall late Wednesday on the state's western coast as a Category 3 hurricane with 120 mph sustained winds amid a flurry of tornadoes it spawned. The system was exiting the state early Thursday near Cape Canaveral, still at Category 1 hurricane strength driving winds of 85 mph, the National Hurricane Center said in its 5 a.m. update.
At least two deaths were reported at a retirement community following a suspected tornado in Fort Pierce on the state's east coast, NBC News reported, citing St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson. More than 3 million homes and businesses were dark by early Thursday, according to USA TODAY power outage data.
A flash flood emergency was in effect for Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, the hurricane center said, after parts of the area were blasted with more than 16 inches of rain Wednesday.
The eye of the storm made landfall in Siesta Key, a barrier island off Sarasota about 60 miles south of the Tampa. Milton's powerful assault comes two weeks after Hurricane Helene slammed into the Florida coast on its way to devastating communities across seven states.
Developments
∎ Oil prices rose Thursday on a spike in fuel demand, the impact of Milton in Florida and concerns about potential supply disruptions in the Middle East amid heightened tensions between Israel and major oil producer Iran. The storm has already driven up demand for gasoline in the state, with about a quarter of fuel stations selling out of supplies, which has helped to support crude prices.
∎ Taylor Swift has donated $5 million to hurricane relief efforts for victims of Helene and Milton, the non-profit organization Feeding America announced.
Crane collapsed into Tampa Bay Times' office building
Officials reported late Wednesday that a crane collapsed near a building construction site in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. According to the Tampa Bay Times, the crane left a gaping hole in an office building that houses several businesses, including the newspaper. No injuries were immediately reported.
“The public is urged to continue to shelter in place” but avoid the area, the city of St. Petersburg said in a statement.
"We can confirm one crane cab in the upper section of the mast has fallen," said John Catsimatidis, the CEO of Red Apple Group, which is developing the skyscraper the Times reported. "We are working with city officials and others to assess the situation."
MLB stadium Tropicana Field damaged
Milton battered the Tampa Bay area with high winds and heavy rains after making landfall late Wednesday. St. Petersburg, Florida, officials confirmed that destructive winds damaged the roof at Tropicana Field, home of Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays. The ballpark was repurposed as a base camp for thousands of emergency responders as Florida braced for Milton. Footage from local television stations and photos shared on social media showed part of the stadium’s roof torn off amid high winds.
The domed stadium has been home to the Tampa Bay Rays since the team's inaugural season in 1998, though plans are in the works to replace it by 2028. It's among the smallest MLB stadiums by seating capacity, but Tropicana Field features a slanted roof designed at an angle in part to better protect it from hurricanes.
− Thao Nguyen, Eric Lagatta
Tornadoes rip through southwest Florida
Reported tornadoes tore through parts of southwest Florida on Wednesday, including in Collier County and Lee County, causing extensive damage across Fort Myers and Cape Coral.
North Fort Myers resident Scott Fincher was sitting on the lanai of his Pine Lakes community home with his family, waiting for Milton. As they waited, they passed the time watching the local news, which was reporting on the "tornado outbreak.”
Reporters then announced a tornado was headed into sister community Lake Fairways, which shares a boundary with Pine Lakes. That’s when Fincher knew: they had to hide.
Fincher immediately began moving everyone into the home: his wife, his sister-in-law and his dog. “Just as we were moving everybody in, that’s when it came through,” Fincher said, “and when I heard the rumbling.”
“It was a wall of black,” Fincher said. “It was just as black as could be . . . I felt fear. You could feel the ground shaking a little bit, the house and everything.”
− Kate Cimini, Fort Myers News-Press
Analysts: Hurricane Milton could cost insurers up to $100 billion
Hurricane Milton could result in losses of up to $100 billion for the global insurance industry, creating a surge in 2025 reinsurance prices that could boost some insurance companies' shares, analysts said Wednesday.
Milton, which slammed into Florida's already storm-blasted west coast Wednesday night, spawned at least 19 tornadoes and caused damage in numerous counties, destroying around 125 homes, most of them mobile homes, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
"At this point, it's too dangerous to evacuate safely, so you have to shelter in place and just hunker down," DeSantis said upon announcing the landfall.
Insured losses from Milton could range from $60 billion to $100 billion if the hurricane makes direct landfall in the densely populated area of Tampa, analysts at Morningstar DBRS said. A loss of $100 billion would put Milton on par with Katrina in 2005, they added, adding that insured losses would likely be "substantial but not catastrophic."
Contributing: Reuters
City of Palm Coast Urges Residents to Conserve Water as Hurricane Milton Brings Heavy Rainfall
Official Website for the City of Palm Coasthttps://www.palmcoast.gov/newsroom/home/details/palm-coast-urges-residents-to-conserve
The City’s Wastewater Collection system has been managing significantly higher water volumes due to recent heavy rainfall, and with the impending storm, it is possible the system could become overwhelmed, potentially resulting in overflows. The system is currently processing two times the amount of wastewater, with the vast majority of the water being rainfall.The City of Palm Coast is currently experiencing heavy rainfall from Hurricane Milton, with an additional 10 to 15 inches of rain expected over the next few days. Combined...
The City’s Wastewater Collection system has been managing significantly higher water volumes due to recent heavy rainfall, and with the impending storm, it is possible the system could become overwhelmed, potentially resulting in overflows. The system is currently processing two times the amount of wastewater, with the vast majority of the water being rainfall.
The City of Palm Coast is currently experiencing heavy rainfall from Hurricane Milton, with an additional 10 to 15 inches of rain expected over the next few days. Combined with the 6 inches of rainfall already received in the past five days, this ongoing weather event is likely to cause significant water accumulation in canals, ditches, swales, and roads throughout the city.
In response to these conditions, the Flagler County Sheriff and Flagler County Emergency Management have implemented a countywide curfew from 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening through 7:30 a.m. Thursday morning. It is critical for residents to comply with this order and stay off the roads. Even after the storm has passed, fallen trees and power lines can present significant hazards, and the period following the storm can be the most dangerous for such incidents.
Wastewater System Performance & Resident Precautions
The City’s Wastewater Collection system has been managing significantly higher water volumes due to recent heavy rainfall, and with the impending storm, it is possible the system could become overwhelmed, potentially resulting in overflows. The system is currently processing two times the amount of wastewater, with the vast majority of the water being rainfall.
The City is currently activated in emergency mode, with city staff working 24 hours a day to serve the residents of Palm Coast. The Utility Department has deployed additional crews working around the clock with tanker trucks in high-risk areas to remove excess water. Residents’ participation is essential to avoid straining the system further. We ask everyone to limit non-essential water use during the storm and immediately afterward. This includes refraining from doing laundry, limiting shower times, and reducing toilet flushing.
If you experience water backing up into your home, submit a report through Palm Coast Connect or call Customer Service at 386-986-2360 for immediate assistance.
PEP Tank Residents: Special Instructions
If you live in the L, Z, E, LL, B, W, R, P, or S sections of Palm Coast and have a PEP (Pretreatment Effluent Pumping) tank, it’s important to monitor your system carefully during the storm. If your power goes out, your PEP tank will not function, and you may experience wastewater backups. If this happens, immediately stop all water use, including flushing toilets and using sinks or showers.
If your PEP tank alarm goes off after power is restored, you can silence it by pressing the reset button located at the bottom of the control panel on the side of your home. If the alarm reactivates within 24 hours, please submit a case through Palm Coast Connect or call Customer Service.
Citywide Efforts
The City of Palm Coast is working tirelessly to prevent wastewater overflows and maintain essential services. Additional tanker trucks have been brought in to assist in pumping down lift stations to remove excess water. However, we strongly urge all residents to help by conserving water as much as possible to prevent the system from reaching capacity.
The City of Palm Coast remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents throughout Hurricane Milton. Please stay tuned for further updates, and remember to stay off the roads during and after the storm to avoid unnecessary risks.
For more information, contact Palm Coast Customer Service at 386-986-2360 or visit Palm Coast Connect.
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