The City of St. Petersburg announced that it's actively managing a massive cleanup effort following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
In response to an overwhelming volume of storm debris, city crews have quickly launched an all-hands-on-deck operation, enlisting disaster debris contractors and monitoring services. The city aims to complete this extensive cleanup within 90 days.
Hurricane Milton struck Boca Grande as a Category 3 storm, leaving widespread damage in its wake. The island faced severe flooding, sand-filled streets, and numerous damaged roofs and fences.
Major buildings, including the Boca Grande Community Center, Fire Station, Island School, and the Crown and Shield building, were significantly affected. Bloomberg reported that Hurricane Helene also swept through, with storm surges breaching dunes and mangroves, flooding Boca Grande shops with up to two feet of water.
Back-to-back hurricanes Milton and Helene devastated the once-peaceful beach town, forcing residents to evacuate twice in quick succession. Many returned only briefly after the first storm, dreading the sight of their battered homes.
As USA Today reported, Siesta Key residents were "still picking up the pieces after Hurricane Helene when Milton struck."
Direct Relief reported that at least six people lost their lives across St. Lucie County, which had not been under a mandatory evacuation order for Hurricane Milton.
One of the hardest-hit areas was Spanish Lakes Country Club Village, a 55+ community, where four fatalities occurred, along with severe destruction to numerous homes.
While Biltmore Village is known for its historic charm, its proximity to the Swannanoa River has made it vulnerable to flooding. Recent hurricanes, including Milton and Helene, have caused severe flooding, affecting businesses and historic structures.
These events have spurred intensified efforts to protect the village’s architecture and cultural heritage, inspiring community-led initiatives in flood management and preservation. Today, Biltmore Village remains a cherished Asheville landmark, where historic beauty meets a vibrant modern retail and cultural scene.
One of the stadium’s signature features is the **catwalk system** that supports the roof, which occasionally impacts gameplay when baseballs strike the catwalks during high hits.
Additionally, Tropicana Field has a variety of fan-friendly amenities, including a 10,000-gallon live stingray touch tank, a nod to the team’s name and Florida’s aquatic culture.
Despite its distinctive elements, Tropicana Field has faced challenges, especially from hurricanes. In recent years, hurricanes like Milton and Helene brought damaging winds and heavy rains that tested the resilience of the stadium's infrastructure, causing temporary closures and requiring extensive maintenance.
Plans for a potential new stadium have been discussed, but for now, Tropicana Field remains a significant part of Tampa Bay’s sports culture and history.
