Indian River County Rebuilds After Hurricane Milton and Tornadoes: A Community United

If you’re anything like me, you were probably glued to your phone or weather apps last Thursday as the winds howled and the sky grew darker, praying that we’d make it through safely. Around 3:30/4 p.m., the first tornado warning blared through our phones, and for what seemed like hours, the warnings kept coming as we anxiously watched the storm intensify. Hurricane Milton brought more than just heavy winds and rain; it unleashed a wave of tornadoes across Indian River County, leaving behind destruction that none of us will soon forget.

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Looking outside, it was hard not to wonder what would happen next. The winds picked up, the skies turned a menacing gray, and the atmosphere became charged with uncertainty. For those of us who’ve lived in Florida for years, hurricanes are nothing new. But no matter how many times we’ve been through them, the unease always sets in when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Facing the Aftermath: The Community Comes Together

In the hours following Hurricane Milton, it became clear just how much damage the storm had left in its wake. Over 50 homes in Indian River County were completely destroyed, and nearly 100 others had significant damage. Trees were uprooted, roofs were torn off, and families were left to pick up the pieces of their lives, many without power for days.

Yet amid all this devastation, something remarkable happened. Our community didn’t just sit back; we stepped up. Neighbors began helping neighbors before the storm had even fully passed. Whether it was lending a hand to clear debris or sharing essential supplies like water and food, the people of Vero Beach showed that when times get tough, we pull together.

Relief Efforts in Full Swing

In the days that followed, relief stations popped up around town. One of the most active was at the Vero Beach Highlands Property Owners Association clubhouse, where volunteers from the community gathered to distribute water, food, clothing, and other essentials to those in need. People who had lost nearly everything were able to find some relief, thanks to the efforts of fellow residents and local organizations.

Our local organizations have been nothing short of incredible. The United Way of Indian River County quickly set up a disaster recovery fund and teamed up with other nonprofits to provide support for the hardest-hit residents. Over the course of the week, nearly 1,500 people sought help at the Multi-Agency Response Center, receiving everything from grocery vouchers to housing assistance. Many families are struggling with the cost of hurricane deductibles and repairs, but thanks to donations and volunteers, some of those burdens are being eased.

Federal assistance has also arrived. With FEMA’s declaration for disaster aid, residents who suffered losses can now apply for support through the Individual Assistance Program. This help will be crucial for those who need repairs, temporary housing, or financial aid to recover from the storm.

Learning and Preparing for Next Time

While the community continues to rebuild, there’s an important conversation to be had about preparation. This storm showed us that no matter how many times we’ve faced hurricanes, each one is different and can catch us off guard. The tornadoes alone were something most of us weren’t expecting, with 11 confirmed across the Treasure Coast.

We can’t stop the storms from coming, but we can take steps to be better prepared. Here are a few things we can all do moving forward:

  1. Prepare for Tornadoes: Many of us were ready for the hurricane, but the tornadoes caught us off guard. Moving forward, we need to be just as prepared for these sudden, violent storms. Identify the safest room in your home — a windowless interior room on the lowest floor, like a bathroom or closet — and make sure your family knows where to go if a tornado warning is issued. Keep a “go-bag” with essentials like a flashlight, bottled water, and a portable phone charger in that room, just in case.
  2. Stay Ready for All Storms: Beyond just hurricane supplies, we should also prepare for the aftermath of tornadoes. Stock up on heavy-duty gloves, tarps, and tools for potential cleanup. Keep extra batteries for weather radios and flashlights, and make sure to have a portable phone charger on hand. Tornadoes can knock out power and cause damage quickly, so having these items readily available will help in case of another unexpected event.
  3. Stay Alert: In addition to tracking hurricane updates, make sure you have access to a reliable weather alert system that notifies you of tornadoes as soon as warnings are issued. Apps like MyRadar or the National Weather Service’s alert system are excellent ways to stay informed. Tornadoes can form quickly and without much warning, so staying vigilant can give you valuable time to seek shelter.
  4. Check on Each Other: As we experienced this past week, community is key. Once the storm passes, take time to check on your neighbors, particularly the elderly or anyone living alone. Tornadoes can cause sudden, severe damage, and some may need extra help after the storm.
  5. Volunteer or Donate: As recovery efforts continue, there are still many in our community who need assistance. Whether it’s lending a hand with debris removal or donating supplies, your support makes a difference. If you can, consider volunteering with local organizations or donating to relief funds to help those still recovering from the storm.

Moving Forward: A Brighter Tomorrow

Hurricane Milton and its tornadoes left a lasting mark on Indian River County, but our resilience is stronger than any storm. It has been incredible to see our community come together, whether it’s local volunteers organizing relief stations or neighbors offering their support. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but we’re on the right track, and with continued cooperation, we’ll recover stronger than ever.

For those still in need of assistance, FEMA is here to help. You can apply for disaster assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. Local organizations like United Way are also continuing to provide support for those affected.

In times of crisis, our community shines the brightest. Let’s continue to look out for one another and rebuild our beautiful county. Together, we’ll weather the storm — and come out stronger on the other side.

Stay safe, Vero Beach. We’ve got this!

Tiffany Bent
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