Florida’s Resilience in the Face of Disaster: "We Just Rebuild Every Time"

Florida, known for its sunny climate and stunning beaches, has once again been hit by a devastating hurricane, with the latest storm, Hurricane Milton, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The second hurricane to strike the state in a matter of weeks, Milton has left millions without power and many struggling to rebuild their lives.

Despite the devastating impact of natural disasters, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, Florida’s residents remain undeterred. "You persevere when you live in Florida," said Kristin Hale, a 42-year-old resident of Siesta Key. "When you live in paradise, that’s what you pay for. We have some of the best beaches in the world, they’re just absolutely stunning. We are blessed."

For many Floridians, the state’s unique combination of warm weather and stunning natural beauty is worth the risks associated with living in a hurricane-prone region. "Being near the water is just something special. Nothing can replace that," said Victoria Thoma, a 49-year-old resident of Sarasota. "This place is magic."

The state’s resilience is evident in the way residents come together to rebuild and recover after a disaster. "I’ve travelled the world, been to so many other countries, and seen some beautiful places. But this is unique," said Matt Fueyo, a boat rental company owner. "Siesta Key is very powerful. There’s a good energy here, there’s good people here. This is a very special place."

The state’s determination to rebuild is also evident in its insurance premiums, which have skyrocketed in recent years. Homeowners in Florida now pay an average of $10,996 to insure their properties, a 421% increase from the national average. Despite this, many residents are unwilling to leave behind the Sunshine State’s unique charms.

For those who have lived through the storm, the pain of the past few days is slowly beginning to ease. "It was very terrifying for a guy who’s never been through anything like this," said Andy Johnson, a Chicago resident who visited his family in Florida just before the storm. "But people here are strong. And even with all this, as my stepbrother says: ‘It’s better than shovelling snow from up north.’ So they just rebuild every time."

As the state begins the long process of rebuilding, its residents remain committed to their beloved state. As Kristin Hale said, "We just rebuild every time."