Chris Fiore, a resident of Siesta Key, Florida, was ready to receive new appliances and furniture to replace the ones destroyed by Hurricane Helene just weeks ago. Instead, she found herself sweeping seawater and mud from her dream home, which was flooded again after Hurricane Milton hit this week. Despite the damage, Chris refuses to give up. “There’s no way I’m leaving,” she said on Friday, as she stood near a wall where the water had risen two feet. “I’m staying and thinking about installing hurricane-proof windows and doors to keep the water out.”
This determination is shared by many of Siesta Key’s residents, who are busy cleaning up from two major hurricanes in two weeks. Cleanup workers and construction teams now fill the streets, offering their services to help restore homes. But even with the mess, the locals remain optimistic. “Paradise is still paradise, no matter what,” said Pat Hurst, a long-time resident. “But cleaning up from one hurricane while preparing for another was super stressful.”
Siesta Key, a beautiful beach town known for its pastel-colored homes and tropical vibe, has always been a dream destination for many. Even after the storms, its appeal remains. But the damage from both hurricanes is clear. Beach sand has been blown far inland, boats were tossed onto land, and streets are lined with destroyed household items. Dumpsters are overflowing with debris from both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
While rescuers continue to help people trapped by flooding in other parts of Florida, and many areas still lack electricity and fuel, the community in Siesta Key is focused on rebuilding. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said that despite the danger, he won’t stop people from rebuilding in hurricane-prone areas. “People work their whole lives to live in these beautiful places,” he explained. “They have the right to decide what to do with their property.”
Although living in Florida comes with the risk of hurricanes and rising sea levels, people continue to move to the state. Florida has the fastest-growing population in the country, but with that growth comes high costs. Floridians pay the most in the country for property insurance, with an average cost of $4,060 per year.
Despite the challenges, many residents are not planning to leave. Sherry Tom, who moved to Siesta Key in 2021 with her family, said, “This place means everything to me.” Even though she’s worried about more hurricanes in the future, Sherry is determined to stay and rebuild. She believes they will have to start from scratch and build a new home, but she is resolute.
Marko Radosavljevic, another resident, owns one of the island’s original homes, built with strong, water-resistant wood. But even that hasn’t protected it from the recent hurricanes. As he cleared out the debris from his property, Marko said, “I won’t be pushed out by storms or anything else.” He plans to stay in Siesta Key, preserving the island’s unique charm.
Siesta Key’s residents are standing strong, determined to rebuild their homes and hold on to the paradise they love, despite the storms.”
