Florida continues its recovery in the wake of Hurricane Milton’s devastation. As of Monday, Oct. 14, nearly 400,000 people remain without power, a significant drop from the nearly four million immediately after the storm hit.
Despite ongoing power outages, at least 13 Catholic churches in the Diocese of St. Petersburg held Mass over the weekend. These parishes not only opened their doors for worship but also offered critical aid to their communities, providing supplies and temporary shelter to those in need.
Hurricane Milton has left behind an estimated $160 billion in property damage and economic loss, making it one of the most destructive storms in Florida’s history. The long-term impact on homeowners and insurance rates remains uncertain, with potential changes expected next year.
Father Chuck Dornquast, the Vocations Director for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, is on the ground helping with recovery efforts. He joins Currents News to share his experience and insights as he and others help communities rebuild after the storm.