Florida Governor Ron DeSantis brushed off Wall Street analyst estimates on Thursday that the damages left by Hurricane Milton could reach over $50 billion. In response to a reporter’s question about these estimates, DeSantis replied, “How the hell would a Wall Street analyst be able to know? It’s been dark all day, what, you’re just gonna know what you’re gonna do? I mean, like, give me a break with some of this stuff.”
DeSantis emphasized that it is too early to determine the exact cost of damages caused by the hurricane, but he also noted that the storm surge did not reach the same levels as Hurricane Helene. He stated, “We had certain worst case scenarios in terms of going into Tampa Bay, a lot of places in Pinellas County, they had negative storm surge because it sucked the water out of the bay. So, in terms of all that, where you’d see the entire Tampa Bay area underwater, that did not happen.”
The governor compared the potential damage from Hurricane Milton to that of past storms, such as Hurricane Ian in 2022. He predicted that the damage will likely not reach the same levels as Ian, which left behind more than $50 billion in losses. DeSantis also mentioned Hurricane Helene, which reached landfall in late September, and could have caused up to $47 billion in damages, according to CNN.
DeSantis also addressed the current situation in Florida, where millions are without power and widespread flooding has occurred. He stated, “But in terms of just, right now, the morning after, if I think back to, like, Hurricane Ian, I don’t think that you’re looking at a similar amount of damage to Ian. And then with Helene, there may end up being more overall damage. There may not, I don’t know. But definitely the surge did not reach Helene levels.” He also assured that Florida has sufficient resources to help those affected by the storm and get the state moving again.
After making landfall near Siesta Key, Florida on Wednesday night, Hurricane Milton caused mass flooding and power outages for over 3 million residents. The hurricane, which weakened from a Category 4 to a Category 3 storm right before landfall, had 120 mph sustained winds and high gusts, according to the National Hurricane Center. In addition, the rooftop of the Tampa Bay Rays’ Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg was ripped off by the strong winds.
Unfortunately, Hurricane Milton has also resulted in a significant loss of life. At least ten people have been confirmed dead, with five of those confirmed in St. Lucie County on the Atlantic coast, according to NBC News. The full extent of the damage and loss is still being assessed, but the governor expressed confidence that Florida is equipped to help its citizens recover.
DeSantis has dismissed Wall Street’s estimates about the cost of damages caused by Hurricane Milton, stating that it is too early to determine.
He also emphasized that while the hurricane has caused significant destruction, the situation is not expected to be as severe as past storms. Florida’s resources are being mobilized to help those affected by the storm, and the governor remains hopeful for the state’s recovery.