**Biden Pledges Continued Support for Florida's Hurricane Milton Recovery Efforts**

In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, President Joe Biden has vowed unwavering support for Florida’s recovery, emphasizing the state’s struggle with rising floodwaters, fuel shortages, and widespread power outages. The storm, which landed as a Category 3 hurricane, has further complicated recovery efforts already underway from Hurricane Helene that hit just weeks earlier. This successive devastation has left many communities like St. Pete Beach heartbroken and financially strained.

On a tour of the severely impacted barrier island, President Biden witnessed firsthand the extensive damage. Streets were littered with the remnants of people's lives—photo albums, mattresses, and kitchen cabinets scattered along sand-covered roads. The acrid scent of mold permeated the air. Residents expressed their desperate need for help through heartfelt pleas painted across mounds of debris.

Addressing the community, Biden recognized their concerns about the slow debris removal process and pledged that more aid is forthcoming. “There's much more to do. We're doing everything we can,” he assured, standing beside a beach house dislodged from its foundation.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has warned that flooding could persist in areas around Tampa Bay and Sanford. Florida's Director of Emergency Management, Kevin Guthrie, announced potential evacuations as rivers continue to rise, marking a further challenge for already displaced residents.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, who accompanied Biden, reported that approximately 75% of Florida’s power has been restored, with full restoration anticipated by Tuesday evening. Yet, Governor Ron DeSantis noted that around 818,000 customers were still without power five days post-storm. Fuel shortages also persist, with about one-third of Florida’s gas stations running dry, particularly around Tampa.

The human toll has been substantial, with 17 deaths attributed to Hurricane Milton, though this number remains significantly lower than the 200 casualties from Hurricane Helene, thanks in part to more effective evacuation efforts. Analysts suggest that despite the initial forecasts, Milton has likely caused between $30 billion and $60 billion in insured losses.

To assist with the financial burden, Biden announced $612 million for six new utility projects in affected areas, supplementing existing federal aid. However, the President has called for Congress to allocate additional FEMA funding, stressing the urgency given the ongoing hurricane season.

Republican resistance to immediate funding remains a hurdle. House Speaker Mike Johnson underscored the procedural delays in assessing and approving disaster relief, despite pressures from the White House and state lawmakers.

Amidst the political tension and misinformation complicating relief efforts, Biden’s visit saw local officials like Florida Republican U.S. Representative Anna Luna joining the tour. Notably absent was Governor DeSantis, who declined the White House’s invitation, instead focusing on state-led recovery operations.

As Florida braces for continued challenges, the commitment to rebuilding and the necessity for bipartisan cooperation take center stage in the wake of these harrowing natural disasters.