July 26, 2025

Hurricane Milton Causes Devastation in Brandon, Florida

News Summary

Hurricane Milton has severely impacted Florida, making landfall as a Category 3 storm and causing extensive flooding, particularly in Brandon. The Dance Center, a prominent local establishment, faced severe water damage leading to a temporary closure. Community support has helped in relocating activities while recovery efforts begin. The hurricane’s devastating effects have raised damage estimates to $34.3 billion, impacting agriculture and calling for federal disaster assistance as Florida navigates recovery.

Brandon

Hurricane Milton has wreaked havoc across Florida, making landfall as a Category 3 storm on October 9, 2024. This devastating storm is recorded as the third hurricane to hit Florida within the year, causing extensive flooding and destruction in numerous areas including Brandon, home to The Dance Center, a beloved community establishment for over 30 years.

The impact of Hurricane Milton was severe, particularly at The Dance Center, which is situated on Bloomingdale Avenue. The facility faced significant flooding, leading to considerable damage to floors and costumes. The owners, Brent and Hannah Townend, decided to temporarily close the center due to safety concerns and extensive water damage. Unfortunately, the insurance policy did not cover the hurricane-related damages, exacerbating the challenges facing the business.

As the aftermath unfolded, a mold test conducted in the facility indicated the need to break the lease under a specific Florida statute that permits termination due to mold concerns. This resulted in the Townends navigating a difficult path forward for The Dance Center amidst the destruction.

In a remarkable show of community spirit, local businesses and residents rallied to support The Dance Center during the crisis, assisting in its temporary relocation to venues such as Karma Yoga, Celebrations Venue, and Dancing for Joy while recovery efforts were underway.

After months of uncertainty and challenges, The Dance Center has officially reopened at its new location at 911 Bryan Road, on the corner of Bryan Road and Lumsden Road. The center continues to offer a wide range of programs including ballet, jazz, contemporary, and tap dance for all ages, ensuring that the community has access to creative arts once again.

Hurricane Milton’s Impact

The National Hurricane Center detailed that Hurricane Milton intensified to Category 5 levels before making landfall; however, it struck Florida as a Category 3 storm. With barometric pressure plunging below 900 mb, Milton is among the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic basin. The storm’s effects rippled across Florida, causing tornado outbreaks particularly in Southwest Florida and leading to significant damage in locations such as Sarasota and the Tampa Bay area.

Miltón’s storm surge led to severe flooding in various regions, notably in Boca Grande and Captiva. Overall, estimates suggest that damages from Hurricane Milton have reached a staggering $34.3 billion, predominantly impacting the state of Florida. The recovery phase has been complicated due to the fact that many areas had already suffered damages from Hurricane Helene just weeks prior to Milton’s landfall. Notably, the Tropicana Field stadium in St. Petersburg sustained significant damage during the hurricane.

Agricultural Consequences

The hurricane’s impact extended into Florida’s agricultural sector, particularly affecting citrus crops. Losses are estimated between $1.5 billion and $2.5 billion, with flooding posing a serious threat to the survival of citrus trees vital to the state’s agriculture. The long-term effects on agricultural output could impact the economy for years to come.

In response to the crisis, Florida Senator Rick Scott has formally requested disaster assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support affected producers. The USDA has already expedited crop insurance payments and assistance for those impacted by Hurricane Milton as recovery efforts continue.

Looking Ahead

The hurricane season, which commenced on June 1, 2024, has proven to be particularly challenging for Florida. As recovery efforts ramp up in the wake of Hurricane Milton, communities remain resilient and focused on rebuilding and supporting one another through this difficult time.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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