While APCIA president and CEO David A. Sampson acknowledged the destruction of Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton’s impending arrival on Florida’s west coast, and the insurance industry crisis, he emphasized that insurance’s societal role remained a source of “stability, safety, and protection” for American families, businesses, and communities.

Florida has seen a recent increase in confirmed cases of flesh-eating bacteria following the devastating hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to state health department data. Related video above: Bill Nye discusses the role climate change plays in forming major hurricanes The Tampa Bay-area counties of Hillsborough and Pinellas – which were inundated by torrential rain and a devastating storm surge – saw the largest increase of the

The Hermitage Artist Retreat in Englewood, Florida, experienced huge storm surges due to Hurricane Milton, with repairs and damage estimated at "upwards of $1 million" as well as the cancelation of residencies and other programs for several weeks.

There have been 70 confirmed Vibrio vulnificus infections in Florida, and more than half of them have happened since September 2024, according to FDOH

On a dark night, a fierce storm gave Florida a sharp blow to the head. Less than two weeks later, another tore through its heart.

So when Helene and Hurricane Milton struck Florida within two weeks of each other, the neighbors closed ranks as one big extended family, cooking meals together, taking turns watching children and cleaning out their damaged homes.