‘You Have to Accept it’: Cleanup Begins in Fort Pierce After Milton’s Tornadoes Wreaked Havoc

Utter devastation hit Fort Pierce on Wednesday as two powerful tornadoes swept through the Spanish Lakes mobile home community, claiming the lives of at least five residents.

Tornado Strikes Amid Hurricane Milton

The tornadoes, an offshoot of the eastern edge of Hurricane Milton, left destruction in their wake, damaging homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Chopper 6 captured aerial footage of the aftermath, showing homes torn apart as first responders moved through the debris, checking on survivors and assessing damage. The tragedy unfolded swiftly, leaving residents with little time to react. St. Lucie County officials confirmed that over 100 homes were either destroyed or severely damaged, prompting the establishment of temporary shelters for displaced residents.

Heartbreaking Losses and Miraculous Escapes

During the chaos, stories of both heartbreak and miraculous escapes emerged. Mohammed Chowehury, the owner of a local convenience store on Turnpike Feeder Road, recounted how his business was obliterated by one of the tornadoes. Fortunately, his employees had left just minutes before the storm hit. “He closed and locked the store, and after five minutes, the tornado hit,” Chowehury explained. Despite the devastation, he expressed gratitude that no one was inside at the time, saying, “You have to accept it, there’s no other way.”

For Cherlene Joseph-Dorlean, the destruction was even more personal. As the tornado approached, she hurried to protect her 8-year-old son, guiding him to the safest part of their home. “I told him to go in the middle of the house where there are no windows,” she said, describing how they watched in horror as the storm tore apart their neighborhood. Windows shattered, roofs flew off, and trees were uprooted. One of the most shocking sights for her was her husband’s semi-truck, which the tornado lifted and hurled across the parking lot, leaving it on the road. “Our semi that was parked there is now there. It’s a total loss, a total loss,” she lamented.

Recovery Efforts Underway

Emergency crews worked tirelessly through the night to clear the wreckage from Fort Pierce’s streets, including the removal of two large semi-trucks that had been tossed onto the road. With many residents left homeless, authorities quickly set up temporary shelters to provide immediate relief.

Governor Ron DeSantis visited the site and expressed deep sympathy for the victims, acknowledging the sudden and overwhelming nature of tornadoes. “It’s a tragic thing because it’s not like they should’ve evacuated,” he remarked. “What do you do when you have a tornado? You duck and cover; it happens so quickly. Those things are really strong.” Though the community is reeling from the destruction, the focus is now on recovery and rebuilding. Saint Lucie County officials, along with first responders and volunteers, continue their efforts to assist affected families, providing shelter, food, and support as residents grapple with the loss of their homes and loved ones.