St Lucie County has been rocked by devastation following a tornado outbreak on Wednesday, with Sheriff Keith Pearson confirming “multiple fatalities” in the region.
The tragic toll is particularly poignant at the Spanish Lakes Country Club, a senior community located off Spanish Lakes Boulevard near Fort Pierce, where several lives have been lost. The exact number of deceased and injured individuals remains uncertain as emergency crews continue their critical work.
Sheriff Pearson emphasized the ongoing search and rescue efforts, stating that deputies are meticulously checking every residence to assist those impacted. “They are listening for life,” he explained, describing the intensity of the operation. “This is a weather event like none other.”
During an interview with WPTV anchor Meghan McRoberts, Pearson reported that between “6 and 12” tornadoes touched down across the county, leading to extensive damage and chaos.
A multitude of agencies, including officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, have mobilized to respond to the crisis. “Our number one goal is life safety,” Pearson declared. “We want to reach anyone who might be trapped beneath the rubble and ensure they are extricated safely.”
The sheriff noted that over 100 homes throughout the county have suffered significant destruction due to the severe weather outbreak. In a coordinated effort, state officials have dispatched approximately 100 search and rescue personnel to support local agencies in their response efforts.
Erick Gill, a spokesman for St Lucie County, reported the magnitude of the disaster: “We have dozens of homes that have been damaged, with some experiencing catastrophic destruction.” He highlighted the collaboration among the St Lucie County Fire District, the National Guard, and first responders from surrounding counties in the ongoing search and rescue missions.
Gill added, “We are working diligently to reach the communities where multiple tornadoes have touched down, assisting survivors and conducting damage assessments.” Currently, three shelters are operational, with plans to convert an additional school into a fourth shelter to accommodate those displaced by the tornadoes.
The tornadoes, linked to Hurricane Milton as it approaches Florida, have swept across the Treasure Coast and Palm Beach County. Governor Ron DeSantis reported a staggering 116 tornado warnings issued, with 19 confirmed touchdowns on that fateful Wednesday.
Kevin Guthrie, director of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, noted that multiple task forces are being deployed to the affected areas. He also stated that approximately 125 homes were destroyed statewide, primarily mobile homes within senior communities.
Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key just after 8:30 p.m., leaving a trail of destruction felt across the Sunshine State throughout the day.
