Full Breakdown
One Year After Hurricane Milton: Stories of Survival and Resilience
10/10/2025, 2:25:22 PM
The Impact of Hurricane Milton's Tornadoes
On October 9, 2024, Hurricane Milton unleashed a series of devastating tornadoes across Florida, with the most destructive being an EF3 tornado that struck the Spanish Lakes Country Club community in St. Lucie County. This tornado resulted in six fatalities and left over a hundred homes damaged or destroyed. The storm spawned a total of 46 tornadoes statewide, causing widespread destruction and prompting ongoing recovery efforts.
Personal Accounts of Survival
George Bustillo, a retired airline pilot, and his wife Marlene were among the survivors who faced the tornado's wrath directly. Their home in Mariner Sands was completely leveled, yet they chose to rebuild on the same site. Bustillo recounted the harrowing experience of being trapped under debris, stating, “It was one second, explosion, everything goes into the house... and the next second, the whole roof collapses on me.” Remarkably, both he and his wife emerged unscathed, a fact they attribute to divine intervention.
In contrast, Charley Dahlonega and her husband John Alberigi III experienced severe injuries during the tornado. Dahlonega was buried under rubble, suffering a skull fracture, while her husband endured multiple broken ribs and spent months in rehabilitation. Their recovery has been fraught with challenges, including navigating FEMA assistance and dealing with the emotional aftermath of the disaster.
Rosie Quaranta, who lived in the Spanish Lakes community, also faced the storm's devastation. She narrowly escaped her home moments before it was destroyed by the EF3 tornado. Quaranta expressed gratitude for the kindness of neighbors who supported her during her recovery, stating, “People can be so nice. It was unbelievable.”
Community Resilience and Ongoing Recovery
As the anniversary of Hurricane Milton approaches, many residents are still grappling with the aftermath. While some have successfully rebuilt, others remain in temporary housing or are still waiting for repairs. The Bustillos moved into their new home just three weeks prior to the anniversary, incorporating a reinforced bunker for future storm protection. “It takes patience, perseverance, and teamwork to rebuild,” George Bustillo noted.
In Spanish Lakes, the community has shown resilience, with many homes now featuring new roofs and fresh paint. However, reminders of the storm linger, as empty lots mark the sites of homes lost to the tornado. Local leaders have initiated recovery programs to assist homeowners, but many residents, including Bustillo, have expressed frustration over the lack of timely aid and support from federal agencies like FEMA.
Honoring Lives Lost and Looking Forward
The community held a memorial service to honor the six lives lost in the EF3 tornado, reflecting on the emotional toll the disaster has taken. Survivors like Quaranta and Maginn emphasized the importance of community support in the recovery process. “Day after day, we just put one foot in front of the other,” Maginn said, highlighting the collective effort to rebuild.
As residents continue to navigate their recovery journeys, they share a common message of hope and resilience. “If anyone finds any strength or any information that they didn’t know and it helps them, I’m pleased with that,” George Bustillo stated, underscoring the importance of sharing experiences to inspire others facing similar challenges.
