An onslaught of conspiracy theories followed Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Although many of the claims originate online, targeting FEMA has real-world consequences, including deterring storm victims from seeking federal aid and endangering the agency’s employees on the ground.

In Hernando County, the Withlacoochee River is finally starting to go down, but it’s going to take some time for floodwaters to recede. Last week, the river crested at almost 20 feet.

A loophole in state law makes it easy for criminals to commit fraud, Hillsborough Clerk of Courts Cindy Stuart said.

Several Florida communities continue to weather after effects from Hurricane Milton more than 2 weeks since it made landfall in Florida.

Nearly 1,100 people attended the community-based event on Tuesday where free meals, infant supplies and FEMA assistance were provided to residents. The CDC of Tampa will host more events in the coming months.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is providing three industrial pumps and 7,000 feet of pipes to alleviate historic flood levels.

An increase in the number of Vibrio vulnificus cases this year was to be expected as the infection can be contracted through exposure of open wounds to saltwater, which is common after hurricanes.

From free food and power, to donating clothes to women, they came forward to meet the needs of people who were impacted by Helene and Milton.

National VA officials are commending staff in the area for keeping patients safe during the storms. Now the focus is on rescheduling the thousands of appointments that had to be cancelled.

The federal Medicaid program offers disaster flexibilities that can make it easier for people to sign up for coverage and get treatments faster. A coalition of health and labor groups want the state to take full advantage.

State insurance officials have issued orders to protect policyholders impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Helene brought up to 18 feet of waves at the mouth of Tampa Bay, less than 10 miles from the shoreline. The storm surge also overtopped the Gulf-side seawall by up to 2 feet and bayside seawall by over 4 feet.