Airports, ports and attractions in Florida aimed to reopen on Friday morning (October 11) after Hurricane Milton passed through the state, causing widespread damage.
The death toll from the category three storm rose to at least 10 on Thursday but looked set to rise, according to reports.
More than 3.5 million homes and businesses left without power after the hurricane made landfall on Wednesday evening local time, bringing 124mph winds.
Tampa International Airport aimed to reopen on Friday after a three-day flight suspension.
However, it said the extreme wind gusts and heavy rainfall damaged several areas of the airport that will need repairs.
“Airport partners are also evaluating staffing levels after one of the biggest evacuation events in recent Tampa Bay history,” added the airport on Thursday.
“Currently, the airport remains closed to the public while clean-up and repairs continue.”
Orlando International Airport (pictured) remained closed on Thursday, apart from limited domestic arrivals in the evening, while crews surveyed the buildings and grounds.
Departures and international arrivals will resume on Friday and passengers were urged to check with their airline directly.
An update from Walt Disney World Resort on Thursday afternoon said: “We’re grateful Walt Disney World Resort weathered the storm.
“Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs will reopen on Friday, October 11, for the scheduled operating hours. Our hearts are with our fellow Floridians who were impacted by this storm.”
Experience Kissimmee, the official tourism authority for Osceola County, Florida, said damage to tourism infrastructure was “minimal” and tourism activities gradually began reopening yesterday.
“Local authorities and emergency teams worked quickly to assess and secure the affected areas, ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors,” it said in a statement.
“Thanks to these efforts, the impact on tourist attractions and services has been limited, allowing for the early recovery of local businesses and entertainment activities.”
It also noted that nearby theme parks, such as Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, have also announced the resumption of their activities in the coming days.
The Monroe County Tourist Development Council in the Florida Keys said initial damage assessments show “relatively minor impacts” from the outer rainbands of Hurricane Milton and the Keys are open to visitors.
The Florida Keys Overseas Highway is fully open and both Key West International and Florida Keys Marathon airports remained open throughout. Florida’s state parks in the Keys are to reopen on Friday and most, if not all, land-based attractions are open.
Ports in the region are also in the process of reopening.
Port Miami and Port Everglades have reopened and resumed waterside operations.
However, Port Tampa Bay and Port Canaveral’s shipping channels remain closed while they undergo initial assessments.
Port Tampa Bay currently has no power and some damage has been observed to buildings, but there is “no significant damage” to docks so far.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has announced a total contribution of $80,000 to the American Red Cross to help those in affected communities. In addition to the $30,000 it previously donated to the Red Cross to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts, it will match up to $50,000 more in public donations toward Hurricane Milton relief efforts.