Hurricane Milton has impacted schools, airports, and retailers throughout Florida, with some disruptions occurring in South Florida. However, most operations continue during regular business hours.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Broward County Public Schools, Palm Beach County Public Schools, and Monroe County Public Schools are closed on Wednesday and Thursday. Broward County Libraries will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
The Waffle House Index, created by Craig Fugate, former chief of the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency, is an unofficial tool FEMA uses to assess damage in a given area. Only places on Florida’s west coast are closed.
Airports:
Several Florida airports are closed due to Hurricane Milton and will not reopen until conditions are safe. Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) in South Florida will cease flights at 9 p.m. on Wednesday. Though flights may be canceled, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Key West airports remain open. Travelers are instructed to check with their airlines for any updates.
Grocery stores, Retails, and pharmacies:
Local grocery stores, including Publix, Winn-Dixie, Aldi, Sedanos, and Fresco y Más, usually operate. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS are also open throughout typical business hours. Walmart, Target, and Costco are open throughout typical business hours.
Government offices
- Miami-Dade County’s non-essential government operations, including courts, will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
- Broward County buildings, including courts, are closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
- Monroe County’s vital government offices, including the courts, were closed Wednesday and Thursday.
- Fort Laudedale’s State of the City Address, originally set for Wednesday, has been rescheduled until 7 p.m. Monday.
