"Hurricane Idalia's Devastation: From Record Storm Surge to Widespread Flooding and Heavy Damage"
Hurricane Idalia caused significant damage in Keaton Beach, Florida, with a 7-foot storm surge and 83-mile-per-hour winds. Homes were flooded, siding was ripped off, and trees were uprooted. The storm surge also brought a rotten smell from the Gulf of Mexico, causing discomfort for residents. Despite the destruction, most homes in Keaton Beach survived due to building codes implemented after the "Storm of the Century" in 1993. Governor Ron DeSantis praised the evacuation efforts, stating that Idalia was less deadly than Hurricane Ian.