Cuban comedian Andy Vázquez recently visited Fort Myers, one of the areas hit by tornadoes that swept through various parts of Florida on Wednesday afternoon. He witnessed the devastating aftermath at a Cuban eatery, Havana Cuban, which was left in ruins. "It's completely destroyed, folks," Andy remarked, peering through a shattered window into the restaurant's damaged interior, which had lost its roof and sustained severe harm.
Residing in nearby Cape Coral since the beginning of the year, the comedian also highlighted the destruction of a beauty salon adjacent to the restaurant, pointing out the extensive damage to businesses in the area. Vázquez urged locals to visit the restaurant once it reopens as a gesture of support. He expressed his willingness to assist, whether by helping clear debris or performing a show at the venue when it resumes operations. "This is bad, folks," he concluded.
A photo circulating on social media confirms that the establishment is indeed Cuban-owned. At least 19 tornadoes swept through central and southern Florida just hours before Hurricane Milton made landfall on the night of October 9 as a Category 3 hurricane, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.
The Miami National Weather Service had issued a tornado warning for South Florida from Wednesday morning, which remained in effect until 9:00 p.m. local time, shortly after Milton made landfall at around 8:30 p.m. near Siesta Key, south of Tampa. "As we stay on the northeastern side of #Milton today, the threat of some tornadoes continues. Make sure you have a way to receive alerts!" the meteorological agency warned on social media, sharing a map illustrating the vast area at risk of tornadoes throughout the day.
Footage of the tornadoes, including alarming scenes captured from surveillance cameras in Fort Myers, emerged online. According to the latest reports from authorities, at least 13 people have died in Florida due to Hurricane Milton: five in St. Lucie County, three in Volusia, and two in Pinellas, as per local officials.
Rescue teams continue to search for victims amidst the debris, while authorities assess the damage caused by the storm, which has resulted in flooding, uprooted trees, and downed power lines and roofs. "Full reconstruction will take a long time. Several billion dollars will be needed," acknowledged President Joe Biden.