Palm Beach Gardens tornado damages over 300 homes, FEMA estimates $45 million in losses

FEMA estimates an EF-3 tornado that ravaged a Palm Beach Gardens community caused $45 million in damages.

The estimate comes on Wednesday after the City of Palm Beach Gardens Emergency Management Division concluded its post-storm assessment following Hurricane Milton. The assessment included the impact of an EF-3 tornado that sprung from Milton's outer bands and ripped through the Avenir development.

In total, the city estimates that the tornado damaged a total of 318 homes in Avenir. Specifically, 12 homes were destroyed, 47 homes experienced major damages, 153 experienced minor damages and 106 were affected.

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Among the affected residents, one family hunkered down after receiving the tornado warning, and now faces an uncertain rebuilding process.

"You could hear the noise like a train going through, very loud," said Avenir resident Luis Vinas.

Footage from Vinas' outdoor security camera shows strong winds tossing patio furniture around like toys and ripping apart the screened enclosure. Another view captures his vehicles being smashed by flying debris, including large pieces of concrete. His family, including his one-year-old granddaughter, hunkered down in a small bathroom.

"My daughter's baby, the stroller, we found it on the street, like a few feet away," Vinas said. "We're very lucky to be alive, and all we need is a little help to be able to rebuild as soon as possible so we can go on with our lives."

Help is reportedly on the way, according to Palm Beach County Mayor Maria Sachs.

"We're also bringing in FEMA to make sure that everybody who has suffered property damage from these tornadoes are registered, documented, and ready to receive restitution as well as help," Mayor Sachs told CBS12 News on Wednesday.

However, the Vinas family's application for FEMA assistance was denied. They are now hoping for some form of aid as they begin repairs.

"We're going to have to reach into our own pockets to build," Vinas said. "So far all I see is no FEMA, and no funds from SBA. So maybe the governor and even the Mayor can do something to help us in this neighborhood," Vinas said.

The damage assessment by neighborhood, as provided by the city of Palm Beach Gardens:

Avondale:

Regency:

Windgate:

La Terre:

Publix:

Blue Heron East Clubhouse:

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