Multiple Fatalities Confirmed After Tornado Outbreak in St. Lucie County

ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — Sheriff Keith Pearson has confirmed that multiple fatalities occurred following a series of tornadoes in St. Lucie County, Florida. The tornado outbreak on Wednesday notably affected the Spanish Lakes Country Club, a senior community situated off Spanish Lakes Boulevard near Fort Pierce.

The exact number of casualties and the injured remains unconfirmed, as rescue operations are actively underway. Sheriff Pearson stated that the efforts are concentrated on visiting each house to aid those impacted, emphasizing that deputies are “listening for life” as they conduct their neighborhood checks. “This is a weather event like none other,” he remarked.

Reports indicate that between “six and twelve” tornadoes touched down in the county, as Pearson shared with WPTV anchor Meghan McRoberts. The comprehensive response to this crisis involves dozens of agencies, including officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “Our No. 1 goal is life safety,” declared Pearson, underlining the priority to rescue any individuals trapped under debris or in dangerous scenarios.

More than 100 homes are reported destroyed across the county. To support the local efforts, state authorities have dispatched approximately 100 search and rescue personnel to assist. Erick Gill, a spokesman for St. Lucie County, corroborated the devastation, noting that “dozens of homes in St. Lucie County have been damaged, some with catastrophic damage.” Rescue and damage assessment activities are being conducted in collaboration with various units, including the St. Lucie County Fire District, the National Guard, and neighboring county first responders.

In light of the extensive damages, plans are underway to open additional shelters for those displaced by the tornadoes. “We have three shelters that were already open, but we’re looking at converting another school to a fourth shelter,” Gill outlined in response to the community’s needs.

Governor Ron DeSantis reported that there were 116 tornado warnings issued statewide, with 19 touchdown confirmations on Wednesday alone. Kevin Guthrie, the Director of Florida's Division of Emergency Management, has indicated that several task forces are en route to the hardest-hit areas. Across Florida, approximately 125 homes have been destroyed, predominantly affecting mobile homes in senior communities.

This incident is part of the broader impact of Hurricane Milton, which landed near Siesta Key just after 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday. While it significantly affected the state throughout the day, St. Lucie County appears to be among the worst impacted regions. This is an ongoing story, and updates are expected as more information becomes available.