Trumps, Pence visit storm-ravaged Florida

President Donald Trump flew to Florida on Thursday morning to survey Irma cleanup efforts and encourage victims of the storm’s destruction. Trump, first lady Melania Trump, and Vice President Mike Pence met Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Sen. Marco Rubio in Fort Myers, which sustained heavy damage during the massive storm that came ashore Sunday and Monday. They also planned to visit nearby Naples. Much of the state remains without power as temperatures climb into the 90s. On Wednesday, Scott ordered police and first responders throughout the state to check on elderly residents after eight people died at a nursing home in Hollywood Hills. According to the Florida Health Care Association, 81 nursing homes still lacked electricity as of Wednesday night. Several facilities and senior living developments evacuated residents amid fear for their safety. Nearly 5 million people in Florida are still waiting for power to be restored. Officials say it could take a week or more to reestablish service.