Trick-or-treating is going to look a lot different in Southwest Florida, as debris from hurricanes Milton and Helene continues to clutter Charlotte County streets.
Charlotte County workers report they’ve cleared enough debris to fill four football fields ten feet high, but there’s still plenty left to pick up. County officials are warning parents about sharp objects scattered throughout the area. The tall piles of debris could obstruct drivers' views, making it difficult to see children trying to cross the street in the dark.
In Punta Gorda, Lilli Hargrove excitedly announced her Halloween plans: “I’m going to be Ghostface. Scream!” Like many children in Southwest Florida, she faces the challenge of finding a safe place to trick-or-treat.
In neighborhoods that were spared from the hurricanes, preparations are underway for a busy night of trick-or-treating.
John Walsh from Montrose Avenue in Port Charlotte shared, "We give our full-size candy bars. Last year, I spent a thousand on candy."
Montrose set up a free haunted house on his property with over 20 animatronics and strobe lights.
He added, "I put this up the day after the hurricane. It helps the kids forget everything else. Parents are bringing their kids by to look at it every day, and it really helps take their minds off the devastation."
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is also holding a trick-or-treating event at the Port Charlotte Town Center from 4:30 to 8:30, giving out more than two tons of candy to ensure a sweet Halloween for all.