Hurricane Milton: A somber aftermath

Hurricane Milton has finally moved away from Florida, leaving behind extensive destruction and a daunting recovery process for residents. While the situation could have been worse, with remarkably high winds, tornadoes, and significant flooding affecting several areas, many are still grappling with the aftermath.

As Floridians prepared for what forecasters warned could be a devastating storm surge, hundreds of thousands vacated their homes. However, a notable number of residents chose to endure the storm, motivated by factors like family safety, livestock, and logistical challenges such as gas shortages and blocked evacuation routes.

Global News connected with several locals who braved the ferocity of Milton. Here’s a look at how their decisions panned out post-storm.

A New Mother’s Courage

One mother, who documented her family's preparations for the storm on TikTok, opted to remain at home with her six-month-old infant rather than evacuate. Faced with gas stations running dry and the urgency to protect her child, she felt staying put was the safest choice. Following the hurricane, she shared updates revealing minimal damage—just scattered palm leaves and a slightly crooked fence. Grateful for their safety, she joyfully confirmed, “We’re all safe, everyone’s alive, we have power.”

Sarasota's Realty Resilience

In Sarasota, real estate agent Leland Howard chose to ride out the storm at home, confident in his property's structural integrity. After the storm subsided, he returned to social media to reassure followers that his family was 'just fine,' despite some minor damage to their property. He also noted that while reports were encouraging for his rental properties, he was aware of potential issues, particularly in vulnerable flood zones.

Hobby Farmers Show True Grit

At Our Simple Homestead, an owner faced tough choices to protect her animals during the hurricane. Unable to transport all livestock due to missing health certificates, she and her family chose to stay behind. After an arduous night with their animals, she reported that while power was lost, all of the farm's creatures, including cows and chickens, survived. Overcome with emotion, she celebrated their resilience and expressed deep relief for the safety of her beloved animals.

Influencer’s Stormy Antics

Catching media attention for her controversial decision to remain in a mandatory evacuation zone, influencer Caroline Calloway documented her experience on social media. After weathering the storm, she nonchalantly tweeted to her followers, 'I lived, bitch,' alongside a casual selfie with her cat. Her dramatic stance during the storm has drawn both criticism and admiration, further solidifying her public persona.

The Corvette Controversy

A Florida man made waves online for wrapping his newly purchased Corvette in plastic in a bid to prevent water damage. Following the hurricane, however, no updates have emerged about his car's fate, leaving many in suspense about whether his protective measures paid off.

The Storm's Aftermath

While several residents we followed escaped the worst of Hurricane Milton, many others were not so fortunate. Over three million households still faced power outages as of Thursday, and at least five fatalities have been reported. The hurricane's impact was exacerbated by the formation of approximately 150 tornadoes, adding to the destruction across the state.

Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the ongoing efforts to assess damage, stating, 'We will better understand the extent of the damage as the day progresses.' He urged residents in severely impacted counties to remain vigilant, as dangers such as downed power lines and flooding persist in the aftermath.

Desperate search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, with officials conducting door-to-door checks in hard-hit areas. Just in Tampa, police rescued fifteen individuals trapped in a home under a fallen tree.

As communities begin to regroup and recover from Hurricane Milton, the tales of those who chose to stay offer a unique perspective on bravery and resilience in the face of nature’s fury.