In a race against time, Hurricane Milton is barreling toward the Sarasota area, south of Tampa Bay, with a harrowing expected landfall tonight between 9-10 p.m. ET. This fierce Category 3 storm is packing sustained winds of up to 120 mph, forcing residents to prepare for severe weather conditions.

Amid the impending disaster, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have successfully relocated to New Orleans, ensuring the safety of their team, families, and beloved pets. The team held practice sessions at Tulane University on Wednesday before settling down at a hotel prepared for their arrival.

Coach Todd Bowles expressed relief, stating, “I think, overall, everything went smoothly. We got the team out. We got their families out. We got their pets out and everything else. You know, family is the most important thing right now. You can replace material things; you want everybody to be okay and hope everyone evacuated or hunkered down safely.”

To facilitate their escape, the Buccaneers chartered two planes to carry them to New Orleans and secured approximately 200 hotel rooms in Gainesville and Orlando for additional staff and personnel affected by the storm. The team acted swiftly, showcasing their commitment not only to the sport but to the well-being of their extended family.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield shared his thoughts on the situation, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety. "A lot of prayer is involved. It’s out of our control. You can do everything to prepare your home, but when it comes down to it, safety first. Hopefully, everyone adheres to the mandatory evacuation orders."

With their upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, the Bucs are determined to focus on football while keeping spirits high. Mayfield remarked, “Once we’re out of there, realizing this could be the sort of Sunday to give the people of Florida, and especially in our area, some hope—something to look forward to watching.”

As the storm approaches, the Buccaneers serve as a beacon of resilience, reminding us of the strength of community and family in the face of adversity. As the franchise prepares for their game, they’re also sending support to those impacted by Hurricane Milton back home in Florida.

Stay tuned for updates, and remember: safety comes first during natural disasters like Hurricane Milton!