Residents in various parts of Florida, including Everglades City, Marco Island, St. Petersburg, Tampa, and New Port Richey, are making different decisions on whether to evacuate in preparation for Hurricane Milton. Some are opting to stay put due to concerns about traffic, financial constraints, or fear of running out of gas, while others are preparing to ride out the storm in elevated homes. The residents are worried about potential storm surges, high winds, and power outages.
In Everglades City, Lloyd Martinez and his friends have decided to stay in a riverside seafood restaurant, while Tim McCoy in Marco Island is confident in his home’s elevation. In St. Petersburg, Katie Williams is concerned about potential damage to her 1940s-built apartment, while Joe Malinowski plans to stay on his sailboat in Tampa. Dominique Martinez is staying in his studio in Tampa, bringing levity with his large bunny sculpture, while Lloyd Anoa’i is hunkering down with his family in New Port Richey.
Worries about storm damage, safety, and power outages are prevalent among residents, who are taking precautions like fortifying their homes, packing supplies, and boarding up windows. Despite mandatory evacuation orders in some areas, residents are making calculated decisions based on their unique circumstances and limitations. The impending hurricane is expected to bring dangerous conditions that residents are bracing themselves for, hoping for the best outcome while preparing for the worst.
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