Storm-weary Florida residents prepare for another round with Milton
Preparations and evacuations were underway Monday along Florida’s Gulf Coast for Hurricane Milton, less than two weeks after Helene bore down on the Southeast.
SARASOTA, Fla. — Preparations and evacuations were underway Monday along Florida’s Gulf Coast, where Hurricane Milton was intensifying into a “potentially catastrophic” Category 5 storm less than two weeks after Helene bore down on the Southeast.
In downtown Fort Myers, crews boarded up stores and restaurants. Residents in Tampa rushed to stock up on supplies at supermarkets. Debris removal continued throughout the state as officials urged residents to prepare for the worst and heed evacuation orders.
“If you’re in the path of Hurricane #Milton, the time to act is NOW,” the Federal Emergency Management Agency posted on X. “If evacuation orders are given, DO NOT DELAY — leave immediately. Staying could mean risking your life and the lives of those you care about.”
Cleon Dixon, a store owner in the St. Armands Circle area of Sarasota, was removing merchandise from her three stores, which all flooded when Helene pummeled the region. On Monday, she boarded up windows, taped down what she could and placed sandbags throughout her properties.
A member of the Florida Army National Guard removes debris in St. Petersburg on Monday ahead of Hurricane Milton's expected landfall.Bryan R. Smith / AFP - Getty ImagesIn the 30 years she has been in business, Dixon has never experienced so much damage in such a short amount of time, she said. Despite the burden and stress, she will try to keep a positive outlook through this unprecedented hurricane season, she said.
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