As Hurricane Milton bears down on Florida’s coast, not everyone heeded the evacuation orders.
Our reporter J.C. Navarrete spoke with several former Illinois residents who decided to ride out the storm, revealing a mix of anxiety and determination as they brace for impact.
For many of those who stayed behind, the gravity of their choice is settling in.
“Hindsight’s always 20/20,” one resident admitted, contemplating the potential consequences of their decision.
As the winds pick up and the rain begins to lash against their homes, the reality of the situation is becoming all too real.
“We’re all watching the storm,” another resident shared, underscoring the tense atmosphere as they prepare for what’s to come.
Among those weathering the storm is Leah, who owns a skincare boutique in Chicago’s Gold Coast.
Recently, she opened a second location in Bradenton, Florida, and now finds herself hunkered down with friends.
“The hardest part is watching and not knowing what I’m going back to,” she expressed, her voice tinged with uncertainty about the fate of her business.
Bob and Stacy, newcomers to Florida since leaving Illinois two years ago, are also confronting their first major hurricane.
“We’re trying to remain positive but also worried,” Bob said.
They’ve done their best to prepare for the storm, but the anxiety remains palpable.
Kathy Ward, a more seasoned hurricane veteran, shared her insights on disaster preparedness.
“Hurricane prepping begins in May,” she explained, contrasting it with the suddenness of tornado season.
“We have enough time to prepare,” she noted, highlighting the importance of being proactive.
Her home, built from cement blocks, provides a sense of security as she stocks up on essentials like water, food, fuel, and medicine.
