Hurricane Milton slammed into Florida’s Gulf Coast late Wednesday night as a powerful Category 3 storm, bringing 120 mph winds and leaving a wake of destruction. For a state still recovering from Hurricane Helene just weeks before, Milton’s arrival was another devastating blow.
The storm spawned numerous tornadoes, with officials in St. Lucie County blaming at least four deaths on them. Over 3 million Floridians lost power, and coastal areas faced significant flooding from storm surges.
By Thursday morning, the extent of the devastation became apparent. Milton’s fury left behind scenes of torn homes, uprooted trees, and streets littered with debris. The storm had moved out into the Atlantic, but its impact on Florida remained. For many, including me, it stirred memories of past hurricanes and the chaos they bring.
Growing Up in the Eye of the Storm
Growing up in Florida means living with the ever-present threat of hurricanes. I still remember my first major storm, Hurricane Andrew. My grandfather, who built our sturdy brick house by hand, always took hurricane preparation seriously. The morning before the storm hit, I helped him board up the windows. The boards groaned under the weight of his hammer, as if they knew the strength of the storm approaching.
The night of Hurricane Andrew, the winds screamed through the small cracks in our house, making eerie, haunting sounds. I’ll never forget that sound—it was more terrifying than the wind’s raw force.
As the storm raged, my grandmother fell in the dark, and my grandfather’s gruff voice filled the room, as he rushed to help her. Stress and fear crept in, but as a young boy, I didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of what was happening.
The next morning, I walked outside into a transformed neighborhood. Roofs were torn off homes, debris was scattered everywhere, and a massive oak tree had fallen across our yard. But as a child, the destruction quickly became a playground. My friends and I climbed over fallen trees, blissfully unaware of the devastation that had taken place.
Facing Hurricanes as an Adult
Now, as an adult living in Tampa, Florida, hurricanes have become a way of life. Every storm brings a familiar sense of uncertainty. As Hurricane Milton barreled toward us, my thoughts turned to how we Floridians deal with these threats. Unlike when I was a child, I now worry about the safety of my home and the well-being of my community.
Florida’s unpredictable weather shapes our lives. Hurricanes, like Milton, are inevitable. But they also teach us resilience. For those of us in the path of these storms, the key is preparation and understanding the risks. We know the storms will come, but we continue to live here, finding solace in the calm before the storm and hoping that the damage won’t be too great.
To everyone affected by Hurricane Milton, stay safe and prioritize your well-being over your belongings. Hurricanes may be a part of Florida’s lifestyle, but no material possession is worth risking your life.
