As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida’s southwest coast, officials have issued a chilling warning for residents who choose not to evacuate: identify your bodies. At a press conference on October 7, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody emphasized the seriousness of the situation for those ignoring evacuation orders.
“You probably need to write your name in permanent marker on your arm so that people know who you are when they get to you afterwards,” she stated, underlining the dire consequences of staying behind as the storm looms.
Moody pointed out that the state is still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck just two weeks prior, leaving behind fatalities along the coast. “Bodies are still being found along the coast of people who could not outlive the storm surge,” she noted, highlighting the life-threatening nature of hurricanes.
Senator Rick Scott echoed her sentiments during the press conference, stating, “Nobody up here can save your life if you put yourself in harm’s way.”
Local law enforcement weighs in
Sheriff Bill Prummell of Charlotte County reiterated this grim advice in a subsequent briefing. “If you choose to stay, find yourself a permanent marker. Write your name, your date of birth, and your next of kin on your arm, so we know who you are and who to contact,” he said, adding, “This is no joke.”
Prummell cautioned that first responders would not be obligated to risk their own lives for those who remain in dangerous conditions as Hurricane Milton makes landfall.
Mayor’s stark warning
Further amplifying the sense of urgency, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor declared in an October 7 CNN interview, “I can say without any dramatization whatsoever: If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you’re going to die.”
Hurricane Milton’s devastating potential
Hurricane Milton is expected to impact Florida on October 9, bringing winds of up to 160 mph and storm surges reaching 15 feet. The storm’s trajectory indicates a direct hit on the Tampa Bay area, making it a potentially life-threatening event for those remaining.
In response to the impending disaster, Florida lawmakers have enacted several measures to ease evacuations. The Florida Division of Emergency Management has partnered with Uber to provide free rides to safe zones. Additionally, Governor Ron DeSantis has lifted tolls on key evacuation routes to alleviate financial burdens for evacuees.
However, many residents are still struggling to leave, citing exorbitant flight costs and hours-long traffic jams, according to NBC reports. As the storm draws closer, the urgency for evacuation remains paramount.