Why Some Floridians Feel They Can't Evacuate Ahead of Hurricane Milton Despite Warnings Like 'You're Going to Die'

Mar. 15, 2025

As Hurricane Miltonraces across the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida, residents up and down the western coast, including around the Tampa Bay area, have been told to evacuate ahead of potentially “life-threatening” storm conditions like surge from the ocean, vicious winds and soaking rain.

Whilemany are leavingamid those dire warnings — “If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you’re going to die,” Tampa Mayor Jane Castorsaid on CNN— some Floridians are speaking out about why they feel like they’re stuck or can’t leave.

It’s a familiar discussion that stirs up during each hurricane cycle: The simplest way to avoid the danger of a major storm is to get out of its way, and public officials rely on evacuation orders and alerts, including using language like the Tampa mayor, to grab attention and make sure warnings are clear.

“You can get another house and material things,” one resident told local station. “You can’t get another life.”

Floridaprovides a list of available storm sheltersin various counties, as well as updated guidance for people to determinewhether they live inan evacuation zone.

There are also resources available for people who need transportation to a shelter,such as free Uber vouchersand an assistance hotline (1-800-729-3413).

But among the issues that locals have citedin viral social media posts, in conversations with friends and with PEOPLE are problems like a lack of resources, challenges with transportation, concerns about where to go and more.

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The impending arrival of Hurricane Milton.Mike Carlson/AP

Mike Carlson/AP

Some say they don’t have the gas to drive or the money to afford a hotel or rental; others say they can’t risk the congested roads for a long trip out of the state (though there is no indication that roads are currently impassable, even with the traffic).

Some people worry about what it would mean to leave their homes and almost all of their belongings without being sure what awaits them on the other side.

And, in the words of some lifelong state residents, they feel more comfortable hunkering down than getting out of town. They have weathered past hurricanes successfully and feel they can do so again.

In short, these people say, evacuating from their homes, sometimes with kids and pets in tow, is not an easy feat — no matter the hurricane risk — when compared with the familiarity of sheltering where they are now.

The more vulnerable residents in the state, including those who are low income and who don’t have reliable housing or transportation, face their own obstacles, according to experts.

There is another nuance: Not everyone in a given city or county has to evacuate; instead, people may need to leave if they are closer to the water or in a mobile home, but they could be safer if they live across town — and further inland.

That was the case for one social media userwhose videos have gone viralexplaining why her family turned around after starting to leave: She said she’s not in an evacuation zone in central St. Petersburg and her family felt the trip had too many obstacles.

Evacuations from Hurricane Milton.Julio Cortez/AP

Julio Cortez/AP

With Milton set to make landfall in Florida either late on Wednesday, Oct. 9, or early Thursday, Oct. 10, more than 5 million people were under mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders as of Tuesday, Oct. 8,according toThe New York Times.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantishas reportedly saidthat residents should move inland, not necessarily out of the state, and to travel on local roads instead of the interstates if needed.

“Please, if you’re in the Tampa Bay area, you need to evacuate," Florida Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie said at a news conference,ABC News reported.

“Drowning deaths due to storm surge are 100% preventable if you leave,” he said.

Hillsborough County emergency official Timothy Dudley Jr. took a different tone, with the same message.

“Don’t panic. You have time,” he said, according to theTimes. “Get somewhere safe, and we’ll see you on the other end.”

source: people.com