Hurricane Milton was an extremely powerful hurricane that traversed the Atlantic Ocean, beginning on October 5th. Experts have reported it as the second-largest cyclone to pass over the Gulf of Mexico. During its path, the hurricane went directly over Florida, forcing over a million Florida residents to evacuate north to shelters and schools. Many were injured, and approximately 24 deaths were reported. Fortunately, repairs from the damage caused by the hurricane are close to being fully restored, with power available in almost all affected regions.

Chase Loveless, Class of 2025, has a relative in Florida. She lives on the western side of Florida in Ankle Wood, near Tampa Bay. During the hurricane, Chase’s grandmother had to evacuate to a school gym. Unfortunately, the school didn’t anticipate so many evacuees, so they ran out of cots. “My grandmother had surgery on her knee the week before, so it was very difficult for her to drive since she was still on narcotics and couldn’t do much. It was tough because she had a large ice machine (a necessity for her knee) that needed power. It was very stressful.” Chase shared that he was very worried for his grandmother but grateful for all the support she received from other evacuees.