Hello, this is Hex Squad! After Hurricane Milton passed, I wanted to give you an update. Your messages on Instagram, Facebook, and emails checking up on me have truly warmed my heart. Thank you so much for thinking of me and my family during these back-to-back hurricanes.
I’m happy to report that Dave, the girls, and I are doing well despite both Hurricane Helen and Hurricane Milton hitting the Tampa Bay area. There is a whirlwind, but we are safe.
our home: a safe haven
When we purchased our home six years ago, we chose a location 20 miles inland from the Gulf Coast and firmly within the flood/evacuation zone of the Tampa Bay area. As a risk-averse person, I wanted a place that would protect us, even if our options at the time were limited.
Around the time of my divorce, I invested in a new roof, and then Dave and I added automatic shutters for added security. Amazingly, our house has survived every major hurricane over the past 20 years without suffering any damage. The neighborhood lake seen in the photo above absorbed a significant amount of water after the storm and helped prevent flooding in our immediate area.
our chosen family
We were lucky to be in a safe zone, but many of our friends and chosen family members were not so lucky. We welcomed Mickey and his fiancé Dustin into our home, along with their three cats and adorable dog, as well as our friend Kayley and his cute puppy. In total, we had 5 humans, 4 dogs, and 3 cats under one roof for almost a week.
It was a full house, but we are so grateful that we were able to provide a safe place for our loved ones. Sharing space has brought us all closer, and supporting each other has made difficult times more bearable.
After Hurricane Milton Resources
- Milton Cleanup Hotline – 844-956-1386
- FEMA Registration – 1-800-621-3362
- Florida Emergency Hotline – 1-800-342-3557
- Habitat for Humanity – 813-239-2248
- Disaster Distress Helpline – 1-800-985-5990
I wanted to share some post-hurricane resources in case you need them. It is normal to experience psychological distress after a series of disasters. If you need help, call the Disaster and Distress Helpline.
power outage and flooding
The Tampa Bay metropolitan area continues to experience widespread flooding and power outages. Mickey and Dustin finally had power restored yesterday, but many Floridians remain without power. Some areas are facing boil water advisories as water supplies have been compromised.
Flooding has affected many areas around us, causing school closures and dangerous driving conditions on many roads. Our streets remain dry, but it breaks my heart to see surrounding communities struggling.
my favorite part
Amidst all the chaos and uncertainty, my favorite part of having everyone in my house was sharing precious quality time. Going for morning walks, cooking meals as a big family, and watching movies with Dave and I was heart-warming in a way that words cannot express. Laughter echoing throughout the house, impromptu dance parties, and deep conversations late into the night turned a stressful situation into an unforgettable bonding experience. These moments reminded us of the importance of community and how we can find joy and connection even during the most difficult times.
the worst part
The night Hurricane Milton made landfall was truly terrifying. Hearing the storm’s relentless winds howl through my house was the most terrifying experience I’ve ever endured. Howling gusts threatened to tear the roof apart at any moment, and the walls seemed to tremble with each powerful swell. It was impossible to sleep. I lay awake, my heart pounding, waiting for the wind to subside. It was a stark reminder of the unpredictable power of nature, and when the storm finally passed and we were all safe, I felt both humbled and deeply grateful. .
final thoughts
During times like these, we are constantly reminded of the strength and resilience of our community. Thank you again for your love and support. Let’s keep the people affected by the disaster in mind and continue to take care of each other.
