As Hurricane Milton barrels towards Florida's west coast, a Treasure Island resident urges others to "get out" after already facing the wrath of Hurricane Helene.
In the heart of Treasure Island, Florida, Chuck Fuller stands as a steadfast resident, bracing for the imminent arrival of Hurricane Milton. With the storm's projected path directly over his community, he echoes the urgent pleas of local officials: evacuate.
"There's nothing much that we can do… We've never seen a storm of this magnitude," Fuller tells "Fox & Friends First," emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the incoming hurricane. "They said it's probably been over 100 years."
Hurricane Milton Forces Evacuations in Florida, Resident Warns of Complacency
Having endured the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene just last month, Treasure Island bears the scars of relentless storms. Sewage seeps through the streets, and residents grapple with mounting damage. Yet, Fuller laments the complacency that has crept into the community over the years.
"We've become very complacent because over the years, the storms have come in and [there was] not much damage, maybe a little water. We've never had any water in our house but maybe some wind damage," he explains. "The first year we sandbagged, we moved the cars, nothing happened and then so on and so on, so you become complacent."
Hurricane Milton Forces Evacuations in Florida, Resident Warns of Complacency
This false sense of security has left many vulnerable, but Fuller is determined to prevent a repeat of past tragedies. "One of the most terrible reasons [for] the loss of lives is drowning," he says, highlighting the threat of storm surge. "So just please get out and be safe."
The warnings have spurred residents to action, with many seeking refuge in inland shelters or safer havens in other states. Interstates teem with traffic as people heed the call to flee.
Hurricane Milton Forces Evacuations in Florida, Resident Warns of Complacency
Fuller himself intends to evacuate ahead of Milton's landfall, stressing the need for others to follow suit. "I have a warning for those that might be seeing this that are still in the barrier islands," he implores. "We've become very complacent... But I can tell you, heed the advice of the officials and get out because, we have no idea [what's coming]."
Time is of the essence as Milton intensifies and swells in size. The storm is predicted to make landfall late Wednesday, posing a grave threat to Florida and beyond. Fuller's plea for evacuation serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive potential of nature's wrath.
Hurricane Milton Forces Evacuations in Florida, Resident Warns of Complacency
In the face of adversity, Fuller and his fellow Floridians are taking proactive measures to safeguard their lives and livelihoods. Boarding up homes, building barricades with sandbags, and seeking divine guidance are just a few of the ways they are preparing for the storm's impact.
As the countdown continues, Treasure Island holds its breath, hoping that the worst can be averted. But the message is clear: complacency is a luxury they can no longer afford.
