Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, is usually known for hosting playoff games, but this time it will be serving a different purpose. The stadium will be transformed into a base camp to assist the Florida Department of Emergency Management as Hurricane Milton approaches.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has instructed crews who were helping North Carolina recover from Hurricane Helene to return to Florida in preparation for Hurricane Milton. The dangerous Category 5 storm is making its way through the Gulf of Mexico, prompting evacuation orders along Florida’s western coast.
With the looming threat of Hurricane Milton, time is of the essence. Governor DeSantis urged residents to finalize their evacuation plans to ensure the safety of themselves and their families. The storm is expected to bring a deadly storm surge, destructive winds, and heavy rainfall, with forecasters predicting a historic storm surge of 10 to 15 feet in Tampa Bay.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor issued a stark warning to those who choose to remain in mandatory evacuation zones, emphasizing the severity of the situation. With Hurricane Milton approaching, the potential for catastrophic damage is high, and residents are urged to prioritize their safety.
This hurricane season started with early signs of intense activity, but after the early storm Beryl, there was a significant lull in hurricane activity. However, Hurricane Milton serves as a reminder that the season can quickly escalate, leading to devastating consequences.
As Florida prepares for the impact of Hurricane Milton, the state is mobilizing resources and urging residents to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The transformation of Tropicana Field into a base camp highlights the collaborative efforts to respond effectively to natural disasters and protect the community from harm.