BELLEVIEW, FL (352today.com) – Hurricane Katrina survivor Nidia Martinez has experienced the tragedy associated with catastrophic disaster.
The Marion County resident was one of many filling sandbags the morning of Oct. 8. at the Belleview Sportsplex in preparation of the potential threat of Hurricane Milton whose presence looms large in the Gulf of Mexico.
“As someone who lived through the experience of Hurricane Katrina and has lived through a number or hurricanes in Ocala – living here for about 15 years – this time it feels so different,” said Martinez. “Whenever I see the news I tell my mother, ‘I have a feeling that this is going to have a huge impact like Hurricane Katrina.'”
Amid mounds of sand, people with shovels and a determined spirit were preparing for a storm with a violent and unpleasant demeanor, that seems to be on a direct path toward the 352.
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Martinez understands the importance of having a plan in place for a hurricane and was experiencing some anxiety Tuesday morning.
“It really does bring back so many memories [of Katrina],” said Martinez. “We’re definitely prepared. We were prepared for Hurricane Debby and Helene, too.”
The inland counties may not have to contend with the storm surge that the coastal counties will experience but are still vulnerable to the high winds and the tremendous amount of rainfall that’s expected from the storm.
“Even if we don’t live right next to the water, it’s the same thing that happened to us with Katrina,” said Martinez. “We were in the area of New Orleans where normally we would have been fine. But we still got hit at the last minute and thank God we left when we did.”
Joan Lourenco says that she’s the type of person who likes to be prepared. She prefers to have everything organized to avoid any regrets. Hurricane Milton is expected to bring strong winds and a lot of rain.
“As I began thinking about it, with the water runoff – and we’re actually at a new place this year – I’m just not sure how the water will run. We do have a pool, and we’re not certain how extreme the wind will be,” said Lourenco. “I just feel that everyone should be as well prepared as they can be.”
Hurricane Milton’s unpredictable strength has raised many questions for residents like Lourenco about whether to evacuate. She wondered aloud if she should remove pictures from her walls. This is Lourenco’s first time facing a hurricane. She remembers the flooding in Marion County a few years ago, when uprooted oak trees blocked her son’s property and they were without power for eight or nine days. As Hurricane Milton approaches the west coast of Florida, she is taking all the necessary precautions.
“We had a friend who was in Hurricane Andrew way back in the day. They lost their place except for one wall and it’s so devastating. And when you hear those stories,” said Lourenco. “If I’m capable, I need to be prepared. My grandson came here to help me fill the bags. ”
Some sandbags were left outside overnight for those who couldn’t reach the Sportsplex on time. On the morning of October 8, there was quite a bit of activity, with several cars gathered around the piles of sand.
“If people come in the middle of the night, they have that option to fill their bags,” said Eric Boyle, a Marion County Parks technician. “Helene didn’t have as much of a response, but the direction of the storm wasn’t heading toward Marion County. With Milton it is, and a lot more people are worried about it. The first couple of times we had sandbag operations we’d come out here at 7 o’clock, 6:30 in the morning, and we’d have 35 to 40 people waiting. Now, it’s a little less because we leave the supplies out overnight for them. So, they have that chance if they can’t get here during the day. They have that option to come here overnight.”
Visit the 352today Hurricane Weather Center to track Milton’s latest trajectory, learn how to prepare, and find important resources including sandbag and shelter locations. Stay connected with us for real-time updates and tips to keep you and your family safe.
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