Hello, Hex Squad! I wanted to take a moment to reach out and provide an update following the passage of Hurricane Milton. Your thoughtful messages on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and through emails checking in on my well-being genuinely warmed my heart. It’s incredibly reassuring to know that you are thinking of me and my family during these challenging times marked by back-to-back hurricanes.

I’m pleased to share that Dave, the girls, and I are doing well, even after both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton impacted the Tampa Bay area. It has undoubtedly been a whirlwind experience, but we are safe and sound in our home, which has provided us with much-needed comfort amidst the chaos.

Discover the Safety of Our Home During Hurricanes

When we purchased our home six years ago, we strategically chose a location situated 20 miles inland from the Gulf Coast, ensuring it was firmly planted in a no-flood, no-evacuation zone within the Tampa Bay area. As someone who is risk-averse, I prioritized finding a property that would offer us protection from natural disasters, even if that meant limiting our options during the purchase process.

During the time of my divorce, I made a significant investment in a new roof, and later, Dave and I enhanced our home’s defenses by adding automated storm shutters for extra security. Remarkably, our home has successfully weathered every major hurricane in the past two decades without sustaining any damage. The neighborhood lake, visible in the photo above, absorbed a substantial amount of water after the storm, effectively preventing flooding in our immediate area and providing a layer of protection for our home.

Creating a Safe Haven for Our Chosen Family

While we were fortunate to be in a secure zone, many of our friends and chosen family experienced less fortunate circumstances. We opened our home to Mickey and his fiancé Dustin, who brought along their three cats and an adorable dog, as well as our friend Cary with his sweet pup. In total, we welcomed five humans, four dogs, and three cats under one roof for nearly a week!

Although it was a full house, I am incredibly grateful that we could provide refuge for our loved ones. Sharing our space during such a tumultuous time brought us all closer together, and the mutual support we provided each other made the challenging moments more bearable, reinforcing the bonds of friendship and love.

Essential Resources Following Hurricane Milton

• 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 these crucial resources for anyone in need following the hurricane. It’s completely normal to experience emotional distress after enduring back-to-back disasters. If you find yourself needing assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out and call the Disaster Distress Helpline for support and guidance.

Dealing with Power Outages and Flooding in the Community

The Greater Tampa Bay area continues to grapple with extensive flooding and widespread power outages in the aftermath of the storms. While Mickey and Dustin finally had their power restored yesterday, many Floridians are still facing electricity shortages. In some regions, residents are also dealing with boil-water advisories due to compromised water supplies, making the situation even more challenging.

Flooding has significantly impacted numerous neighborhoods around us, resulting in school cancellations and unsafe driving conditions on many roads. Even though our street remained dry, witnessing the struggles of the surrounding areas has been heart-wrenching and has served as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of community resilience.

Cherishing Precious Memories Amidst the Storm

Amid the chaos and uncertainty surrounding us, my favorite aspect of having everyone gathered in our home was the invaluable quality time we spent together. From joining Dave and me on our morning walks to cooking meals and enjoying movie nights as a large, blended family—it was truly heartwarming and uplifting. The laughter that filled the air, the spontaneous dance parties in the living room, and the deep, meaningful conversations late into the night transformed what could have been a stressful situation into a cherished bonding experience. These moments underscored the significance of community and demonstrated that even in the toughest times, we can discover joy and connection.

Facing the Night of Hurricane Milton’s Landfall

The night Hurricane Milton made landfall was genuinely terrifying and filled with uncertainty. Listening to the storm’s relentless winds tearing at our home was one of the most frightening experiences I have ever endured. The howling gusts felt as though they might rip the roof right off, and the walls seemed to tremble with each powerful surge. Sleep was impossible; I lay awake with my heart pounding, anxiously waiting for the winds to subside even slightly. This experience served as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictable power, leaving me feeling both humbled and profoundly grateful when the storm finally passed and we were all safe.

Recognizing the Strength of Our Community

I find myself continually reminded of the remarkable strength and resilience displayed by our community during these challenging times. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude once again for all the love and support that has been shown to us. Please continue to keep those affected by the storms in your thoughts, and let us all strive to look out for one another as we navigate the path towards recovery.

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