People decide to hunker down instead of evacuating, compelled by a mix of resilience, nostalgia, and calculated risk. Amidst the chaos surrounding Hurricane Milton, residents of Downtown Fort Myers are choosing to brave the storm, seeking refuge in their familiar surroundings rather than the uncertainty of evacuation.
Jenna Satterfield, a resident of Royal Palm Towers, embodies this spirit of determination. “This building has been through hurricanes since 1970; it ain’t going no where,” she states confidently. With echoes of past storms like Irma, Charlie, and Ian etched into the memories of the structure and its dwellers, Jenna feels an unshakeable bond with her home.
“It’s one unit, it’s one solid piece of concrete,” she adds, tapping into the sense of security that comes with knowing the build’s enduring legacy. Positioned on the fourth floor, she assesses Hurricane Milton with a pragmatic eye. The structure has weathered much worse, and she has too. The storm’s approach doesn’t stir panic in her heart, even as mandatory evacuation orders are announced.
SLEEPING IN THE STAIRWELL: People decide to hunker down instead of evacuate
Mayor Kevin Anderson expresses concern over the choices residents are making. He implores people to evacuate by noon on Tuesday, anticipating that conditions will deteriorate, adding a tone of urgency to his message. “This one [storm] concerns me, and I hope it concerns our residents to the point where they make the right decisions,” he said, reflecting on the delicate balance between caution and bravery.
Despite her proximity to the Caloosahatchee River, Jenna joins others in her building, who spoke with FOX 4, asserting that they feel secure. “I’m concerned about it but I’m not to the point where I’m nervous and skittish like a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs,” she quips, mixing humor with honest introspection.
This sentiment resonates with many locals. The comfort of community, the shared bonds over weathered storms, and the strength drawn from their homes’ sturdy walls provide a fortress against fear.
For those seeking shelter, options abound—check local resources to find a safe sanctuary: Lee County Shelter Information. After all, while the winds howl and waves surge, it’s the heart—a home’s essence—that makes it a refuge in dire moments.
