Florida Residents Defy Evacuation Orders Amid Hurricane Milton Threat

As Hurricane Milton advances towards Florida, many residents in the state are either reinforcing their properties or evacuating in anticipation of the impending Category 4 storm. However, some individuals are disregarding the potential danger and instead using the opportunity for social media content. In Key West, tourists and residents alike have been seen taking selfies at the Southernmost Point Buoy, despite the substantial risk posed by the approaching hurricane, according to live camera footage and observer reports.

The Key West-based live stream, which captures activity at the Southernmost Point Buoy—a major tourist attraction—revealed several people posing for photos. One couple attracted notable online commentary when, clad in patriotic attire, they cheerfully waved at the camera amidst growing storm conditions. Their actions have sparked criticism from viewers observing the situation, with many expressing disdain over what they described as reckless behavior.

While Key West is not projected to endure the brunt of Hurricane Milton, with the eye forecast to make landfall near Tampa Bay, changes in storm trajectory can occur rapidly. Current assumptions indicate that the Florida Keys might avoid the most severe impacts, yet authorities have not discounted the possibility of significant storm surges.

Mandatory evacuations have been instituted in eleven Florida counties—encompassing roughly six million residents—though the Florida Keys remain under a tropical storm warning rather than a full evacuation order. Additionally, approximately 18 inches of rainfall is anticipated across central Florida as Milton progresses overland towards the Atlantic Ocean.

Hurricane Milton is expected to result in flash flooding, storm surges up to 15 feet high, and devastating winds capable of uprooting trees and damaging infrastructure, a scenario Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has already starkly warned about, saying survival is improbable under such conditions.

Authorities are urging all residents within the evacuation zones to comply promptly. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister emphasized to CNN the urgency of evacuation, advising residents in affected areas to leave immediately. “This is the 11th hour,” he stated, referring to the critical timing for last-minute evacuations.

The Florida Army National Guard has been mobilized to assist with possible last-minute departures, amidst minor flooding already observed around the storm’s outer fringes. Safety officials continue to stress the importance of heeding evacuation orders, as rescue operations during the storm’s peak will be severely constrained.