DeSantis Orders Mass Evacuations as Hurricane Milton Approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast

By Richard Luthmann

With Hurricane Milton gaining strength and threatening Florida’s Gulf Coast, Governor Ron DeSantis has ramped up preparations by declaring a state of emergency for 51 counties, ordering mandatory evacuations in coastal areas, and shutting down schools from Marco Island and Naples to the north of Tampa and around the panhandle.

As the storm, currently a powerful Category 3, is forecast to intensify into a Category 4 hurricane, DeSantis has urged residents to act swiftly to protect themselves from life-threatening storm surges, severe flooding, and extended power outages.

“You have time to prepare — all day today, all day Monday, probably all day Tuesday,” DeSantis said during a Sunday briefing. “But if you’re on the west coast of Florida, barrier islands, just assume you’ll be asked to leave.”

Fort Myers Beach Evacuation and Sandbag Preparations

Fort Myers Beach is one of the hardest-hit areas preparing for Hurricane Milton. A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for the entire island. Local officials have set a 3 p.m. deadline on Monday for all residents to leave the island.

“Do not wait until it’s too late,” the Fort Myers Beach government warned in an official statement. Trailers, recreational vehicles, and electric vehicles must be removed from the island before the storm hits.

As residents evacuate, the FMB town prepares for post-storm recovery by implementing the Hurricane Re-entry Pass Program. This program will limit access to the island after the storm to residents, town staff, and emergency personnel. Re-entry passes, or parking stickers will be required to return, with checkpoints set up at Matanzas Pass Bridge and Big Carlos Pass Bridge.

Meanwhile, residents across Lee and Collier counties are rushing to gather sandbags in preparation for Milton’s arrival. Sandbag stations have been set up at multiple locations, but supplies quickly run out. Thousands of sandbags have already been filled in Fort Myers Beach and Pine Island as residents prepare for potential flooding. Local fire stations are coordinating sand pickup, though residents are urged to bring their own shovels, as sandbags are self-serve.

Largest Evacuation Since Irma

Governor DeSantis and state emergency officials are gearing up for what could be the largest evacuation in Florida since Hurricane Irma in 2017, which forced 7 million people to flee. The exodus from coastal areas is expected to cause traffic congestion, and the state has pre-positioned emergency fuel supplies and electric vehicle charging stations along major evacuation routes to keep people moving.

“We’re preparing for the largest evacuation we’ve seen since Hurricane Irma,” said Kevin Guthrie, the Florida Division of Emergency Management executive director.

He emphasized that residents should not delay their departure.

“Once the flooding starts, it will be too late to evacuate,” Guthrie warned.

DeSantis added that while there is still time to prepare, waiting too long could be dangerous.

“If you’re in an evacuation zone, leave now. Don’t take chances with storm surge or flooding.”

Preparing for Catastrophic Flooding

Hurricane Milton is expected to bring a devastating storm surge, with water levels rising 8 to 12 feet in some areas. Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and parts of Collier County are particularly vulnerable. The National Hurricane Center has warned that the combination of storm surge and high tides could push water far inland, flooding homes and businesses and cutting off evacuation routes.

“The timing of this storm with high tide could result in catastrophic flooding,” the National Hurricane Center said. “This is a life-threatening situation for coastal residents.”

In addition to the storm surge, forecasters are predicting up to 15 inches of rain in some areas, exacerbating the risk of flash floods and swollen rivers. Residents in flood-prone areas have been urged to stock up on sandbags and take measures to protect their homes from rising waters.

School Closures and Statewide Preparations

As part of the statewide emergency response, schools from Marco Island, north to Tampa and the Big Bend, and around the panhandle have been closed until further notice. Most counties have announced that all schools will remain shut from Monday through Thursday, implementing closures to ensure the safety of students and staff.

DeSantis has also mobilized 4,000 National Guard troops to assist with storm preparations, rescue operations, and debris removal once the storm has passed. Crews sent to North Carolina to assist in recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene have been recalled to Florida ahead of Milton’s landfall.

“Florida is prepared for this storm,” DeSantis said. “We have the resources in place, and we’re making sure people have what they need to stay safe.”

Governor DeSantis Urges Preparation

DeSantis emphasizes the importance of preparing now, warning that residents in at-risk areas should be ready for prolonged power outages, debris, and flooding.

“Make sure you have enough food, water, and supplies for at least a week,” he urged. “This storm will bring major impacts, and we want everyone to be prepared.”

In addition to urging evacuations, DeSantis reminded Floridians that power outages could last several days. He stressed that those living in newer homes built after Florida strengthened its building codes in 2004 and who aren’t in evacuation zones may choose to stay if they can handle the loss of power. However, anyone in older homes or evacuation zones should not risk staying behind.

Unified Effort Across the State

State officials, local governments, and emergency responders are working around the clock to prepare for Hurricane Milton’s impact. Emergency shelters are being opened across the state, and local governments are coordinating evacuation efforts with the Florida Division of Emergency Management. The Governor urges all Floridians to stay informed by monitoring local news, weather updates, and the National Hurricane Center for the latest information.

“Prepare now, evacuate if you’re in an at-risk area, and follow the guidance of local officials,” DeSantis said. “This is a serious storm, and we want everyone to be safe.”