Issue #222: "Flooding in Pasco, Tampa Bay Relief, and a Survivor’s Remarkable Story After Milton"

10/11/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
11 Oct

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Local News

— Pasco Struggles with Flooding, Power Loss After Hurricane Milton

— How to Support Hurricane Milton Victims: Relief Efforts in Tampa Bay

Of Interest

— Lieutenant Dan’ Survives Hurricane Milton Despite Warnings

— Milton Hits Hard, But Tampa Bay Avoids Predicted Catastrophe


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Pasco Struggles with Flooding, Power Loss After Hurricane Milton

Power Outage Tracker: fox13news.com

Pasco County has been hit hard by Hurricane Milton, just two weeks after enduring Hurricane Helene. The storm’s fierce winds and record-breaking storm surge left a trail of damage, particularly in the eastern part of the county, including Zephyrhills, where numerous trees have been downed.

Residents have been advised by the Florida Department of Health to avoid entering any water, such as beaches or pools, due to the risk of water-borne illnesses. Water quality has severely deteriorated, making swimming unsafe.

In preparation for river flooding in Cypress Creek and Anclote River, the county opened shelters, distributed sandbags, and canceled school until Friday, Oct. 11. Authorities reported over 140 calls for roadway obstructions, with water rescues already underway in Elfers as flooding intensifies.

How to Support Hurricane Milton Victims: Relief Efforts in Tampa Bay

In the wake of Hurricane Milton, several organizations are aiding recovery efforts across Tampa Bay:

  • Feeding Tampa Bay: Provides meals, water, and hygiene supplies during emergencies. Donate at feedingtampabay.org.

  • Metropolitan Ministries: Helps secure food, housing, and supplies for at-risk families. Support their efforts at metromin.org.

  • Bert Aid: Comedian Bert Kreischer will host a benefit show on Nov. 15 at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Proceeds go to hurricane victims. Tickets available at bertbertbert.com.

  • GlobalGiving Hurricane Relief Fund: Provides food, shelter, and long-term recovery aid. Donate at globalgiving.org.

For more ways to help, visit Charity Navigator for trusted organizations.

Lieutenant Dan’ Survives Hurricane Milton Despite Warnings

Joseph Malinowski, nicknamed "Lieutenant Dan," became a viral sensation for riding out Hurricane Milton on his small sailboat in Tampa, despite warnings from authorities to evacuate. Malinowski, who lost part of his left leg and uses crutches, refused to leave his boat near Bayshore Boulevard, where he had also weathered Hurricane Helene.

In an interview, Malinowski explained he wasn’t scared and trusted his boat and God’s protection. Despite high winds and heavy rain, he meditated during the storm, believing he was shielded from harm.

Social media influencer Adin Ross initially offered Malinowski a new boat and livestream deal but rescinded the offer after learning of Malinowski's criminal record, including charges of assault.

Malinowski defended his decision to remain on the boat and plans to stay through future hurricanes, though questions about the boat’s ownership have emerged in court.

Milton Hits Hard, But Tampa Bay Avoids Predicted Catastrophe

Hurricane Milton tore through Tampa Bay, causing major destruction but sparing the region from the feared catastrophic storm surge. While the roof of Tropicana Field was ripped off and a crane crashed into the Tampa Bay Times building, the area avoided its worst-case scenario.

High winds, peaking at 102 mph, caused widespread damage, with downed trees and power lines. Heavy rain led to localized flooding, including 9 inches in St. Petersburg in just three hours, a 1-in-1,000-year event.

Despite predictions of a devastating storm surge, Milton's path helped push water out of Tampa Bay rather than flooding it. Residents, though rattled, were relieved that the storm wasn’t as destructive as feared. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor expressed gratitude for avoiding the worst, though many homes and buildings were still heavily damaged.

One astonishing and not commonly known fact about hurricane damage is that most damage from hurricanes is caused by water, not wind. While people often associate the destructive power of hurricanes with their high winds, it's the storm surge and flooding that are responsible for the majority of destruction and deaths. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), storm surges can cause water levels to rise as much as 20 feet above normal, inundating coastal and even inland areas. This type of flooding can be much more devastating and far-reaching than the winds alone, which can be misleading since wind speeds are what classify a hurricane.

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