Tampa Mayor Jane Castor delivered a chilling message to Floridians as Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 behemoth, bears down on the state. In an interview on CNN, Castor issued a stern warning to residents in evacuation zones: “If you choose to stay … you are going to die.”
Milton, described as a “literally catastrophic” storm, is poised to strike the Gulf Coast with unprecedented ferocity, making it one of the most powerful hurricanes in the region’s history. Its winds, already clocking in at 180 mph, are expected to intensify, and experts are warning of a storm surge between 10 and 12 feet—far surpassing the surge from Hurricane Helene, which struck just last week with devastating effects.
Mayor Castor, who has been in office since 2019, did not mince words about the severity of the situation. She emphasized that this is no ordinary storm, and the time for hesitation has long passed. “I can tell you right now, they might have ridden out other storms, but there’s never been one like this,” she said. “Helene was a wake-up call; this is literally catastrophic.”
Her urgent plea was directed at those considering defying evacuation orders. “If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you’re gonna die,” she said bluntly, warning residents that no dramatization was needed—this storm is different.
For many conservatives, the mayor’s direct, no-nonsense approach resonates in a time when government leaders often tiptoe around the harsh realities of disasters. Mayor Castor’s focus on personal responsibility and the consequences of ignoring clear warnings is a message that should be taken seriously by everyone in the storm’s path.
The threat posed by Hurricane Milton is compounded by the fact that Floridians are still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which left widespread destruction in its wake. While Helene’s 6-foot tidal surge wreaked havoc across coastal areas, Milton’s expected surge of 10 to 12 feet is simply not survivable, according to Castor. “And that was literally devastating to so many in our coastal area,” she said, referring to Helene’s impact.
The mayor’s warnings echo those of conservative leaders who stress the importance of preparedness and personal accountability in the face of natural disasters. With long lines of cars already streaming out of the state and shelves in supermarkets empty from panic buying, it’s clear that many are heeding the call to evacuate. But for those still wavering, Castor’s words should serve as a final, stark reminder that there’s no time to waste.
“This is something that I’ve never seen in my life, and I can tell you, anyone born and raised in the Tampa Bay area has never seen anything like this before,” Castor said, stressing that staying behind in the face of such danger would be a fatal mistake.
The time to act is now. Floridians have faced hurricanes before, but Hurricane Milton is a monster unlike any other. The focus now must be on survival, and as Mayor Castor said, staying behind simply isn’t an option. “If we have this predicted storm surge, this is not survivable,” she reiterated, leaving no room for doubt.
In times like these, decisive action and individual responsibility are critical. Governor Ron DeSantis and local officials are working tirelessly to manage the evacuation and keep Floridians safe. But in the end, the decision to evacuate rests with each individual. For those in Milton’s path, the message is clear: Get out now, while you still can.
