Influencer Caroline Calloway refused to evacuate her home in Florida before Hurricane Milton

Caroline CallowayThe influencer, known for her controversial personality and self-description as a “scammer”, caused concern and anger by announcing she would be quarantining at her own home. Sarasota, FloridaDespite the influence of hurricane milton media reported realtor32 year old woman pointed Instagram His reasons for not evacuating were not being able to drive and the airport being closed, but the most surprising thing was his statement that “he was going to die” if he waited at home for the storm to pass. This decision generated negative reaction among his followers and the general public.

In the video the “Scammers” author shared to her Stories, she shed light on her past painful experiences with other evacuees. Calloway said at one point he had to leave his home. when “his entire street flooded” and he was evacuated after three days without electricity, food or running water. He explained that it was “very painful” and that he did not want to repeat the experience.

In response to her statements, many Instagram users expressed their disappointment, with some not only concerned for the influencer’s safety, but also for the well-being of her cat. One criticized her decision, saying she was a “cruel and irresponsible owner” for keeping her pet there in case of such a major emergency.

Hurricane Milton made landfall on Siesta Key at 7:30 pm ET on Wednesday, October 9, just 15 minutes from downtown Sarasota, where the influencer lives. The area was considered Classification A, meaning the impact would be strong and the population would have to be mandatorily evacuated. The storm that hit Tampa Bay recorded waves of 3.6 meters and caused severe flooding in downtown Tampa, St. Petersburg and Hillsborough.

jane casterThe mayor of Tampa was vigorous in using the media to warn residents about the dangers of remaining in place: “If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation zones, you’re going to die.” His words broadcast across various media attempt to convince those who are still in their homes despite the impending danger.

The influencer later shared the message ensuring that if she died, her books would be more expensive and called on her followers to buy them immediately. He then updated his Stories with a clip of the moment he was caught in the storm and a message about going to sleep.

His last update message about his status is a screenshot stating that he survived and that he would accept commissions to do the work.

according to National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Milton brought high winds, deadly storm surge and flooding to much of Florida after reaching the Gulf Coast as a Category 3 hurricane for a Category 1 hurricane As it passed Florida on the morning of Thursday, October 10, it caused massive power outages, affecting 3 million residents and the first four confirmed deaths.

The situation in Florida is critical, as the state is still recovering from Hurricane Helene last month. According to the data of CoreLogicDamage assessed 48 billion US dollars After Helen’s passing, only in between US$10,500 and US$17,500 million Covered by insurance. With this experience still fresh, the forecast of catastrophic flooding due to Milton is a worrying reality. Even a minor flood can cause up to $25,000 in damage, underscoring the importance of proper preparation.

in the matter of callowayThose who follow him are accustomed to his tendency to stir up controversy and sow seeds. In the past, he was accused of breach of contract Promote workshops that never happenedThis has led some to speculate whether his current defiance of evacuation orders is nothing more than another publicity stunt. According to his publication on the X platform, the influencer is promoting his next book with black humor: “If I survive it’s going to come out!”

With Hurricane Milton moving forward and threatening to become one of the most devastating natural disasters in Florida history, the content creator’s decision came to light. More like recklessness than bravery. The NHC has confirmed that those who decide to stay should not expect to be rescued during the storm. Although Calloway is using her public image to gain attention, her decision has serious implications for them and their pets, and the example she sets for her followers could be dangerous.