Tampa mayor issues dire warning to residents ignoring evacuation orders: "If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you are going to die."

 Friends:

Like you, I am deeply concerned about Hurricane Milton, which is currently heading straight for Florida. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor issued the following dire warning related to evacuation areas: "If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you are going to die," she said.

I've visited Florida several times over the past few years and have many friends in Tampa and the surrounding areas. I also have family there, though most are in the northeast region, which seems to be less affected. Regardless, this is a very serious situation.

This fierce storm is a direct result of Earth's warming and the rising ocean temperatures caused by human-induced climate change. Hurricanes are nature’s response to these shifts, without which marine life would struggle to survive. However, now is not the time to debate the causes; instead, we must urge all residents in evacuation zones to leave immediately. Possessions can be replaced—lives cannot.

-Angela Valenzuela

Tampa mayor issues dire warning to residents ignoring evacuation orders

Chelsea Robinson 

Digital Media Manager

TAMPA, Fla. —As Hurricane Milton marches toward Florida's west coast, officials are strongly encouraging those impacted by evacuation orders to leave.

Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for areas surrounding Tampa Bay, including Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County and Manatee County.

In an interview with CNN on Monday, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor delivered a dire warning, urging residents in evacuation areas to leave.

“I can say this without any dramatization whatsoever: If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you are going to die," she said.

See the warning in the video player above.

In Central Florida, two counties have been issued evacuation orders, but impacts are not expected to be as dangerous as the area where the storm makes landfall.

• If you are in an evacuation zone, listen to evacuation orders from local officials
• If an evacuation order is not issued for your area, you may consider sheltering in place. Not all evacuations zones are always ordered.
• If you shelter in place, it’s important to know your home and its ability to withstand strong winds and heavy rain. Per Florida Division of Emergency Management: "The newer the home is in relation to Florida Building Code (2002 or newer), the more resistant the home may be to hurricanes – as long as the exterior system (Roof, Hurricane Straps, Windows, Doors, Garage Door) are in proper condition. Additionally, it very important that windows, doors and garage doors be impact resistant or have a protective covering (rated hurricane shutters, or properly secured 5/8” inch plywood) properly secured to the opening."