Hurricane Milton Causes Evacuations in Sarasota County

Hurricane Milton is rapidly approaching Florida's Gulf Coast, prompting Sarasota County officials to issue evacuation orders for residents in Levels A, B, and C, as well as those in mobile homes and boat houses. With the storm upgraded to Category 5 status, forecasters warn of potential storm surge flooding exceeding 12 feet. Sarasota Memorial Hospital is prepared with extensive supplies and backup systems to care for over 4,000 individuals during the storm. Emergency fire watch services have been mobilized in Tampa to protect properties from fire hazards and prevent looting, highlighting the broader implications of climate change on hurricane intensity. Residents are encouraged to evacuate to designated shelters, with additional support provided for vulnerable populations. As the storm nears, local officials emphasize the importance of timely evacuations and safety measures.