Huntsville Welcomes Hurricane Milton Evacuees
Huntsville, Alabama, has become an unexpected refuge for those fleeing the chaos brought on by Hurricane Milton. As people from Florida and Georgia sought safety, many found their way here believing it would be a safer, more stable place during the storm.
Long Journey in Search of Shelter
Take the case of a couple from New Port Richey, Florida. Tammy and Floyd Smith embarked on their journey at the crack of dawn on Tuesday, departing their home just 40 miles from Tampa. With the hurricane looming, they set off at 4 a.m., hoping to find shelter somewhere northeast. The couple’s road trip included traveling through Orlando before heading into Georgia and navigating through Atlanta.
As they drove for 14 exhausting hours, they discovered a shocking reality: virtually every hotel they encountered along the way was either fully booked, outrageously priced, or simply not welcoming to their two beloved dogs. “There were times I just wanted to cry,” Tammy shared, reflecting on the discouragement of not finding a safe place to rest.
Finally, a Safe Haven
Despite their long day on the road, fortune smiled upon the Smiths as they eventually found affordable hotels in Huntsville. They moved into a cozy room at the Sonesta Simply Suites on Tuesday night. With a sigh of relief, Tammy said, “I’m so glad we decided to evacuate, but I really believe hotels and temporary stay businesses are taking advantage of people during this difficult time.”
A Call for Compassion
Frustrated with the pricing strategies employed during crises, Tammy expressed her wish for more humane business practices. “We should pull together as human beings at a time like this instead of thinking, ‘Oh, they don’t have a choice. I’m going to raise the prices and make more money,’” she stated. “I think it’s wrong.” The couple had previously made it through nearly four years in southern Florida without needing to evacuate, but seeing the destruction left by Hurricane Helene prompted them to consider their safety seriously.
“We have friends who lost everything from Helene,” Tammy noted soberly. “How many times can you escape the danger?” The aftermath of the previous storm left their neighborhood looking like it had been ravaged by a bomb, with their own home miraculously spared, while others were not as lucky. Pictures shared by neighbors made it clearer: many homes had not made it through the storm.
The Future is Uncertain
As the couple prepares to return to Florida soon, thoughts of relocating permanently weigh heavily on their minds. “We’ve had enough. It’s too much stress to worry all the time about whether we’ll have a home to come back to,” Tammy confided. “At this stage in our life, we’re ready to retire—not start over.”
Community Response
Despite the challenges countless evacuees face and the logistical hurdles of temporary accommodation, the people of Huntsville have welcomed those in need with open arms. While local data on the number of evacuees is still being compiled and will take a couple of weeks to finalize, the outpouring of community support remains a beacon of hope during these turbulent times.
In times like these, the resilience and camaraderie displayed among those who face nature’s wrath shine through, reminding everyone of the importance of compassion, understanding, and support. Whether you’re from Huntsville or many miles away, the spirit of togetherness rings loud and clear.
