As Hurricane Milton bore down on Florida, farm owners Sara Weldon and her husband Rick Bass made the brave decision to ride out the storm with their beloved animals, including their adorable baby donkey, Cash. Situated in Clermont, central Florida, between Tampa and Orlando, the couple’s farm was directly in the hurricane’s path. Despite the danger, they refused to evacuate, opting to stay and protect their animals.
Refusing to Evacuate: The Emotional Decision to Stay
The couple shared their emotional journey on social media, with Sara Weldon tearfully explaining their decision not to leave. “We are in the direct path of where this hurricane is supposed to hit. We’re not evacuating. And please, don’t ask me to,” she said in a video. Weldon added that their animals were like children to them, and abandoning them wasn’t an option.
In their bedroom, the couple sheltered with their baby donkey Cash, providing a heartwarming scene amidst the chaos. Their decision, though risky, was fueled by their deep connection to the animals they care for on their farm.
Keeping Their Animal Family Safe During the Storm
Alongside Cash, the couple also ensured the safety of their other animals. Their dogs, soaked from the storm, lay beside the donkey on the bedroom floor as the power went out during the early hours of Thursday morning. Meanwhile, dozens of chickens were safely housed in cages inside their home, riding out the storm in makeshift shelters.
The couple shared regular updates on their social media account, Our Simple Homestead, giving followers a glimpse into their efforts to keep their animals safe during the storm. In addition to Cash and the chickens, the couple also looked after their horses, goats, and cats, all of whom were safely brought indoors before Hurricane Milton arrived.
Hurricane Milton’s Impact on Florida
Hurricane Milton hit Florida’s west coast as a powerful storm, leaving behind a trail of devastation. The Category 4 hurricane brought catastrophic winds and life-threatening storm surges, leaving more than 3 million people without power. In the case of Sara and Rick, they experienced power loss early in the storm’s progression.
Though Milton was downgraded to a Category 2 storm about 90 minutes after landfall, the destruction was significant, with some areas left flooded and ravaged by high winds. By early Thursday morning, it had weakened further to a Category 1 storm, with sustained winds of 85 mph.
The Aftermath: Assessing the Damage
As of Thursday, it wasn’t clear if Sara and Rick’s farm had sustained any major damage. However, their priority remained ensuring their animals were safe, and they continued to share updates with their followers. The couple’s commitment to staying with their animals, despite the dangers posed by the hurricane, touched the hearts of many, making their story one of resilience and love for their farm and its inhabitants.
In the coming days, Sara and Rick, like many Floridians, will assess the full extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Milton and begin the process of recovery.
