Karmactive Staff
Matthew Heller, the Florida resident who gained internet fame during Hurricane Helene for kayaking in his flooded living room, is preparing to stay put as Hurricane Milton approaches. His determination has captured public attention, but officials warn of the serious risks associated with riding out such a powerful storm.
Heller’s Hurricane History
During Hurricane Helene, which recently impacted Florida and other parts of the Sun Belt, Heller’s videos of him paddling through his flooded home went viral on social media. Now, as Hurricane Milton bears down on Florida, Heller is preparing to use the same approach.
In an interview with Fox News, Heller explained his decision: “Some of my neighbors have smaller children. For me, it’s just me. My house is my livelihood, so I plan on hunkering down. But I have seen other folks leave.”
Heller’s choice to remain in his home comes despite the significant damage he sustained during Hurricane Helene. He told reporters, “I’ve been recovering all week, removing drywall, and then the entire downstairs, my house was decimated. That’s all sitting at the curb now.”
Hurricane Milton: A Powerful Threat
Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida on Wednesday night as a Category 3 storm. As the hurricane approached, officials strongly urged residents to evacuate. Holmes Beach Police Department Chief Bill Tokajer went so far as to tell CNN, “You might as well take a Sharpie and write your name and Social Security number on your leg so that when we find you, we have a contact … Because you staying out here is not going to work.”
Heller’s Preparations and Concerns
Speaking with CNN, Heller said that he has been “watching the weather close” and that he has been experiencing hurricane emergencies for 42 years. “It’s such a slow moving system, better safe than sorry, but this is where I have to be,” he said. “I’m hoping for the best.”
Heller admitted that his mother expressed “alarm” over his decision to stay. He also shared his concerns about the debris from his previous hurricane damage: “My big concern is that debris clogging any kind of drainage systems and causing more problems or becoming missiles and or projectiles and damaging other property and things.”
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Community Impact
Heller described the situation in his area as “total pandemonium” as he tried to fill up his car with gas. “I wanted to fill up my tank. I had about half a tank and just want to top it off … it took 10 stations,” he said. “They all have plastic over the pumps, and once I found an open station … folks [were] not lining up properly in queue people screaming, honking the horn. And the storm hasn’t even got here yet. So terrifying.”
Other Hurricane Holdouts
Heller is not the only Florida resident choosing to stay put during Hurricane Milton. Another man, known as “Lieutenant Dan,” has gained attention on social media for refusing to leave his 20-foot sailboat ahead of the approaching storm. Despite Hurricane Milton being classified as a Category 5 with wind speeds reaching 175 mph, Lieutenant Dan remains resolute, stating, “boats float,” and expressing his only fear is “waking up broke.”
The Debate Over Staying Behind
Heller’s and Lieutenant Dan’s decisions to remain in the path of the hurricane have sparked debate on social media. While some admire their determination, others express concern for their safety. Jack McPherson, a producer who has been following Dan’s journey, tweeted, “I will be devastated if he doesn’t make it, but I believe he has the heart to survive.”
As Hurricane Milton approaches, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on Florida, with many wondering about the fate of Matthew Heller, Lieutenant Dan, and others who have chosen to ride out the storm. While their resolve may be notable, officials continue to stress the importance of following evacuation orders and prioritizing safety above all else.
