I have lived in Florida most of my life...if you are anywhere near the water, you must evacuate...and remember...no one can predict, long term, exactly where a hurricane is going. So you must assume that you WILL get hit
@@robbieogle8622 Actually, he told us to leave Tuesday evening. We got the evacuation alerts that morning, hours before his speech. Monday, he was saying not to panic-buy. He literally said, "if you don't normally drink a lot of water, don't buy a lot of water because you may not need it". That suggestion didn't age well. He was ignoring what our local meteorologists were saying and relied 100% on the NWS when our local stations were saying people should be leaving the coastal areas. I understand that he has to listen to the NWS, but he shouldn't discount our meteorologists especially since they saw Charley's movement east before they did and they saved a lot of lives because of it. Cecil Pendergrass even said, in front of people and a camera, that Lee county wasn't in the cone. LOL WTF? We were ALWAYS in the cone. Now, as much as out leaders screwed up and ordered the evacuation later than they should have, we all knew what was coming. It was all over the news for days and we got evacuation orders more than 24 hours in advance. That's pa-lenty of time to get to a shelter. There's nobody for people to blame, other than themselves, for staying on the islands.
This NC coastal gal does not need an evacuation notice. We watch the track, speed and intensity of storms and make our decisions as to whether we will leave or stay.
@@saraw8503 Most of us who grew up in Florida do the same. Most people evacuated, but there are always going to be some who would rather party and ignore the track and the evacuation orders and stay.... And then try blaming the government for their own bad decisions, like this woman did.
It's good that she described the specifics about what happened to her and her friends. It can help people understand what it's really like to try to ride it out. Maybe it will go a ways toward convincing people of the dangers, for those who don't get it without a graphic description.
Name ONE PERSON who even expected a 6 or more foot surge of water! Your comment could be considered victim blaming. I wish people would think twice (maybe even more) before commenting.
@@codydody Literally, everybody in the area. They were talking about storm surge for days. I live in Fort Myers and we knew, when Ian was hitting Cuba, that the storm surge was going to be killer and the closer it got, the higher the threat. Luckily, I don't live on the coast, but even near 41, some of my neighbors were making plans to go up in the attack with axes. I knew we wouldn't get it that bad because I know how many feet above sea level we are and where the drainage canals are, but right on the beach? There's no excuse for having a hurricane party and thing that putting up a few pieces of plywood are going to help when they were warned over and over again and then told to evacuate a day before it hit. No excuse other than complacency and ignorance.
I don’t even live near where hurricanes happen and I knew this one was going to be extremely bad. It was warned for days. My comment isn’t toward the people in these videos I’m saying though in general. Seen videos where kids was playing in the ocean right when it was about to hit. Just ignorant. To many people don’t take it serious.
@@mariluzdelacruz9821 We have several shelters within a 30 minute drive for her. She chose to get drunk and ignore her evacuation order (which, I got the same alerts that she did since I live about 30 minutes from her). Not to mention, she knew several days before that her house was getting flooded. So, tell me again how she had no choice?
God Bless but you were told in time, the day before reporter said you look like you’re having a blast, she’s said what else are you going to do cry, you even said we will hunker down and hope for the best. I’m all for personal decisions but don’t blame others afterwards. That being said, I’m so sorry for your loss, you were a good friend and tried to help and save your friend. RIP Bonnie
Weren't told in time? Ian was constant news for 5 days and they we're telling people to get off the islands for 3 days straight....and then made it mandatory. No one makes your choices for you.
You're 100% correct. I'm in south Fort Myers and I can tell you, first hand, that we were told by the local stations that the coast was going under since Sunday. They thought it was going to Tampa, but we were always in the cone and the barrier islands were told, repeatedly, that iyt was going to be a storm surge event and they should think about evacuating. Ian moved super slow and there was no "sudden turn". We watched it gradually move further and further east with every update. It was forecast to be a cat 4 when it was supposed to go right past us and that eye was huge. When it gradually turned closer toward us, we knew it was coming and most people prepared and/ or evacuated. That's why there were only about 200 families who had to be fetched off of Sanibel after it was over. Everyone else got out.
Lucky, lucky! RIP Bonnie and your friends. At 13 yrs old I watched from a walk-out basement window a tornado twisting straight towards us through a field. It lifted just a football field away, but devastated my hometown. The pink stillness of the hours previous still haunt me; but it taught me tremendous respect for mother nature in all forms. Leave when you have a chance.
@@santaynafolkes2741 that's what happened. The hurricane moved fast and bobbled a little and the point of landfall changed. There's no way I would have stayed on the coast no matter what. I live in south Louisiana not far from the gulf. If we get anything over a cat 1, I'm out. I understand wanting to stay in your own home but that desire has cost a lot of people their lives. It's tragic. I can't imagine how terrifying that was.
I have lived almost my entire adult life in a hurricane zone and I've gone through a lot of them (including Katrina). Some people just don't pay attention to hurricane warnings, and guess what? The next hurricane, there will more people who won't pay attention and will stay. Nothing that has happened in this storm or the ones before, will change that.
@@angiev1840 So true , im from the island so I have been through hurricane I was smaller then before I came to the states, I experience two and I remember me and my dad and mom left the house to stay with my grandma, thank God nothing happen to our house must been some sturdy cement. But I remember the win speed and heavy rain with flood. Seeing house just flowing down water was shocking nothing to play about. Why stay terrible and nervous experience knowing 50/50 change. And Louisiana do have bad hurricanes as well.
They were told OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER again NOT to stay, to evacuate. Because it could get bad. Not listening to experts leads to horrors like this.
@@abryant8287 TWC really puts on a huge production about these storms. It’s called “ratings” They kept saying a Tampa or points north. Ian wasn’t impressed with TWC…….. they should know that hurricanes always hook left or right just b4 the final landfall.
@@prmath they always move the same direction. Question is always when it will make that turn. Land is a factor too. I knew it would change after going over Cuba.
@@abryant8287 IF anyone left the BEACHES in Tampa and went to the BEACHES in Fort Meyers…. they were just plain stupid!!! When you evacuate you go INLAND!!! Anyone living in a coastal area knows that!
Yes, yes, yes, we were ALL warned in time. We all knew a category 3 or 4 was coming! No one knew where it would make landfall, that’s why you leave! Were these people were near the beach? We all had days & days to evacuate & board up our properties. What were people thinking that did not leave when they were close to the water? I DO NOT understand! Including ALL the people who stayed on islands! WTF X 100! (And I don’t mean elderly or disabled folks who didn’t have the help they needed.)
I agree...My heart goes out to the ones who just couldn't leave (as you said, elderly, disabled, etc.) but the others, I hate that anyone was lost but most of this could have been avoided. And also, I don't believe we will ever know the actual number of lives lost. I was born and raised in Lee County and seeing all this loss and devastation is awful. Prayers for everyone there.
I am so sorry for her loss and the trauma she went through. However, I am tired of people saying they were not warned in time. I do not live in Fl. and I knew many days before it hit it was going to be bad. People were given warning after warning. The Governor was begging people to leave. People wanted to stay and party and/or experience a hurricane and I have seen this same attitude hurricane after hurricane. Evacuate when they say evacuate.
You are EXACTLY right! We all had days and days to evacuate! We ALL knew a category 3 or 4 was going to make landfall between Naples and Tampa Bay. We were ALL warned. Many stayed on islands knowing there was a VERY HIGH probability that a category 4 hurricane would hit them. Seriously? I’m in the area, and have land on one of the islands that was wiped out. It’s as flat as a pancake, and there is NO place to hide.
People that think they're immortal and stay in hurricanes are like mountain climbers. Risk their lives and then expect other people to risk theirs to rescue them. Smh
@Daniel Brockman No. I live in Fort Myers. We knew a couple days out that the barrier islands and coast were going be slammed with storm surge. As it got closer, the predicted amount went up. Being on the coast, they should have known to get out of there days before it got there. The mandatory evacuation came 24 hours before it got here. There's literally no excuse. We may have not known it was going to make landfall here, but we knew the coast was going be under water days before.
@Daniel Brockman I left Tampa a year ago after 20 years with a year's break in St. Thomas after Irmaria. They all should have had multiple actionable plans on June 1st. The hurricanes are no longer the Cat 1s and 2s as they were in 70s to the 90s. They need a complete adjustement in folks' mindsets about having a Plan A, B, and C. I told a young friend of mine in Tampa to get the heck out and go to family in Georgia the Saturday before. Everyone in Florida needs a reset in how they're thinking about this. And again, I say this living six months without power in St. Thomas after Irmaria which was two Cat 5s.
@@danusdragonfly6640 Pull your head out of your ass and look around. The news is littered with "survival stories" of people who stayed on the islands and coast. We all got the orders to evacuate, but every interview with these people has them confessing that they didn't think it would be that bad. We knew what was going to happen to the islands since the weekend. That's why the smart ones evacuated. Hence, the hurricane-deniers refused to evacuate and 9 out of 10 of them say they wished they'd have left. If brains were vomit, you'd die from the dry-heaves , you "useless tool". LOL
Wow! So glad you survived this massive nasty hurricane 🙏 What a raw story about friendship. Talk about having your back til death, that's inspiring. Sorry for your loss. God bless you all with peace, healing and resources to rebuild your homes and businesses!
There's one big problem you mentioned, that people who live in Florida just don't seem to comprehend. Personally, I don't believe all of Florida is habitable. How many times are Floridians , who live in parts of Florida, going to keep rebuilding ? I think Einstein , would classify that as , " insanity." Just think about it.
Sorry they had to go through this. She says she wasn't warned in time. Well I heard some serious warnings. This is what happens when you look at the line in the middle of the cone, instead of focusing if you're in the cone or not. If you're in the cone you're in danger
Fort Myers is one of our favorite boating destinations. The day before it hit, I told my wife, that I thought Fort Myers Beach was in real trouble, like Hurricane Katrina trouble. Because, we watch the NHC like a hawk because we're on the northern gulf coast, and the track was changing every day for the week before it hit and it appeared to be bending back to the east to me. I don't see how anyone who was watching the NHC alerts daily could have not known to leave.
You had a solid 2 weeks of warning. Being a previous Floridian myself and a survivor of Hurricane Charlie. I have to say. WE LEARNED FROM CHARLIE , that storms are VERY UNPREDICTABLE. Charlie did almost the same exact thing. Just 30 Miles north. It came up the gulf coast. and did an abrupt turn into Charlotte harbor. I actually unknowingly placed me and my children in a home in Port Charlotte thinking it would be safer since my home was just a few blocks from lemon bay. Boy was I wrong. There was PLENTY of notice to get OFF THE COASTLINE. DONT BLAME ANYONE BUT YOURSELF FOR CHALLENGING MOTHER NATURE.
Michelle miller you are horrible for saying they had time that may be true but you obviously are not a caring person wait till something like this happens to you. Nobody will care about you !!!
As a survivor of hurricane Michael I understand what she is going through. I was stuck under my roof for 2 days. It's something you can't explain or tell anyone.
Ilife jackets every house by the ocean should have them if you decide to stay during a hurricane I'm really surprised that those that live in a hurricane area are not prepared
To be fair, most PFD aren't going to stay on in a suction/surge situation. I am a white water kayaker, and even with a professionally-fit snug one, it can pop off
Just don’t understand ..don’t understand..what you were doing there after evacuation orders? You are young, have options for leaving .. just don’t get it ?
What I dont understand is people like you having NO IDEA the circumstances that people face in these situations, then questioning why they were there. The reason doesn't matter, you are assuming that it wasn't important. Many old people there had no option to leave and people stay behind to help them, help secure their properties and give them the best chance they can to survive this. What's clear is you people asking this same question of "why didn't you just evacuate?" have zero clue of what it's like to face the situations these people faced.. yet you have the Audacity to question their reasoning.. Pathetic and sick. What you should get from this is you are questioning the motives of hundreds of people who lost their lives and just chalking it up to stupidity like they had other choices. You assumptions show your ignorance, i can only hope you learn and grow from it.
@@jagzorz I live in Fort Myers. We knew how bad it was going to be, more than a day out. People who didn't evacuate were either ignorant or complacent. People who chose to stay on a barrier island when we knew knew, before we even had wind from this thing, that the storm surge was going to be high were tempting fate. No excuse, but I bet she learned now.
Glad she survived and RIP to those that didn't. Being told to evacuate when 150 mph winds and huge storm surge is coming is a moot point. I would be gone and know nothing will be the same when I got back.
RIP TO BONNIE🙏 Many people just don’t respect LIFE enough and take LIVING for granted. There were meteorologist actually on air BOLDLY saying if you DONT leave you and your children are likely going to all die. Blatantly warned EVERYONE FOR DAYS to go. But you still have those who choose DEATH. That is their right to do so I suppose. No matter how sad or mindless it seems. Not everyone respects the opportunity of living. And that’s that. RIP TO ALL WHO PASSED. So sad and sorry to the handicap and elders who couldn’t leave😢🕊🕊🕊🕊🙏
I am so very sorry for your loss of Bonnie. I saw a news story about a family who lost a small older pink house that was in their family a long time. What a miracle that lady made it after being sucked under the house.
Having gone through Andrew and the effects of Wilma, you can't predict where the eye will pass. You and your friends were brave, but foolhardy to stay on the Beach for Cat 4 storm. Sorry for your loss.
Thank you for helping Bonnie when I worked down at the information biz Bonnie was the one that always lifted my heart and made me laugh I know she's got a daughter with twins thank you that she had someone with her she was such a brave woman's A survivor and she held on Through the whole thing she is tough as nails and she will always be gone by the P LAX restaurant she will always be thereHer heart and soul was in this beach town and she will always be here thank you for letting us all know and being brave enough to go on camera at this hardest time in your life bless you bless you all
So sweet to say. So sad. I wish they had all left. I hate to hear people risking their lives to ride it out. Not every wave can be rode. So what are you really saying when you decide to ride it out? 50% chance of making it is 100% not worth the risk or aftermath. I sure wish she saw it thst way. So tragic a story😓. So sorry for all y’all’s losses. RIP🕊
Scarlett O’Hara; really! This name? 😂 A movie about a thrice divorced southern belle. With kids from two daddies. So romantico. Using the ‘dear’ word eh Scar? You’re either ancient or snarky. I’m guessing the latter. But after all, tomorrow is another day eh Scar?
I live in Naples. Everyone gets 6 days notice prior to the main event. I’ve been thru Irma & Ian. NO MATTER WHAT! You hear hurricane you start preparing immediately whether or not your on the spaghetti models. Don’t play around!
I am so sorry for everyone that has suffered from loss. I hope that this hurricane has taught people in Florida to make their own decisions based on their gut feeling and not wait for specific evacuation orders.
She was at work the day before. One of the reasons people don't leave. Many times employers don't give you enough time to safely evacuate. Leaving late means you're stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, still in the path of the storm and surely perish.
You don't wait for any employer to give you permission because guess what if their place of business survives and you don't they will replace you like they would have Bonnie. I'm in Tampa and when they were saying this was coming towards us my boss still had us coming in and handling his business i came in early, unplugged my stuff and left without permission. If you want to fire me over it we will see each other in court. My safety and that of my family come before any job .
This is so sad. I do know if I lived there I would leave even if they said it wasn't going to hit where I was because storms can always change direction.
Wow. I'm sending you a HUGE hug Lori. I am so sorry you lost your friend. May she rest in peace and watch over you. This storm was NASTY. I can't believe me and my family made it. Really. We were in E. ENEWOOD, I WAS TERRIFIED!! SO sorry your going thru this!
We were told for a week to watch and than again a day before but turned again... I left Tuesday afternoon. Sorry 4 ur loss but don't blame "weren't told"
You know what the best survivor stories are? The people who had brains to leave the area until it was safe to return. It doesn't seem so exciting and nobody died but isn't that the most important thing?
@@Bonzi_Buddy I would have left had I been down there. Luckily, I'm inland and not in a flood zone. No damage here. I saw what Irma did to my inlaws' home on Ft Myers Beach and that would have sold me on evacuating! (They sold last year but their former home is still standing) I still believe the survivors/fools who stayed showed some crazy bravery! I'll put it that way!
She thinks they weren't notified soon enough? The projections for hitting that area happened 3-4 days ahead of it. That's a ridiculous statement. Anyone that didn't evacuate, as they were all warned to do, are responsible for what happened to them. If you stand in front of a moving train...prepare to die.
Lori , I couldn't hardly believe it when Hilary showed me this! I'm so happy you're alive , n sorry Bonnie's not n so many other of your friends also! I've read responses to your interview, n can't believe how callus some ppl can be! I've seen personally what Fl hurricanes can do! Ma n Dad went thru Andrew in the 80's ! God speed kiddo . Glad you made it. Hang in there. ❤️ God Bless
Her story is so similar to many others I've read over the years from people who were in buildings that were destroyed by hurricane storm surges - Galveston in 1900, New England in 1938, among others. The disbelief that a structure can actually be broken apart and dumped into violently churning water; then grabbing onto whatever's floating to stay alive.
She's only a survivor due to luck. A true survivor would have have the sense to get out of there like most of the others did. Instead, she chose to ignore the warnings we got for days and ignore the evacuation order. Even animals have more sense than this woman.
I feel very sorry for her loss but 24 hours before land fall the gov, and every meteorologist had the cone of uncertainly between Tampa and Naples, with high probability between Naples and Sarasota, encouraging people to leave the area, warnings were sent out the night before to leave that’s 12 hours, more than enough time, one doesn’t need to travel far just go 30 to 40 miles inland and you escape the wrath of the hurricane which is the storm surge, I don’t even live in Florida, and was shaking my head because it looked bad on that Tuesday afternoon, if I lived in a 2 mile radius from the ocean and was anywhere between Sarasota and Naples I would of packed it and left, there’s videos out there of people leaving early the morning of the storm when the news had made a more precise prediction of land fall, they threw caution out door and the hurricane took it including the door,
I remember that, in fact I know because my daughter is in Miami and I was worried but they don’t take evacuation seriously. And they are my storms coming and they say it going to be worse then Ian.
@@abryant8287 They were right about the intensity when it was off our coast and where it hit made no difference when the eye wall was always projected to go over the coast, down here. Poor excuses for her actions. It's her fault. Period.
SILLINESS! 😂 She CHOSE TO STAY & PARTY. What’s the end result of not driving to safer ground? It scares me how many of you think she’s a hero! Your definition of hero is frightening!
I disagree with the thing that “no one was told In enough time. I live in the uk and even I knew it was going to be bad especially in the fort Myers’s area… So sad she lost her friends in this way and so many others. Really makes you think one day just like Bonny and so many others just gone in 24 hours 😭😢😞
You're wrong. I'm here and there was a lot of misinformation. Many went there to get away from the storm. You have no idea how chaotic it is around here when a hurricane comes.
@@abryant8287 I did hear this because it wasn’t expected to hit this area as bad as Tampa. But the storm shifted south toward the end. Overall the entire area was predicted to get storm surge so idk why anyone would stay with an expected category 3+ hurricane headed your way.
@@mssha1980 evacuation isn't an easy thing to do. It's an expense, and shelters fill up quickly. If I was in a stable building, I wouldn't leave for a cat 3, or 4. Just be ready to camp out in your house after. They called this one too early. They put many in harms way. My area was evacuated and I didn't leave, because I waited until it passed over Cuba. Sure enough, it started shifting and nothing severe at all happened in my area. Glad I didn't leave. This isn't my first rodeo. I will say, I thought it was odd that they predicted it would be a 4 then decrease to a 3 before it made landfall when it would be out over the open water for awhile, and guess what?...it didn't happen like that.
God Bless You 🙏 I’m still in shock that my daughter & grandson survived Hurricane Ian they live in Ft Myers and were able to survive it by staying in her closet on the 2nd floor 1st floor and garage flooded…🙏
I Have lived in S Fl since 1968...Seen MANY Hurricanes and lived through Andrew, Wilma, Katrina...To me every hurricane is unpredictable, one wobble in and direction can change the direction. I take precautions every year, get my supplies in advance...just in case. If a hurricane is on your side of the state take it serious. If you live near the beach evacuate...and for GOD SAKE!!!! if you live on a giant sandbar like Sanibel...Leave, have advance plans to go inland. The luxury of living in FL is we have days to prepare for a storm. unlike people that live in tornado areas they only have moments to find shelter.
I'm so sorry for your friend who died but don't say you did not have time to leave. Thats total B.S. and you know it. You spent the day/night before getting ready for it and said you were just going to "Hunker Down" because what else can ya do? You all could have gone an hour inland and got a hotel/motel room. You could have planned ahead when you knew it was going to hit somewhere on the West Coast and reserved a hotel room and then cancelled at last minute if things changed. I'm in Tampa area. I booked a hotel room the Friday before the hurricane a little further North and Inland "Just in Case". I did not need to use it. I could have canclled 24 hours prior but knowing how hurricanes change paths so quickly I kept it. Yeah, I lost $300.00 but at least I had somewhere for me and my family to go if we would have needed it. Because how many times have Floridians gone to bed thinking it wasn't coming there way and wake up to a CAT 3 or 4 coming right at ya. A very hard way for a lesson to be learned for you all. I wish people would start to take these more seriously and stop with the hurricane party mentality. Have your party AFTER the hurricane. Celebrate surviving it instead of celebrating it coming your way.
Even if you couldn't get a room, sleep in your car. Your life is more valuable than your home. It sounds like these folks are from the midwest and didn't respect the power and unpredictability of hurricanes. It didn't take paying much attention to learn this storm was dangerous, unpredictable and anyone living on the coast in that area needed to get out. And it's fine if they choose to stay and gamble with their lives. But don't go blaming someone else for your poor decision.
So her friend Bonnie died because she wasn’t a good swimmer 😢 but she has the bigger story? 😢I guess happy for anyone that made it out alive just sad that her friend lost.
They focus on her because she claimed she didn't have enough time to evacuate. They're take any opportunity to make it look like DeSantis isn't doing his job, even though evacuations aren't his job. That's local government. And, by the way, she had lots of time to leave, buy she and her friend chose to stay.
Well that’s an awful thing to see a person die a horrific death like that. I feel for the friends and family who lost people they care about to this terrible hurricane. What makes me angry is that these people didn’t have to die. They all had a chance to leave the island before the storm. I just think that many of these people died a very foolish death by refusing to evacuate, and in staying on a barrier island to ride out a major hurricane.
Sorry to say if a hurricane is coming up or down the coast we would have been gone why people stay is a God given right to make choices we knew when it hit Puerto Rico sorry for all the people who were affected by hurricane Ian
I would have fled once I saw it hit Puerto Rico & shown signs of the direction it was possibly heading . Too many wait for the last minute & wait for few hours for gas & grab food . Traffic jam all the way north or east of state. God Bless all who now are affected by loss of home & belongings . RIP all who lost their lives .
I am so sorry. I don't understand why anyone, anyone would stay there. Everyone KNEW this was a CATASTROPHIC HURRICANE. People were warned over and over to get out, to evacuate Living in Florida myself we get complacent about storms .
@@danusdragonfly6640 you have no experience with hurricanes, nor do you understand everything that is involved in preparation for them. Clearly, I'm not the ignorant one here 😒
God Bless you and prayers for your reciver, you will have moments of sadness, really PTSD moments. Remember to care for yourself as soon as you can. Prayers for you.
I'm from Michigan and I knew 5 days before that ft myers was going to be hit by Ian...her saying they were told in time is a complete lie they had plenty of time to evacuate they were told to evacuate so yes it's sad what happened but they have no one blame but themselves. Instead of partying they should have been evacuating or already evacuated...Take responsibility for what happened cause I'm sorry to this but you only have yourself to blame if you don't follow the warnings given to you...Again you were absolutely warned way ahead of time 🤦♀️
I’m sorry but we are learning that the ocean surge does not care it will take everything from us except the good things these friends and family members put in our hearts while they where with us that’s right don’t ever give up each day is a amazing gift
I have very little sympathy for people who are partying the day before a major hurricane and are just overtly flippant about the dangers and destruction that these storms can cause. I live on the beach near Clearwater and evacuated on Monday and went to higher ground an hour inland just to be safe even after the path had changed and we weren't getting a direct hit. Mess with the bull and you get the horns.
Heartbreak and concerning they appeared to be having a party instead of evacuating. Maybe these homes would have survived the wind, but not the storm surge. The forecasts were expecting 10-15 feet of storm surge. In low lying areas like Fort Myer, Sanibel, and Pine island these people should have evacuated like they were told. Yes, the eyewall was expect closer to Tampa. Hurricane Ian was massive and its my understanding the code for building house is for 140MPH winds.
I’m so happy she is ok but when they tell you to get out, you GET OUT. There’s multiple free shelters in the area including those set up to take care of elderly and those with special needs. There’s also transportation programs to help assist in evacuation for those that cannot do so themselves. They were telling us for days to be prepared and be ready to go. We knew this storm could have a potential 18ft storm surge. People need to take these warnings seriously
I used to live on Ft Myers Beach: when NOAA told EMS that it was a direct hit, they should have driven trucks through that island scooping people up. This could have been far less damaging.
So sad what happened but I'm getting sick of all these residents saying they did not have enough time to get out .. Monday he declared a national emergency and told everybody to evacuate the hurricane didn't come till a few days later makes no sense to me I evacuated.
I remember her working at time square. I’m so glad she survived and I’m so sorry her friend died !!!!😢💔
I have lived in Florida most of my life...if you are anywhere near the water, you must evacuate...and remember...no one can predict, long term, exactly where a hurricane is going. So you must assume that you WILL get hit
DeSantis told everyone way in advance to leave.
@@robbieogle8622 Actually, he told us to leave Tuesday evening. We got the evacuation alerts that morning, hours before his speech. Monday, he was saying not to panic-buy. He literally said, "if you don't normally drink a lot of water, don't buy a lot of water because you may not need it". That suggestion didn't age well.
He was ignoring what our local meteorologists were saying and relied 100% on the NWS when our local stations were saying people should be leaving the coastal areas. I understand that he has to listen to the NWS, but he shouldn't discount our meteorologists especially since they saw Charley's movement east before they did and they saved a lot of lives because of it.
Cecil Pendergrass even said, in front of people and a camera, that Lee county wasn't in the cone. LOL WTF? We were ALWAYS in the cone.
Now, as much as out leaders screwed up and ordered the evacuation later than they should have, we all knew what was coming. It was all over the news for days and we got evacuation orders more than 24 hours in advance. That's pa-lenty of time to get to a shelter. There's nobody for people to blame, other than themselves, for staying on the islands.
This NC coastal gal does not need an evacuation notice. We watch the track, speed and intensity of storms and make our decisions as to whether we will leave or stay.
@@saraw8503 Most of us who grew up in Florida do the same. Most people evacuated, but there are always going to be some who would rather party and ignore the track and the evacuation orders and stay.... And then try blaming the government for their own bad decisions, like this woman did.
It's good that she described the specifics about what happened to her and her friends. It can help people understand what it's really like to try to ride it out. Maybe it will go a ways toward convincing people of the dangers, for those who don't get it without a graphic description.
Name ONE PERSON who even expected a 6 or more foot surge of water! Your comment could be considered victim blaming. I wish people would think twice (maybe even more) before commenting.
@@codydody Literally, everybody in the area. They were talking about storm surge for days. I live in Fort Myers and we knew, when Ian was hitting Cuba, that the storm surge was going to be killer and the closer it got, the higher the threat. Luckily, I don't live on the coast, but even near 41, some of my neighbors were making plans to go up in the attack with axes. I knew we wouldn't get it that bad because I know how many feet above sea level we are and where the drainage canals are, but right on the beach? There's no excuse for having a hurricane party and thing that putting up a few pieces of plywood are going to help when they were warned over and over again and then told to evacuate a day before it hit.
No excuse other than complacency and ignorance.
I don’t even live near where hurricanes happen and I knew this one was going to be extremely bad. It was warned for days. My comment isn’t toward the people in these videos I’m saying though in general. Seen videos where kids was playing in the ocean right when it was about to hit. Just ignorant. To many people don’t take it serious.
@@frey8725 what if they had no where to go to even evacuate? Ppl had no choice so no we can't blame innocent ppl
@@mariluzdelacruz9821 We have several shelters within a 30 minute drive for her. She chose to get drunk and ignore her evacuation order (which, I got the same alerts that she did since I live about 30 minutes from her). Not to mention, she knew several days before that her house was getting flooded. So, tell me again how she had no choice?
God Bless but you were told in time, the day before reporter said you look like you’re having a blast, she’s said what else are you going to do cry, you even said we will hunker down and hope for the best. I’m all for personal decisions but don’t blame others afterwards. That being said, I’m so sorry for your loss, you were a good friend and tried to help and save your friend. RIP Bonnie
Who did she blame? I didn't hear her blame anyone for anything.
@@carolinerothenberg3982 she said they didn’t tell them in time.
Thank you.
Weren't told in time? Ian was constant news for 5 days and they we're telling people to get off the islands for 3 days straight....and then made it mandatory. No one makes your choices for you.
You're 100% correct. I'm in south Fort Myers and I can tell you, first hand, that we were told by the local stations that the coast was going under since Sunday. They thought it was going to Tampa, but we were always in the cone and the barrier islands were told, repeatedly, that iyt was going to be a storm surge event and they should think about evacuating.
Ian moved super slow and there was no "sudden turn". We watched it gradually move further and further east with every update. It was forecast to be a cat 4 when it was supposed to go right past us and that eye was huge. When it gradually turned closer toward us, we knew it was coming and most people prepared and/ or evacuated. That's why there were only about 200 families who had to be fetched off of Sanibel after it was over. Everyone else got out.
Lucky, lucky! RIP Bonnie and your friends. At 13 yrs old I watched from a walk-out basement window a tornado twisting straight towards us through a field. It lifted just a football field away, but devastated my hometown. The pink stillness of the hours previous still haunt me; but it taught me tremendous respect for mother nature in all forms. Leave when you have a chance.
True words spoken!
This isn't about you.
@@OregonCrow Thanks for stating the obvious. Your intent to insult and do harm meant you totally missed the point, crow.
@@ld3418 k bye
When you are told to leave, you need to listen!
Absolutely all of that was unnecessary and avoidable 🙏💔
I totally agree, but people will not agree first response you wouldn't understand. Hurricanes no joke can't predict them either
@@santaynafolkes2741 that's what happened. The hurricane moved fast and bobbled a little and the point of landfall changed. There's no way I would have stayed on the coast no matter what. I live in south Louisiana not far from the gulf. If we get anything over a cat 1, I'm out. I understand wanting to stay in your own home but that desire has cost a lot of people their lives. It's tragic. I can't imagine how terrifying that was.
When in doubt leave, error on the side of safety, you never know how these hurricanes can change directions.
I have lived almost my entire adult life in a hurricane zone and I've gone through a lot of them (including Katrina). Some people just don't pay attention to hurricane warnings, and guess what? The next hurricane, there will more people who won't pay attention and will stay. Nothing that has happened in this storm or the ones before, will change that.
@@angiev1840 So true , im from the island so I have been through hurricane I was smaller then before I came to the states, I experience two and I remember me and my dad and mom left the house to stay with my grandma, thank God nothing happen to our house must been some sturdy cement. But I remember the win speed and heavy rain with flood. Seeing house just flowing down water was shocking nothing to play about. Why stay terrible and nervous experience knowing 50/50 change. And Louisiana do have bad hurricanes as well.
They were told OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER again NOT to stay, to evacuate. Because it could get bad. Not listening to experts leads to horrors like this.
Exactly! People stayed on islands & near the water while a category 4 is coming right for them! Unreal!
Oh wow. That sure was one horrific ordeal !! I am glad she survived. I am sorry for loosing her friend.
You would think stories like this would make people evacuate for the next one. But, they won't.
BS……. You certainly was told in time. As a native Floridian, we know Without being told….”get to hell outta Dodge”
Many went there to get away. Misinformation big time! My area was evacuated and nothing happened.
@@abryant8287 TWC really puts on a huge production about these storms. It’s called “ratings” They kept saying a Tampa or points north. Ian wasn’t impressed with TWC…….. they should know that hurricanes always hook left or right just b4 the final landfall.
@@prmath they always move the same direction. Question is always when it will make that turn. Land is a factor too. I knew it would change after going over Cuba.
@@abryant8287 IF anyone left the BEACHES in Tampa and went to the BEACHES in Fort Meyers…. they were just plain stupid!!! When you evacuate you go INLAND!!! Anyone living in a coastal area knows that!
Yes, yes, yes, we were ALL warned in time. We all knew a category 3 or 4 was coming! No one knew where it would make landfall, that’s why you leave! Were these people were near the beach? We all had days & days to evacuate & board up our properties. What were people thinking that did not leave when they were close to the water? I DO NOT understand! Including ALL the people who stayed on islands! WTF X 100! (And I don’t mean elderly or disabled folks who didn’t have the help they needed.)
I agree...My heart goes out to the ones who just couldn't leave (as you said, elderly, disabled, etc.) but the others, I hate that anyone was lost but most of this could have been avoided. And also, I don't believe we will ever know the actual number of lives lost. I was born and raised in Lee County and seeing all this loss and devastation is awful. Prayers for everyone there.
I am so sorry for her loss and the trauma she went through.
However, I am tired of people saying they were not warned in time. I do not live in Fl. and I knew many days before it hit it was going to be bad. People were given warning after warning. The Governor was begging people to leave. People wanted to stay and party and/or experience a hurricane and I have seen this same attitude hurricane after hurricane. Evacuate when they say evacuate.
You don't live here, and you have no clue. Wasn't like that at all.
You are EXACTLY right! We all had days and days to evacuate! We ALL knew a category 3 or 4 was going to make landfall between Naples and Tampa Bay. We were ALL warned. Many stayed on islands knowing there was a VERY HIGH probability that a category 4 hurricane would hit them. Seriously? I’m in the area, and have land on one of the islands that was wiped out. It’s as flat as a pancake, and there is NO place to hide.
@@lindameid2329 you have to wait until it goes over land, but just be ready just in case. It shifted after going over Cuba.
@@abryant8287 exactly
I lived in Florida and went through tomatoes snd hurricanes when a hurricane is coming it can change direction in a minute.
People that think they're immortal and stay in hurricanes are like mountain climbers. Risk their lives and then expect other people to risk theirs to rescue them. Smh
I'm glad she's okay. But I just do not understand people who didn't evacuate when they were ordered to.
At times..it’s just pure stupidity!
@Daniel Brockman No. I live in Fort Myers. We knew a couple days out that the barrier islands and coast were going be slammed with storm surge. As it got closer, the predicted amount went up. Being on the coast, they should have known to get out of there days before it got there. The mandatory evacuation came 24 hours before it got here. There's literally no excuse. We may have not known it was going to make landfall here, but we knew the coast was going be under water days before.
@Daniel Brockman that's bullshit. All day the day before they were telling people to get off the islands and away from the coast.
@Daniel Brockman I left Tampa a year ago after 20 years with a year's break in St. Thomas after Irmaria. They all should have had multiple actionable plans on June 1st. The hurricanes are no longer the Cat 1s and 2s as they were in 70s to the 90s. They need a complete adjustement in folks' mindsets about having a Plan A, B, and C. I told a young friend of mine in Tampa to get the heck out and go to family in Georgia the Saturday before. Everyone in Florida needs a reset in how they're thinking about this. And again, I say this living six months without power in St. Thomas after Irmaria which was two Cat 5s.
They get stuck in OODA loop.
If I hear one more effing excuse about not given enuff time to react, I’m gonna lose it…..
Had time to party it up the day prior tho’
She probably hates DeSantis and wants to point blame at him.
@@stitches281 Doubtful. She looks like a tRUMP voter for sure. She was just flippant and partying the day before.
@@danusdragonfly6640 Hurricane denier/ anti-evacuater.
@@frey8725 Who denied any hurricanes you useless tool? Who refused to evacuate? You're really off.
@@danusdragonfly6640 Pull your head out of your ass and look around. The news is littered with "survival stories" of people who stayed on the islands and coast. We all got the orders to evacuate, but every interview with these people has them confessing that they didn't think it would be that bad. We knew what was going to happen to the islands since the weekend. That's why the smart ones evacuated. Hence, the hurricane-deniers refused to evacuate and 9 out of 10 of them say they wished they'd have left.
If brains were vomit, you'd die from the dry-heaves , you "useless tool". LOL
I really pray all of these people that have been traumatized by Ian gets some therapy to help them thru it all. So many terrifying stories.
Wow! So glad you survived this massive nasty hurricane 🙏 What a raw story about friendship. Talk about having your back til death, that's inspiring. Sorry for your loss. God bless you all with peace, healing and resources to rebuild your homes and businesses!
There's one big problem you mentioned, that people who live in Florida just don't seem to comprehend. Personally, I don't believe all of Florida is habitable. How many times are Floridians , who live in parts of Florida, going to keep rebuilding ? I think Einstein , would classify that as , " insanity." Just think about it.
Sorry they had to go through this. She says she wasn't warned in time. Well I heard some serious warnings. This is what happens when you look at the line in the middle of the cone, instead of focusing if you're in the cone or not. If you're in the cone you're in danger
Fort Myers is one of our favorite boating destinations. The day before it hit, I told my wife, that I thought Fort Myers Beach was in real trouble, like Hurricane Katrina trouble. Because, we watch the NHC like a hawk because we're on the northern gulf coast, and the track was changing every day for the week before it hit and it appeared to be bending back to the east to me. I don't see how anyone who was watching the NHC alerts daily could have not known to leave.
You had a solid 2 weeks of warning. Being a previous Floridian myself and a survivor of Hurricane Charlie. I have to say. WE LEARNED FROM CHARLIE , that storms are VERY UNPREDICTABLE. Charlie did almost the same exact thing. Just 30 Miles north. It came up the gulf coast. and did an abrupt turn into Charlotte harbor. I actually unknowingly placed me and my children in a home in Port Charlotte thinking it would be safer since my home was just a few blocks from lemon bay. Boy was I wrong. There was PLENTY of notice to get OFF THE COASTLINE. DONT BLAME ANYONE BUT YOURSELF FOR CHALLENGING MOTHER NATURE.
Michelle miller you are horrible for saying they had time that may be true but you obviously are not a caring person wait till something like this happens to you. Nobody will care about you !!!
Truth!💯🤙
✅
Most everyone thought and was told Ian was gonna hit Tampa Bay up until one day before. Your reply is completely disprectful and heartless!
Exactly! All these dumbasses who chose to ride out the storm are now trying to rally sympathy for their stupidity. Pathetic
My God! What an incredible woman and story! My sincerest condolences for the loss of your friend(s.) 🙏❤️🙏
As a survivor of hurricane Michael I understand what she is going through. I was stuck under my roof for 2 days. It's something you can't explain or tell anyone.
Ilife jackets every house by the ocean should have them if you decide to stay during a hurricane I'm really surprised that those that live in a hurricane area are not prepared
To be fair, most PFD aren't going to stay on in a suction/surge situation. I am a white water kayaker, and even with a professionally-fit snug one, it can pop off
Just don’t understand ..don’t understand..what you were doing there after evacuation orders? You are young, have options for leaving .. just don’t get it ?
She isn’t the only stupid one…who didn’t evacuate!…plenty others along with her!
What I dont understand is people like you having NO IDEA the circumstances that people face in these situations, then questioning why they were there. The reason doesn't matter, you are assuming that it wasn't important. Many old people there had no option to leave and people stay behind to help them, help secure their properties and give them the best chance they can to survive this. What's clear is you people asking this same question of "why didn't you just evacuate?" have zero clue of what it's like to face the situations these people faced.. yet you have the Audacity to question their reasoning.. Pathetic and sick. What you should get from this is you are questioning the motives of hundreds of people who lost their lives and just chalking it up to stupidity like they had other choices. You assumptions show your ignorance, i can only hope you learn and grow from it.
The day before she was dancing with her friend and been sarcastic about evacuation, lesson learned for her.
@@camucha6721 You are probably right, but her's is a lesson that ignorant people shouldn't speak on without having faced similar circumstances.
@@jagzorz I live in Fort Myers. We knew how bad it was going to be, more than a day out. People who didn't evacuate were either ignorant or complacent. People who chose to stay on a barrier island when we knew knew, before we even had wind from this thing, that the storm surge was going to be high were tempting fate.
No excuse, but I bet she learned now.
God blessed her. I am saying a prayer for her now. Let the darkness leave you. You are a light beam shining for us all.
My condolences to the family and friends 🙏🏻🕊🙏🏻 I’m so sorry for your loss.
She wasn't told in time.....yet she was partying the night before and more than likely the night before that. Blame everyone else except yourself.
Partying 24 hours before. The game plan should have been made earlier. Weird if you aren’t a good swimmer why you’d not take higher ground.
I never understand people who don't swim living on the water like that. Makes no sense.
Glad she survived and RIP to those that didn't. Being told to evacuate when 150 mph winds and huge storm surge is coming is a moot point. I would be gone and know nothing will be the same when I got back.
Stay tough girlie your sister would want you to!! You got this. Hugs and positive energy & prayers from Ohio
It's not just the eye that kills everything. Water will kill you. So many stubborn ppl.
She gave a good interview given the situation
Be kind with your words. These people already lost everything.
🥀💗
RIP Bonnie ..God bless everyone
RIP TO BONNIE🙏
Many people just don’t respect LIFE enough and take LIVING for granted.
There were meteorologist actually on air BOLDLY saying if you DONT leave you and your children are likely going to all die. Blatantly warned EVERYONE FOR DAYS to go. But you still have those who choose DEATH. That is their right to do so I suppose. No matter how sad or mindless it seems. Not everyone respects the opportunity of living. And that’s that.
RIP TO ALL WHO PASSED. So sad and sorry to the handicap and elders who couldn’t leave😢🕊🕊🕊🕊🙏
Bless you for being so brave through such a horrible experience. Much love and healing energy goes out to all of you.
By brave do you really mean stupid and irresponsible?
I am so very sorry for your loss of Bonnie. I saw a news story about a family who lost a small older pink house that was in their family a long time. What a miracle that lady made it after being sucked under the house.
Having gone through Andrew and the effects of Wilma, you can't predict where the eye will pass. You and your friends were brave, but foolhardy to stay on the Beach for Cat 4 storm. Sorry for your loss.
Thank you for helping Bonnie when I worked down at the information biz Bonnie was the one that always lifted my heart and made me laugh I know she's got a daughter with twins thank you that she had someone with her she was such a brave woman's A survivor and she held on Through the whole thing she is tough as nails and she will always be gone by the P LAX restaurant she will always be thereHer heart and soul was in this beach town and she will always be here thank you for letting us all know and being brave enough to go on camera at this hardest time in your life bless you bless you all
So sweet to say. So sad. I wish they had all left. I hate to hear people risking their lives to ride it out. Not every wave can be rode. So what are you really saying when you decide to ride it out? 50% chance of making it is 100% not worth the risk or aftermath. I sure wish she saw it thst way. So tragic a story😓. So sorry for all y’all’s losses.
RIP🕊
@@DrLauraRPalmer wtf is wrong with you?
Bless You. Sympathy to her daughter & grandchildren, too.
Seems like you had plenty of warning dear. Sorry for your loss.
Play stupid games win stupid prizes
Scarlett O’Hara; really! This name? 😂 A movie about a thrice divorced southern belle. With kids from two daddies. So romantico. Using the ‘dear’ word eh Scar? You’re either ancient or snarky. I’m guessing the latter. But after all, tomorrow is another day eh Scar?
I’m so glad she’s ok. So sad about all the lost lives. Please please please, evacuate when told to do so from now on. Please…..
I live in Naples. Everyone gets 6 days notice prior to the main event. I’ve been thru Irma & Ian. NO MATTER WHAT! You hear hurricane you start preparing immediately whether or not your on the spaghetti models. Don’t play around!
Im sorry for your loss 😢
I am so sorry for everyone that has suffered from loss. I hope that this hurricane has taught people in Florida to make their own decisions based on their gut feeling and not wait for specific evacuation orders.
She was at work the day before. One of the reasons people don't leave. Many times employers don't give you enough time to safely evacuate. Leaving late means you're stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, still in the path of the storm and surely perish.
You don't wait for any employer to give you permission because guess what if their place of business survives and you don't they will replace you like they would have Bonnie. I'm in Tampa and when they were saying this was coming towards us my boss still had us coming in and handling his business i came in early, unplugged my stuff and left without permission. If you want to fire me over it we will see each other in court. My safety and that of my family come before any job .
@@saga4646 Thank you.
You make us proud, Laurie. God will give all the strength you need and renew your spirit.
She doesn't make all of us proud. It's a little embarrassing.
So glad you made it and so sorry for your friends. ❤
My sincere condolences 🙏😢 to all my brother's family and friends and sisters 🙏💔
This is so sad. I do know if I lived there I would leave even if they said it wasn't going to hit where I was because storms can always change direction.
Wow. I'm sending you a HUGE hug Lori. I am so sorry you lost your friend. May she rest in peace and watch over you. This storm was NASTY. I can't believe me and my family made it. Really. We were in E. ENEWOOD, I WAS TERRIFIED!! SO sorry your going thru this!
We were told for a week to watch and than again a day before but turned again... I left Tuesday afternoon. Sorry 4 ur loss but don't blame "weren't told"
*WOW*! Just wow! What the actual heck!? How can she possibly survive something like that! That was amazing! RIP for her friend!
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:31 KJV
Rest In Peace, Bonnie.
How anyone can survive being OUT THERE in that during the worst of it..
I don’t understand it.
I live in Fort Myers and still, I'm amazed every day by some of these survivors' stories. There are a lot of strong people in my community. ❤️
You know what the best survivor stories are? The people who had brains to leave the area until it was safe to return. It doesn't seem so exciting and nobody died but isn't that the most important thing?
@@Bonzi_Buddy I would have left had I been down there. Luckily, I'm inland and not in a flood zone. No damage here. I saw what Irma did to my inlaws' home on Ft Myers Beach and that would have sold me on evacuating! (They sold last year but their former home is still standing) I still believe the survivors/fools who stayed showed some crazy bravery! I'll put it that way!
My deepest condolences on the loss of her friends! It's a miracle anyone survived that onslaught!
She thinks they weren't notified soon enough? The projections for hitting that area happened 3-4 days ahead of it. That's a ridiculous statement. Anyone that didn't evacuate, as they were all warned to do, are responsible for what happened to them. If you stand in front of a moving train...prepare to die.
Im in another country and even heard De Santis telling everyone to leave and that it was a deadly storm. 2 days before hand.
So sorry you had to go through this and I'm happy you did make it!
She didn't have to go through this. She chose to go through this. That's the worst part.
Amazing - Thank you ❤
Just heartbreaking ❤️🩹
So glad she overcame in all this but so sorry she lost her good friend.
Lori , I couldn't hardly believe it when Hilary showed me this! I'm so happy you're alive , n sorry Bonnie's not n so many other of your friends also! I've read responses to your interview, n can't believe how callus some ppl can be! I've seen personally what Fl hurricanes can do! Ma n Dad went thru Andrew in the 80's ! God speed kiddo . Glad you made it. Hang in there. ❤️ God Bless
Her story is so similar to many others I've read over the years from people who were in buildings that were destroyed by hurricane storm surges - Galveston in 1900, New England in 1938, among others. The disbelief that a structure can actually be broken apart and dumped into violently churning water; then grabbing onto whatever's floating to stay alive.
God blessed this woman. She is indeed a fighter and a survivor. May her friends that did not survive rest in peace. 🙏🏾
She's only a survivor due to luck. A true survivor would have have the sense to get out of there like most of the others did. Instead, she chose to ignore the warnings we got for days and ignore the evacuation order. Even animals have more sense than this woman.
I feel very sorry for her loss but 24 hours before land fall the gov, and every meteorologist had the cone of uncertainly between Tampa and Naples, with high probability between Naples and Sarasota, encouraging people to leave the area, warnings were sent out the night before to leave that’s 12 hours, more than enough time, one doesn’t need to travel far just go 30 to 40 miles inland and you escape the wrath of the hurricane which is the storm surge, I don’t even live in Florida, and was shaking my head because it looked bad on that Tuesday afternoon, if I lived in a 2 mile radius from the ocean and was anywhere between Sarasota and Naples I would of packed it and left, there’s videos out there of people leaving early the morning of the storm when the news had made a more precise prediction of land fall, they threw caution out door and the hurricane took it including the door,
I'm in Florida, and you're completely wrong. Everybody went in the storms path because of misinformation. My area got evacuated and nothing happened.
I remember that, in fact I know because my daughter is in Miami and I was worried but they don’t take evacuation seriously. And they are my storms coming and they say it going to be worse then Ian.
@@abryant8287 How are they wrong? We knew it was coming and knew the coast was gonna be flooded. We knew this when Ian was still on Cuba.
@@frey8725 they were wrong about the intensity, where it would hit....
@@abryant8287 They were right about the intensity when it was off our coast and where it hit made no difference when the eye wall was always projected to go over the coast, down here.
Poor excuses for her actions. It's her fault. Period.
It wasn’t her time to go. The PTSD of it all. Stunning story!
SILLINESS! 😂 She CHOSE TO
STAY & PARTY. What’s the end result of not driving to safer ground? It scares me how many of you think she’s a hero! Your definition of hero is frightening!
I disagree with the thing that “no one was told In enough time. I live in the uk and even I knew it was going to be bad especially in the fort Myers’s area…
So sad she lost her friends in this way and so many others. Really makes you think one day just like Bonny and so many others just gone in 24 hours 😭😢😞
You're wrong. I'm here and there was a lot of misinformation. Many went there to get away from the storm. You have no idea how chaotic it is around here when a hurricane comes.
@@abryant8287 I did hear this because it wasn’t expected to hit this area as bad as Tampa. But the storm shifted south toward the end.
Overall the entire area was predicted to get storm surge so idk why anyone would stay with an expected category 3+ hurricane headed your way.
@@mssha1980 evacuation isn't an easy thing to do. It's an expense, and shelters fill up quickly. If I was in a stable building, I wouldn't leave for a cat 3, or 4. Just be ready to camp out in your house after. They called this one too early. They put many in harms way. My area was evacuated and I didn't leave, because I waited until it passed over Cuba. Sure enough, it started shifting and nothing severe at all happened in my area. Glad I didn't leave. This isn't my first rodeo. I will say, I thought it was odd that they predicted it would be a 4 then decrease to a 3 before it made landfall when it would be out over the open water for awhile, and guess what?...it didn't happen like that.
And this why this happens.
@@abryant8287 They aren't God. He is the One who controls the weather. You're playing Russian roulette with these storms.
God Bless You 🙏 I’m still in shock that my daughter & grandson survived Hurricane Ian they live in Ft Myers and were able to survive it by staying in her closet on the 2nd floor 1st floor and garage flooded…🙏
I Have lived in S Fl since 1968...Seen MANY Hurricanes and lived through Andrew, Wilma, Katrina...To me every hurricane is unpredictable, one wobble in and direction can change the direction. I take precautions every year, get my supplies in advance...just in case. If a hurricane is on your side of the state take it serious. If you live near the beach evacuate...and for GOD SAKE!!!! if you live on a giant sandbar like Sanibel...Leave, have advance plans to go inland. The luxury of living in FL is we have days to prepare for a storm. unlike people that live in tornado areas they only have moments to find shelter.
Oh sweetie...I'm so sorry. ❤
I'm so sorry for your friend who died but don't say you did not have time to leave. Thats total B.S. and you know it. You spent the day/night before getting ready for it and said you were just going to "Hunker Down" because what else can ya do? You all could have gone an hour inland and got a hotel/motel room. You could have planned ahead when you knew it was going to hit somewhere on the West Coast and reserved a hotel room and then cancelled at last minute if things changed. I'm in Tampa area. I booked a hotel room the Friday before the hurricane a little further North and Inland "Just in Case". I did not need to use it. I could have canclled 24 hours prior but knowing how hurricanes change paths so quickly I kept it. Yeah, I lost $300.00 but at least I had somewhere for me and my family to go if we would have needed it. Because how many times have Floridians gone to bed thinking it wasn't coming there way and wake up to a CAT 3 or 4 coming right at ya. A very hard way for a lesson to be learned for you all. I wish people would start to take these more seriously and stop with the hurricane party mentality. Have your party AFTER the hurricane. Celebrate surviving it instead of celebrating it coming your way.
Even if you couldn't get a room, sleep in your car. Your life is more valuable than your home. It sounds like these folks are from the midwest and didn't respect the power and unpredictability of hurricanes. It didn't take paying much attention to learn this storm was dangerous, unpredictable and anyone living on the coast in that area needed to get out. And it's fine if they choose to stay and gamble with their lives. But don't go blaming someone else for your poor decision.
Hurricane Ian was the lesson of our lifetime.... All my prayers to all victims of this beast 😥😥🙏🙏♾️♾️
So her friend Bonnie died because she wasn’t a good swimmer 😢 but she has the bigger story? 😢I guess happy for anyone that made it out alive just sad that her friend lost.
They focus on her because she claimed she didn't have enough time to evacuate. They're take any opportunity to make it look like DeSantis isn't doing his job, even though evacuations aren't his job. That's local government. And, by the way, she had lots of time to leave, buy she and her friend chose to stay.
Well that’s an awful thing to see a person die a horrific death like that. I feel for the friends and family who lost people they care about to this terrible hurricane. What makes me angry is that these people didn’t have to die. They all had a chance to leave the island before the storm. I just think that many of these people died a very foolish death by refusing to evacuate, and in staying on a barrier island to ride out a major hurricane.
Sorry to say if a hurricane is coming up or down the coast we would have been gone why people stay is a God given right to make choices we knew when it hit Puerto Rico sorry for all the people who were affected by hurricane Ian
I would have fled once I saw it hit Puerto Rico & shown signs of the direction it was possibly heading . Too many wait for the last minute & wait for few hours for gas & grab food . Traffic jam all the way north or east of state. God Bless all who now are affected by loss of home & belongings . RIP all who lost their lives .
I am so sorry.
I don't understand why anyone, anyone would stay there.
Everyone KNEW this was a CATASTROPHIC HURRICANE. People were warned over and over to get out, to evacuate
Living in Florida myself we get complacent about storms .
WOW !! Your Very Strong ! So Sorry About ur Friend ! Friend's !! God Bless u All...😢🙏😊💗
If you’re “not a good swimmer,” evacuate when they tell you a deadly hurricane is coming
How many drinking hurricane parties parties were going on in Fort Myers Beach as well as Saint James City???
do tell
Cat 3 makes a difference.
@@abryant8287 No it doesn't. Floridians get what they ask for.
@@danusdragonfly6640 sounds like you're not one, so you have no clue!
@@abryant8287 You're ignorance is exposed *all* through the comments section here. I don't need to live somewhere to know you're wrong.
@@danusdragonfly6640 you have no experience with hurricanes, nor do you understand everything that is involved in preparation for them. Clearly, I'm not the ignorant one here 😒
Sorry for your loss
Advice … tough one … NEVER. Under estimate power of Mother Nature
God Bless you and prayers for your reciver, you will have moments of sadness, really PTSD moments. Remember to care for yourself as soon as you can. Prayers for you.
I'm from Michigan and I knew 5 days before that ft myers was going to be hit by Ian...her saying they were told in time is a complete lie they had plenty of time to evacuate they were told to evacuate so yes it's sad what happened but they have no one blame but themselves. Instead of partying they should have been evacuating or already evacuated...Take responsibility for what happened cause I'm sorry to this but you only have yourself to blame if you don't follow the warnings given to you...Again you were absolutely warned way ahead of time 🤦♀️
I’m sorry but we are learning that the ocean surge does not care it will take everything from us except the good things these friends and family members put in our hearts while they where with us that’s right don’t ever give up each day is a amazing gift
Tough Times don't last tough people do hang in there
Why did so many people did not evacuate ?
Pray for everyone!!!!! Pray that they get the help they need. 🙏
How scary! Heartbreaking about ur friend.
I have very little sympathy for people who are partying the day before a major hurricane and are just overtly flippant about the dangers and destruction that these storms can cause. I live on the beach near Clearwater and evacuated on Monday and went to higher ground an hour inland just to be safe even after the path had changed and we weren't getting a direct hit. Mess with the bull and you get the horns.
🥔🐑🥔
Bless this beautiful women.
Heartbreak and concerning they appeared to be having a party instead of evacuating. Maybe these homes would have survived the wind, but not the storm surge. The forecasts were expecting 10-15 feet of storm surge. In low lying areas like Fort Myer, Sanibel, and Pine island these people should have evacuated like they were told. Yes, the eyewall was expect closer to Tampa. Hurricane Ian was massive and its my understanding the code for building house is for 140MPH winds.
I’m so happy she is ok but when they tell you to get out, you GET OUT. There’s multiple free shelters in the area including those set up to take care of elderly and those with special needs. There’s also transportation programs to help assist in evacuation for those that cannot do so themselves. They were telling us for days to be prepared and be ready to go. We knew this storm could have a potential 18ft storm surge. People need to take these warnings seriously
How awful, seeing your friend die
😢 my prayers are with you and your friends
You would think this women would be thankful she survive and could cleanup her language in public.
I used to live on Ft Myers Beach: when NOAA told EMS that it was a direct hit, they should have driven trucks through that island scooping people up. This could have been far less damaging.
So sad what happened but I'm getting sick of all these residents saying they did not have enough time to get out .. Monday he declared a national emergency and told everybody to evacuate the hurricane didn't come till a few days later makes no sense to me I evacuated.
I think one of those ladies went to UW Eau Claire...thank you.