Matthew Heller, a lifelong Floridian and business owner, has decided to stay in Tampa despite officials warning residents in evacuation zones to leave the area. Heller, who is unsure of which direction the storm is headed, has seen some of his neighbors evacuate, particularly those with young children. Despite this, Heller plans on hunkering down as his house is his livelihood. He has taken precautions by moving his vehicles to higher ground and has a life jacket ready in case he needs to swim out. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor issued a stark warning to those who choose to stay in evacuation areas, stating that they are putting their lives at risk.
Heller described the chaos he witnessed as residents scrambled to find gas before the hurricane hit. After visiting ten different gas stations, Heller finally found an open one, where people were not lining up properly, leading to shouting and honking horns. He noted that this was happening even before the storm had arrived, emphasizing the sense of panic and fear in the community. Heller has experienced the devastation of hurricanes firsthand, having dealt with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene just weeks ago. His home was flooded with up to five and a half feet of water, leaving behind debris that has yet to be cleaned up by authorities.
During Hurricane Helene, Heller gained notoriety on TikTok for riding around his flooded home in a kayak and sharing footage of the destruction caused by the storm. He spent the following weeks removing drywall and clearing out the water-damaged sections of his house. The city of Tampa instructed residents to leave their construction debris unbagged, which concerns Heller as he worries about it clogging drainage systems or becoming dangerous projectiles in the midst of another storm. Despite these challenges, Heller remains determined to weather the upcoming hurricane.
Heller’s decision to stay in Tampa has raised concerns among his family, who are worried about his safety. He acknowledges the risks involved in remaining in the area but is determined to protect his home and livelihood. Having experienced the devastation of a previous hurricane, Heller understands the importance of taking precautions and being prepared for the worst. He hopes that by hunkering down and taking necessary safety measures, he will be able to ride out the storm and minimize the damage to his property.
As the storm approaches, Heller remains vigilant and ready to face whatever challenges come his way. His experiences during Hurricane Helene have taught him the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of natural disasters. Despite the chaos and uncertainty surrounding the upcoming hurricane, Heller’s determination to protect his home and community remains steadfast. By sharing his story and experiences, Heller hopes to raise awareness about the impact of hurricanes and the importance of preparedness and safety measures in vulnerable areas like Tampa.
