Hernando County’s Emergency Operations Center holds press conference about Hurricane Milton

On Saturday, October 12, the Hernando County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Fire Chief Paul Hosenmeier took to Facebook live to conduct a press conference regarding Hurricane Milton. The category three storm made landfall on October 9, just two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated Florida. Hurricane Milton became the strongest tropical cyclone of 2024, resulting in billions of dollars in damages and over a dozen deaths.

            A major concern residents have is the flooding of the Withlacoochee River. “Greater numbers in flood waters than firefighters and deputies have seen in their career” said Chief Hosenmeier. “If you haven’t evacuated, you need to evacuate before your exit pathway to get to higher ground is gone” he added.

            In case of evacuation, the EOC manager let viewers know that “there is a shelter available at the Richmond Center in Brooksville.” Encouraging residents to evacuate, they said the water that is rising is unlike storm surge water. This river water will stay for a long period of time before anything recedes, making an exit path unsafe and uncertain.

            There are many additional resources available to residents who need them. The EOC has set up multiple “comfort stations.” These sites include showers, laundry facilities, hot food, water, tarps, and more from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Debris monitors have begun a sweep of sites such as Airpeka, Hernando Beach, Sunwest Park, Ridge Manor, and Weeki Wachee. The EOC Manager says that contractors are surveying the entire community and “a schedule will be coming out with when we will be coming around to pick up debris, such as vegetation and trees, from homes.”

            The EOC and Fire Chief were able to address concerns, such as one from commenter Kristal who said “we have an issue with gas. People yelling, fighting and pulling guns… 2-3 hr wait for gas. This shouldn’t be happening.” The EOC manager says “when a tanker shows up, there’s immediately a long line for people to get gas. We do know that all four ports in Florida are open to offload fuel.”

“Have a plan, pay attention, and get out now,” said Chief Hosenmeier to close out the press conference.