Belizeans in Florida Worried Over Hurricane Milton’s Strength

From tonight through Wednesday, residents in Florida, including thousands of Belizeans, are gearing up for the impact of Hurricane Milton. This dangerous Category 5 storm lost some strength while crossing the Gulf of Mexico but has regained power as it approaches the Florida coast. News Five caught up with Ray Gongora, a Belizean living in Pembroke Pines, Florida. He shared that the hurricane is causing a lot of emotional and mental stress for many people.

 

Ray Gongora, Belizean Living in Florida

“We have gone to the areas where sand is being distributed and there are also bags provided.  Some people take their own shovels in order to expedite the process. We got to fill our own bags and then take them away and bring them home. So that is one of the process of preparation. We are placing sandbags at our doors, uh, trying to prevent water from coming in. Marion, you, you said it’s, it’s a powerful, we’re calling it a monster. This is a monster. And  because of that, it’s even affecting us, um, emotionally. We are very anxious about what.  the power that this storm will have and the effect it will have upon us. Um, many Belizeans who are living on the coast  in, in Tampa, uh, especially Naples have moved inland with other Belizeans. Here people can get information on shelters that they can use the Honorary Council of Belize in Miami has a number that is posted. And can be used for those who need assistance or referral or information regarding shelters. And that number is 305 300 7520. Please, if you need assistance, if you need any information, any beliefs out there, please give that number a call. You can also go online, as I said, to that website.”

 

Belizeans in Florida can also log online for assistance or information at www.floridadasaster.org/shelter-status/