While many evacuate for Hurricane Milton, some choose to stay

As the wind and rain began to pick up as Hurricane Milton approached the Gulf Coast on Wednesday morning, several people were walking around the boats moored at Marina Jack. Some were walking dogs; others were making last-minute preparations on their boats.

Lemka Eckert and Phil Hartl were just taking in the scene. “It’s eerie out here,” Hartl said.

The pair live downtown, near the marina. They said the didn’t plan to evacuate. “Well, the house is high,” Eckert said. “Second story.”

Hartl said he realized they were in an evacuation zone. “Yeah, but it's it's a strong house,” he said. “We'll see how it goes. It's all closed up. Everything's safe, I think.”

Photo by Jim DeLa

Tied up at the dock, the 83-foot yacht Blue Symphonie sat in its slip, securely tied. Music wafted from the main cabin. 

One of the men on board said he owned the yacht but declined to give his name. "I'd rather not," he said. He was checking out the ship’s pumps, making sure everything was in working order.

He said he was going to ride out the storm on board. “I’m not ready to give up just yet. Could be a mistake. Guess we’ll know soon enough.”

If the surge got too high, he said he would leave. “We got a 50-50 shot,” he said. “Staring to look like it may fall apart, though. There’s a chance.”

Joe Catell, the service manager at Marina Jack’s, walked past the Blue Symphonie, taking a last look around, making sure everything was secure. “It’s gonna be a blow.” 

Meanwhile, the two men aboard the yacht continued their work.

“Some people may call me a fool,” the yacht’s owner said. “This is my home. No difference than someone else staying in their home. Everybody has to do what’s best for them.”