Here's how Florida's communities are impacted by Hurricane Milton

A Lee County Sheriff's officer patrols the streets of Cape Coral, Fla., as heavy rain falls ahead of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024.
A Lee County Sheriff's officer patrols the streets of Cape Coral, Fla., as heavy rain falls ahead of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. Photo credit AP Photo | Marta Lavandier

Major Hurricane Milton is still a major Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained wind at 125 mph. The hurricane is predicted to make landfall between Bradenton and Tampa this evening. Here are some of the ways Hurricane Hilton has impacted Florida's population.

Sports teams are directly affected by Hurricane Milton as it makes its way close to Tampa and Fort Myers, Florida.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers left early to have their practices in New Orleans, before their game in New Orleans on Sunday. The Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team moved operations to Raleigh, before its first NHL game against Carolina on Friday. And then the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team isn't playing now. But, their stadium Tropicana Field is now a FEMA relief center before the storm hits. The outfield is filled with thousands of beds to house first responders

And then there's this...

You can tell how serious Milton could be to Florida tonight. Just look at the Waffle House Index. This is an indicator of what kind of natural disaster this could be. If the Waffle Houses are closed, you're in trouble. A lot of the Waffle Houses around Tampa and Fort Myers will be closed as Milton comes through the area. Not all of them, but the restaurants closest to the Gulf are shutting down.

And then there's this...

We might be thinking about Hurricane Milton right now, but people in North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and other states are still recovering from Hurricane Helene a couple of weeks back. Damage is in the billions from that storm. A couple of famous musicians are doing what they can to help. James Taylor, Luke Combs, and Eric Church are putting together the Concert for Carolina coming up on Oct. 26th at Bank of America Stadium where the Carolina Panthers play. All the proceeds from the concert will be split between Eric Church's and Luke Comb's foundations for the relief. They plan to add a lot more artists. Tickets go on sale Thursday morning. Let's hope more charitable events happen for Hurricane Milton too.

LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Featured Image Photo Credit: AP Photo | Marta Lavandier