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Over 135 Rescued From Tampa Assisted Living Facility After Unprecedented Hurricane Milton Flooding

October 11, 2024

Today's good news story comes from Tampa, Florida.

In a heartening display of teamwork and heroism, over 135 residents of the Great American Assisted Living Community in Tampa were safely rescued after unprecedented flooding caused by Hurricane Milton.

@HCSOSheriff

Early Thursday morning, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, equipped with rafts, airboats, and amphibious vehicles, evacuated the vulnerable seniors to safety as floodwaters rapidly rose around them.

Sheriff Chad Chronister, who led the response efforts, expressed his concern over the unexpected severity of the flooding.

“This is extraordinary to see this type of flooding, especially in this type of area,” Chronister said in a video shared on social media. “To see this unprecedented flooding, I can only imagine how scary it was.”

#teamHCSO rescued over 135 residents from the Great American Assisted Living facility in Tampa. We're thankful to be able to get all of these people to safety. pic.twitter.com/LGq2aOWh9q

— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) October 10, 2024

Despite the dangerous conditions, the sheriff’s team worked swiftly and efficiently to transport the residents to dry ground, ensuring that every person made it to safety without injury. The effort was a testament to the bravery and preparedness of local first responders, whose quick actions likely saved lives.