Before Hurricane Milton made landfall, staff at The Great American Assisted Living Facility in Bradenton, Florida, took precautionary steps to ensure the safety of their 135 residents. In an effort to avoid anticipated floodwaters, they evacuated everyone to the facility’s sister location in Tampa, thinking it would be safer. However, what they didn’t foresee was that this move would put them in even greater danger.
As the storm intensified, the Tampa facility became inundated with several feet of floodwater. Residents, many of whom are veterans and elderly with limited mobility, were fast asleep on cots when the floodwaters began to rise overnight. The staff and residents suddenly found themselves trapped with no means of escape, surrounded by water inside the building for several terrifying hours.
The Rescue Mission
When it became clear that they could not evacuate on their own, emergency calls were made to local authorities. The National Guard, along with other local law enforcement agencies, sprang into action. Armed with boats and other rescue equipment, they arrived at the facility to bring the trapped residents and staff to safety.
The rescue effort was challenging, as the floodwaters were still rising. However, through the combined efforts of the National Guard and local responders, every resident and staff member was successfully transported out of the water. Boats were used to ferry the elderly residents, many of whom are veterans with special care needs, to safety.
“We All Got Out Alive”
For the 135 residents, the emotional toll of the night is still fresh. Michael Allen, a 26-year Air Force veteran and resident of the facility, recalled the harrowing experience of waking up in the middle of the night to find himself surrounded by water.
“I’m in bed sleeping, and I felt water on me,” Allen said. “I lost my clothes, I lost my shoes, my refrigerator, microwave, all of that stuff.” Yet, despite the overwhelming loss of personal belongings, Allen remains positive. “That’s alright though, that’s material. We all got out alive.”
While the physical losses are significant, the residents and staff understand that their lives are what matter most.
Returning Empty-Handed
After the rescue, the residents were brought back to the original Bradenton facility. However, their return was bittersweet. Having evacuated with their personal items, clothing, and even furniture, they came back empty-handed. The floodwaters in Tampa destroyed nearly everything they had brought with them, leaving them without basic necessities like shoes, clothing, and essential appliances.
Executive Director Samantha Patterson explained that while the residents are grateful to be alive, they are in desperate need of support to help rebuild their lives. The facility, which operates as a non-profit organization, is asking the public to contribute donations, including food, towels, and washcloths. These donations will go directly to the residents, many of whom lost everything in the storm.
How You Can Help
If you would like to help the residents and staff of The Great American Assisted Living Facility, there are several ways to contribute. You can bring donations of food, towels, and washcloths directly to the facility at 1015 7th Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34208. These essential items will help the residents meet their immediate needs as they try to recover from this devastating experience.
For those who cannot donate items in person, monetary donations are also being accepted to help the facility recover from the loss. You can contribute online through the facility’s official donation portal. Every contribution, whether big or small, can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by the storm.
Looking Forward with Hope
Although the aftermath of Hurricane Milton has left many residents of the assisted living facility with nothing, the resilience and determination of both the staff and residents are shining through. Thanks to the efforts of the National Guard and local law enforcement, the residents were safely evacuated and given another chance to rebuild their lives.
For residents like Michael Allen and the many other veterans who call The Great American Assisted Living Facility home, the storm may have taken their belongings, but it did not take their hope. With the support of the community, they are determined to pick up the pieces and move forward, one step at a time.
As Samantha Patterson said, “We are just thankful that everyone is safe, but now we need to focus on getting back on our feet.”
