WeatherHurricane

Actions

Tampa Police rescue 15 people after tree falls on their home during Milton

Rescues in Tampa.png
Posted
and last updated

TAMPA, Fla. — Police rescued 15 people, including multiple children, after a tree fell on their home during Hurricane Milton.

The Tampa Police Department said they received a 911 call from a single-story home in the 1700 block of East Wood Street.

Officers, who were taking shelter less than two miles away, responded to the home when there was a break in the storm bands.

When they arrived, they got all the occupants out of the home safely and transported them to the closest shelter. They also ensured the main power to the home was off before leaving.

"Every member of this department is committed to the safety of our community," said Chief Lee Bercaw. "The swift actions taken by these officers during a break in the storm bands provided this family with a sense of safety in a time of fear and uncertainty."

Back-to-back storm events brought record storm surge, rainfall and winds to the Tampa Bay region. The question some are asking now isn’t where people should rebuild, but where we should let nature regain control.

Abandoning the Coast?: Where to rebuild & where to let nature take over