Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) officers in Tampa rescue a dog tied to a pole from a highway ahead of Hurricane Milton, prompting Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) warned that Florida would “detain anyone who abuses pets.” take responsibility. ”
FHP shared heartbreaking footage Wednesday ahead of the storm's landfall. Troopers said the dog was tied to a pole along Interstate 75.
“FHP officers this morning rescued a dog that had been left tied to a pole on Interstate 75 near Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. Never do this to your pet…” FHP said.
The footage shows officers approaching the frightened dog, whose legs are completely submerged in water.
“It's okay, kid. It's okay,” the officer said as he approached the dog.
Then, as the officer said, the distressed dog began growling and barking. It's okay, buddy. ”
The video went viral and caught the attention of Mr. DeSantis, who issued a stern warning to those who abuse pets as a major hurricane approaches.
“Thank you @FHPTampa. Leaving a dog tied to a pole while a storm approaches is cruel to anyone,” he said. “Florida will hold those who abuse pets accountable.”
The video was released just as the final evacuation notice window was closing on the state's west coast. The Skyway Bridge is currently closed to all traffic, as are the Howard Frankland Bridge, the westbound Gandy Bridge and the westbound Courtney Campbell Bridge, officials said.
The storm is expected to make landfall as a major storm just south of Tampa, but Tampa Mayor Jane Castor issued a stern warning to people who try to ignore evacuation orders.
“I've said many times that I want to take on Mother Nature and she's winning 100 percent,” she warned.
“And the people who are in here say you're in a one-story house. The top of that house is 12 feet. So if you're in it, basically that means you're in It’s a coffin,” she said. said.
DeSantis said Wednesday morning there was still time for people to evacuate, at least locally.
“All of these counties have multiple shelters that are open. Right now, those shelters have enough space that it's more convenient than getting on the interstate with the roads still open. , it is certainly safer to do a very short evacuation tens of miles away,” the governor said.
Latest information from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) at 11 a.m. ET. warned It said people in storm surge warning areas were facing an “extremely life-threatening situation”.
“The period for evacuation is quickly coming to an end if instructions are given by local authorities,” the NHC added.
The latest tracks as of 11 a.m. ET are below.
P.S. The dog has been treated and is safe.
