Body camera footage captured the moment a Florida family and their dog were rescued by Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) officers after Hurricane Milton's torrential rains and flooding.
Deputies used a Sharp all-terrain vehicle to rescue seven people and three dogs from the rising floodwaters. Deputies can be seen submerging themselves in waist-deep water and asking family members who wants to ride Sherp first.
“It's cold,” I heard the deputy say as he helped each person.
The two dogs were small enough to be surrendered to get into the car. The larger one was put on a leash and swam to safety with help.
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A family of seven and their dog are seen standing in front of their home waiting for help from deep flooding caused by Hurricane Milton. (Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office)
Deputies were also able to bring a bag containing the family's belongings onto the ship.
“Our deputies are out in full force to keep everyone, including our furry friends, safe during this difficult time,” the HCSO posted on Facebook along with the video.
The small dog was handed over to someone in the all-terrain vehicle used to rescue the family. (Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office)
The hard work lawmakers have put in since Hurricane Milton made landfall late Wednesday night has not gone unnoticed. HCSO said in a subsequent Facebook post that restaurants and businesses “have stepped up in a big way, including cooking more than 2,000 pounds of meals to provide to first responders and residents in Hillsborough County's hardest-hit areas. I'm there,” he posted.
HCSO says if you need assistance or information in the aftermath of the Milton incident, please call 833-427-8676.
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A large dog swam to his family on an ATV while being rescued from Hurricane Milton floodwaters. (Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office)
Florida is returning to near normalcy on Tuesday, with many school districts resuming classes and gas stations reopening.
Florida power companies said about 93 of 3.4 million homes and businesses lost power after Milton made landfall south of Tampa as a Category 3 hurricane, slamming the region with 190 mph winds and storm surge of up to 10 feet. Power was restored to %.
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At least 11 people have died less than two weeks after Hurricane Helen devastated Florida and other southeastern states. Helen killed more than 240 people.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
