"Riding Out the Storm: A Retired Homebuilder’s Experience in His ‘Hurricane-Proof’ Florida Home"

Retired Homebuilder Finds Safety in "Hurricane-Proof" Home During Hurricane Milton

Cortez, Florida — As Hurricane Milton barreled toward Florida’s Gulf Coast, 76-year-old William Fulford made a decision that many would find daunting: he chose to stay in his home, which he believes is "hurricane-proof." Fulford, a retired homebuilder, resides in Hunters Point, an 86-unit community in Cortez, just an hour southwest of Tampa. His experience during the storm offers a glimpse into the resilience of those who choose to weather the storm rather than evacuate.

In an exclusive interview with Business Insider, Fulford recounted his experience as the storm approached. "Everything turned out fine," he said, reflecting on the storm’s trajectory that ultimately spared his home from severe damage. "We were about 15 miles from the eye, and it came in a different direction this time, hitting the back of the house instead of the front."

Despite experiencing gusts of wind reaching up to 100 miles per hour and heavy rainfall, Fulford’s home withstood the storm remarkably well. Thanks to its solar power system, he was able to maintain electricity even when the city’s grid went down. "The solar power kicked in when the city’s grid went out, and we’re still running on solar right now," he explained. "It charges up during the day and powers us through the night."

While the storm brought challenges, including a temporary loss of air conditioning and the need to conserve energy, Fulford remained optimistic. "It’s kind of miserable with no air conditioning, but at least the weather hasn’t been too bad — in the 70s and 80s with a slight breeze," he noted.

Fulford’s decision to stay was not without its moments of tension. His wife, who often feels anxious during storms, was understandably nervous. However, Fulford’s calm demeanor and hands-on approach helped alleviate some of her concerns. "The house never shook. The windows didn’t rattle," he said. "It’s kind of exciting to me to see what Mother Nature can do."

He also took proactive measures to secure his home, such as reinforcing sliding doors that began to open due to the wind. "If I hadn’t been here, maybe the wind would’ve blown the doors right off and messed up our living room," he remarked.

While Fulford’s home remained intact, the surrounding area faced significant devastation. He described the scene across the street, where a nearby trailer park suffered extensive roof damage, and the streets of Bradenton were littered with downed power lines and darkened intersections. "Two-thirds of those roofs are gone," he said, highlighting the stark contrast between his experience and that of his neighbors.

For Fulford, staying put during the storm was a personal choice rooted in a desire for control and awareness. "I’d rather be here and know what’s going on with my house than somewhere far away," he stated. As recovery efforts begin in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Fulford’s story serves as a testament to the resilience of those who choose to face nature’s fury head-on, armed with preparation and a strong sense of community.