The nightmare of Hurricane Helene has barely settled, leaving Florida and surrounding states battered and grieving, but nature’s wrath is not done yet. Central Florida is now in the sights of Tropical Storm Milton, forecasted to intensify and possibly strike as a full-fledged hurricane by midweek. For many, including golf legend John Daly, Helene’s fury brought “total loss and devastation,” a sentiment echoed throughout communities that were left in shambles by the unrelenting storm.
Helene’s impact left deep scars across the southeast, with Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia all declaring states of emergency as they grappled with widespread flooding, destroyed homes, and communities in despair. For John Daly, whose family escaped unharmed but whose homes were ravaged, the experience was one of unimaginable loss. “As water is pouring out of every crevice! Total loss and devastation… I still cannot imagine ALL we have lost, but we are SAFE, and all can be replaced,” Daly shared with fans, his gratitude for safety tempered by sorrow.
In the wake of Helene, Florida’s government is bracing for another blow. Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency across 35 counties, mobilizing resources to prepare for Milton’s expected downpour and potential storm surge. Already, the golf world is feeling the strain, with popular courses like Southern Oaks Championship Golf Course and recreation spots across Florida temporarily shut down. The closures, aimed at managing stormwater retention, reflect the urgency surrounding Milton’s approach.
Daly’s message of resilience, asking fans to “please be safe,” echoes through communities now forced to prepare yet again for possible devastation. As Florida faces another potential disaster, the strength and unity shown in the aftermath of Helene will be needed more than ever. For now, all that remains is to brace and hope that Milton will be kinder than its predecessor.
