Hurricane Milton, an unprecedented Category 3 storm, hit Tampa, Florida on Oct. 10, 2024 and brought dangerous winds over 160 mph two weeks after Hurricane Helene . Families were evacuated, leaving their homes behind as emergency shelters opened nationwide. Local officials offered free Uber rides and buses to help residents flee the danger.
For The Sage multimedia journalism program, their plans to attend the Student Television Network Convention in Tampa make the destruction feel closer to home. STN is a national event where middle and high school students showcase their top broadcast journalism work. This year’s competition is significant, as the theme is “UNREEL.”
As Sage students prepare to present their work at STN in February, it is important to consider how Hurricane Milton may affect Tampa.
“I don’t think anyone expected it to be as bad as it was,” said Harlee Palmer, an Aviara Oaks Middle School student who is attending STN. “I also feel bad for everyone that lost their houses and other things due to the hurricane.”
The record-breaking hurricane has caused serious damage, like the roof that was ripped off Tropicana Field in Tampa, that could take extensive time and effort to repair. This means homes, businesses, and roads might still be in rough shape.
But, most crucially, the people of Tampa have been affected. Reporters confirmed at least 14 people were killed due to the storm’s effects, which included flash and river flooding, and tornadoes, and millions of people were without electricity.
Journalists have a duty to report stories. Despite the challenges we face, covering Hurricane Milton gives us the chance to highlight the resilience of those affected and make sure their voices are heard during this crisis.
