PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — "This is pretty intense," said Mary Bewley hours ahead of Hurricane Milton.
Bewley, who is originally from Speedway, now lives with her husband in Port Charlotte, Florida.
In her more than 20 years of living in the Sunshine State, Bewley has witnessed several hurricanes. Milton, however, feels different, she said.
"I think we're going to be okay," said Bewley, "but it's going to get scary."
With just hours until the storm makes landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast, Bewley's home is sheltering six Hoosiers: Bewley, her husband, her parents, and two other family members — who flew into Florida to visit last weekend.
"They are kind of stuck here," said Bewley.
Bewley said she and her family have plugged the boat, powered the generator, stocked up on nonperishable foods, and loaded the bathtubs with extra water.
"We're just as good as we can be," said Bewley. "We got all of our storm shutters up. We have totally hunkered down."
With landfall expected Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, Bewley said it's too late for her family to evacuate now.
"Probably three days ago we should have left," said Bewley.
Not to mention, gas and hotel rooms are rare to find, she said.
"In this area where we are, all the gas stations are done," said Bewley. "There is no gas."
So, the Bewleys decided to stay put in Port Charlotte and weather Hurricane Milton.
"This home is pretty solid," said Bewley. "We are up high enough and inland enough. We are pretty safe. We feel we are pretty safe, but you know, that can all change."
Bewley said her home is up to date with the current hurricane code, but it is also located inside Port Charlotte's Evacuation Zone B.
"We will lose internet service," said Bewley. "We will lose power."
Bewley and her husband also own a tattoo shop in Englewood, Florida, a community that sits right on the Gulf Coast.
"It is in danger," said Bewley.
Another concern is major flooding across Charlotte County, less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene.
"These grounds can't take much more rain," said Bewley.
Forecasters project Hurricane Milton could dump as much as 18 inches of rain in some parts of the state. As of Wednesday afternoon, more than seven million people were under mandatory evacuation orders.
"Evacuating is not an option when it's this close to a storm," said Bewley.
For Hoosiers, Bewley asks for patience when contacting family and friends in Florida.
"Give your families a couple of days to respond," said Bewley. "It takes a couple of days for everything to settle. Don't panic. Send some positive vibes of protection and say your prayers."