Hurricanes change minds - 19th October 2022

Florida's the USA's sunshine state. But every year, it gets hurricanes. On 28th September, a strong hurricane hit the state. Hurricane Ian had strong winds and flooded many areas. It destroyed many homes and killed 30 people.

Kenneth Lowe loves Florida. He doesn't like hurricanes. But, he says that he's not leaving.

Kenneth Lowe: "Southwest Florida's my heaven on earth. And hurricanes come with South Florida so, you know, you just gotta kind of take it. And I'm willing to take that - it's my favourite place, you know. It's worth it. Just got to kind of have insurance, be prepared and do the smart, make the smart decision."

Florida has a lot of hurricanes. Some scientists think hurricanes will happen more often. Others don't. But they all agree, hurricanes will be stronger.

Tamar Lang hopes the next big hurricane won't happen for 100 years.

Tamara Lang: "The community's been great. The neighbours have been great. Gotten to know more people since we've even gotten here - just people helping. So, we'll just rebuild and, and you know, move on, hopefully. Hopefully, it'll be another 100 years before the next one. Next big one, I should say."

Cape Coral floods easily because of its location. Scientists say the sea will rise 14-18 inches in the next 30 years. Now, people have to think about where they build their homes.

After the hurricane damage, some people want to move. But, some won't leave their favourite sunshine state.

Irene Giordano: "We have nowhere to go. I mean we could, we've, well I mean, we have places to go. But I, I just, you know, my mom's here - I just don't know. Don't have really any desire, in, in some ways, I - it's hard to say. It just, it just, it's just hard to describe."

Christopher Tuscan: "I think we're gonna try get this place back together. I mean, we've been here since '68. I mean, it's one in a million, and it got us good."