Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw emphasized the importance of preparedness and evacuation as Hurricane Milton approaches the region. Chief Bercaw stated that while officers are currently assisting residents, there may come a point where they will be unable to respond due to the severity of the storm.
Chief Bercaw recounted a recent incident where officers successfully convinced an elderly woman in South Tampa to evacuate, highlighting the potential dangers of attempting to ride out the storm. He expressed concern that there may be others with similar plans and urged residents to prioritize their safety.
