When Passion is All You Have: Proposal for Addressing the Impacts of Hurricane Milton on Poverty-Stricken Floridians

The devastating reality of living in poverty in America, and specifically in Florida, poses significant challenges, particularly during hurricane season. Evacuating Tampa can become a financial burden for low-income families. The stark differences in evacuation experiences highlight how socio-economic status impacts recovery efforts. 

Disclaimer

I want to clarify that this message is not meant to assign blame or evoke guilt regarding wealth. It’s undeniable that the wealthy are privileged, but this isn't inherently negative, nor do all individuals in poverty require assistance. Our society is shaped by a complex mix of circumstances that lead people to varying economic situations.

Some come from immigrant families striving to make ends meet, while others may lack ambition for numerous reasons and are content in minimum-wage jobs. It’s essential to recognize that not everyone represented in poverty statistics deserves the same level of support, just as not every wealthy individual is a greedy person who takes their advantages for granted. Many have worked tirelessly to earn their wealth, and I respect that.

Simultaneously, many impoverished families are victims of circumstance, and I have compassion for their struggles. My goal is to promote change at a political level that can benefit larger groups of people. We need to engage in conversation, regardless of where we fall on the economic spectrum. I'm not suggesting that the wealthy don't deserve their successes or that all individuals in poverty are entitled to extensive aid. However, I firmly believe that everyone in poverty deserves compassion, and access to basic human needs (water, shelter, food) regardless of their circumstances. We all have a role to play in advancing our community and city together.

I am writing as a young woman who feels frustrated, disheartened, and helpless during this time of tragedy. While I don’t yet hold the political position to enact the change I aspire to, I am continuously learning and developing my skills for the future. I also lack the financial means to contribute through donations, but what I do have is my passion for writing—and right now, that is the best way I can contribute to the cause.

I urge you to take a moment for self-reflection and social awareness. Think about where your own skills can make a difference, whether through direct action or simply offering kindness and support. Even a small gesture, like a smile to a neighbor or lending a helping hand, can have a meaningful impact.

Hurricane Milton Response

Many middle-class and higher-income families can take paid time off (PTO) without fear of losing income during storms. In contrast, poverty stricken individuals often work hourly or in service jobs that lack PTO, risking significant wage loss during an evacuation—if they can even secure time off. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 25-30% of U.S. workers are in low-wage jobs, most of whom do not have access to paid sick leave or vacation time. Conversely, over 60% of high-income earners enjoy the flexibility of paid leave, allowing them to evacuate or stay safe during hurricanes.

While we may reference the “Waffle House Index” to gauge the severity of an impending storm, we often overlook the individuals who work in these establishments. Many of these workers cannot evacuate because they are obligated to serve those in our Publix stores, gas stations, and malls—places where the privileged pillage and putter around before a storm, leaving workers feeling captive to the demands of corporate America. This reality underscores the need to establish clear boundaries for when businesses must close, ensuring that all individuals have adequate time and access to resources to prepare for hurricanes while recognizing everyone’s right to safety.

This disparity is further highlighted when considering the distinction between the fiscal inconvenience faced by wealthier families—such as losing an asset like an extra vehicle or beach condo—and the severe financial strain on those living paycheck to paycheck, who often cannot afford daily necessities, let alone essential supplies or resources for a storm.

While social media often highlights the humorous aspects of hurricanes—like people kayaking in their flooded multimillion-dollar homes that they failed to insure due to their own negligence—we must recognize that for many, these storms are life-threatening events. Families living in multigenerational homes may struggle to afford basic necessities due to lost wages during evacuations, further hindering their ability to make essential repairs to already damaged properties. This cycle can lead to gentrification and displacement, as original Tampa homes are being bulldozed daily, erasing the history and families that once thrived there without any regard for what has been lost.

The privilege associated with preventive measures cannot be overstated. Wealthy individuals can afford expensive flood insurance, enabling them to recover more easily from property damage while maintaining lofty savings for evacuation, temporary housing, or repairs. They can also invest in stronger homes, storm shutters, and backup generators, or even relocate to safer areas. In contrast, low-income families often live in high-risk zones such as trailer parks and struggle to secure basic preparations, leaving them disproportionately exposed to the devastating impacts of hurricanes. 

As Florida continues to attract wealthier transplants, many native residents are pushed out due to skyrocketing living costs, further exacerbating economic disparities. The displacement of longtime residents, especially after hurricanes, often leads to land redevelopment that prioritizes high-end real estate, making it difficult for those in lower-income brackets to remain in their communities. This gentrification trend not only displaces residents but also increases the availability of luxury developments while reducing affordable housing options, deepening Florida’s housing crisis.

With the ambitious goal of entering politics and one day becoming the Mayor of Tampa or the Governor of Florida, I propose the following solutions.

Short-Term Solutions:

1. Establish a Local Level Emergency Fund: Create a dedicated emergency fund that provides immediate financial assistance for evacuation costs, temporary housing, and essential supplies for vulnerable families.

   
   

To establish a budget for an emergency natural disaster relief fund, I would adopt a strategic approach to secure funding from federal disaster assistance programs, state grants, and local revenue sources like property taxes. To accommodate this, I would consider reducing allocations for administrative expenses, as I believe those in politics should prioritize purpose over paycheck. This reallocation would ensure the city is well-prepared to respond to natural disasters while minimizing impacts on essential services and community needs.

2. Temporary Housing in Churches: Partner with local faith-based organizations and churches to establish a network of safe havens for temporary housing, providing shelter and basic necessities to displaced residents during evacuations.

As tax-exempt organizations, churches have a social obligation to engage in philanthropy to justify their tax status, which includes serving as safe havens during natural disasters. If churches wish to be exempt from this responsibility, they can choose to pay taxes and operate as for-profit entities, a path many already pursue without facing repercussions. 

3. Utilizing School Buses for Evacuations: Work with local school districts to repurpose school buses as evacuation vehicles. This initiative will involve training first responders and volunteer drivers, who will receive stipends for their service, ensuring reliable transportation for families without vehicles.

   
   

I strongly dislike the idea of overburdening already strained organizations, especially our schools, by asking them to do more. Under this intervention, school buses, classified as state property, would be seized and repurposed for evacuation efforts while schools are closed. These buses would be utilized by volunteers and first responders to transport individuals en masse. We wouldn’t require bus drivers to shoulder this responsibility; instead, we would offer financial stipends and ensure access to resources and shelters for those who complete training and volunteer to drive buses during emergencies.

4. Corporate Sponsorship for Essential Supplies: Collaborate with businesses and corporations to create programs that provide funds or essential supplies, such as food, water, and hygiene products, for vulnerable families during hurricane season. 

Long-Term Solutions:

1. Advocate for Affordable Housing Policies: Promote policies that encourage the development of affordable, disaster-resilient housing in safer areas. This can include zoning changes to facilitate mixed-income developments and providing incentives for builders to create affordable units with hurricane-resistant features.

   
   

Investing in low-income housing is essential for several reasons. Quality housing is a fundamental human right that supports the well-being of individuals, regardless of income. Poor living conditions lead to negative health outcomes and increased costs, while improved housing promotes better physical and mental health. Furthermore, investing in these communities stimulates local economies by attracting businesses and enhancing property values, resulting in higher tax revenue for public services. Stable housing also helps break the cycle of poverty, providing a safe environment crucial for children’s education and development. Ultimately, investing in low-income housing fosters social equity and economic growth, benefiting the entire community.

2. Community Resilience Hubs: Develop community centers that serve as resource hubs during disasters, offering information, supplies, and support for recovery efforts. This could involve properly funding pre-existing organizations like libraries and schools to bolster community support during emergencies.

   
   

Community libraries are vital resources that are often underfunded, preventing them from operating at their full potential. I believe that properly funding these libraries is essential not only for their day-to-day services but also for their ability to serve as safe havens during natural disasters, as they are accessible to everyone in the community. I had the privilege of driving to Publix to purchase water for the storm, while others had to rely on buses. By the time they arrived, the water was gone, and many were already uncertain about how they would afford such necessities. By ensuring our libraries are resource wealthy and accessible to low-income populations, we can better support residents in times of crisis and enhance community resilience. This applies not only to natural disasters but also to situations such as flu vaccines and the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. Sustainable Land Use Policies: Advocate for sustainable land use and environmental protection measures to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce the frequency and severity of hurricanes, including investment in coastal resilience projects that restore natural barriers like wetlands and mangroves.

   
   

Florida thrives on tourism, but institutions like SeaWorld, aquariums, and other man-made attractions are declining in popularity. People are eager to experience the natural richness that our state once offered. That’s why I believe we should focus on enhancing and restoring our thriving ecosystems. By promoting public nature experiences as tourist attractions, we can simultaneously serve as climate change initiatives that help protect Florida from storms.

Social Change / Systemic Change

We should incentivize corporations to direct their funds toward philanthropic efforts rather than merely benefiting from tax breaks as business write-offs. By promoting tax-deductible donations during times of heightened need, we can cultivate a culture of giving that genuinely supports communities in crisis. Additionally, we should limit the amount of revenue allocated to inflated CEO salaries and instead prioritize those who are on the front lines, especially during national disasters. If organizations are reluctant to allocate funds to the wider community, we should at least see a shift in resources toward better supporting employees within these large corporations.

The growing disparity in wealth across America presents significant challenges that must be addressed to ensure everyone can effectively survive and recover from natural disasters. For example, Aquafina, a $2.5 billion organization, had CEO Ramon Laguarta receive a total compensation package of $28,388,228 in 2022 as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer at PepsiCo Inc. By encouraging corporations to allocate a portion of their excess revenue to community support—especially during times of crisis—we can foster a culture of social responsibility. Instead of worrying about affording a case of Aquafina water to prepare for an approaching storm, individuals should have the confidence that essential resources, such as drinking water, will be allocated to them as a fundamental human right by the government if they cannot afford this vital resource otherwise. 

I have always admired the philanthropic efforts of our local sports teams, such as the Tampa Bay Rays and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Recently, the Tampa Bay Rays and the Tampa Bay Rowdies, both under the same ownership, mobilized to provide relief efforts following Hurricane Helene, announcing a generous contribution of $1 million to support community recovery initiatives in the Bay area along the Gulf Coast. These funds will be distributed to multiple community organizations to assist in the storm's aftermath. It is our hope that all corporations will embrace this same spirit of generosity and commitment to social responsibility, demonstrating a genuine investment in the well-being of their communities and customers.

Conclusion

By implementing these strategies, we can create a more resilient Tampa that protects all residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable, from the devastating impacts of hurricanes. It is essential to foster a community where safety and support are not privileges afforded only to the wealthy but fundamental rights accessible to every Floridian.

With Courage,

Tori Leto