Like everyone else, ESPN’s Jeff Darlington is watching as Hurricane Milton hits the Florida Gulf Coast. One of the most powerful storms in modern history, Milton remains a Category 3 hurricane, and high winds and storm surges that could exceed 15 feet are expected to have a catastrophic effect on areas still reeling from recent Hurricane Helene.
Sarasota, Florida, is expected to take a direct hit, with its barrier islands particularly vulnerable. One in particular, Siesta Key, is renowned for its white-sand beaches, and has been voted many times, by many sources, as the most popular beach in the U.S.
Sarasota and Siesta Key bring back fond memories for Darlington, who shared a touching personal story on X Wednesday about his and his family’s experiences there, dating back a half-century. His grandfather used his life savings to buy a small apartment on Siesta Key in 1979.
“And so began my family’s connection with Florida,” Darlington wrote. “My grandparents loved living there among the tourists, walking miles of crystal white sands each day. Although they’ve both passed, my family has continued to reunite in Siesta Key at that very small, sweet property every year for decades.
“I took my first steps on that beach, and I’ve left thousands more footprints since. It’s hard to watch and wonder what’s going to happen next as the eye of Milton charges forward, and I’m oddly glad my late grandmother is no longer here to see it. But please keep the locals and the beaches in your thoughts. Siesta Key offers the greatest combination of simplicity and beauty that Florida has to offer. Once it recovers, I encourage you to visit if you haven’t already.
A little story that serves no real purpose but makes me feel good to share…
My grandfather was a paint mixer. His company went under, and he lost his pension. So he took half of his life savings, and in 1979, he bought a little apartment in the place he loved to vacation:… pic.twitter.com/fytTf9K9vl
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) October 9, 2024
As noted, Siesta Key, Sarasota and Florida are bracing for catastrophic damage, with chilling images of evacuations in the news.
“This will be a knockout. Buildings, homes, wiped off foundations. That is unsurvivable.” Emergency workers were seen across Sarasota County, Florida, urging residents to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton. pic.twitter.com/tr74PIMYxC
— ABC News (@ABC) October 9, 2024
Darlington concluded by stressing he is safe, but his thoughts are with the people of Sarasota.
“I’m perfectly safe in Fort Lauderdale, but my heart and my mind remain with my family on the gulf coast… and in Siesta Key… my “one particular harbor,” Darlington concluded.
[Jeff Darlington]