Pedro Casares of Orlando, Florida, took an unusual approach to protect his home during Hurricane Milton, a storm that caused massive damage and widespread panic. As the Category 5 hurricane unleashed its fury across the state, Pedro was determined to keep his home intact. Unlike most residents who evacuated or boarded up windows, Pedro decided to take things into his own hands—literally.
Facing gusts of wind over 100 miles per hour, Pedro strapped down his entire house with six large yellow straps. The scene, captured by Spectrum Bay News 9, went viral on X (formerly Twitter). Viewers couldn’t help but comment on his creative approach. One user jokingly remarked, “This is the most Florida thing ever.” Another viewer chimed in with praise, stating, “Everyone’s laughing now, but this man will be a legend when all the other houses are floating down the road, and he’s still sitting in his living room.”
Pedro’s unusual method was more than a viral moment. With two confirmed deaths, widespread power outages, and extensive damage caused by Milton, Florida residents were advised to stay home. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor urged caution: “Please, please stay inside until we can assess the damage and ensure it’s safe to re-enter your neighborhood.”
Governor Ron DeSantis also confirmed that 19 tornadoes had touched down across the state, adding to the chaos. In response to the devastation, Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld closed down indefinitely, and the financial toll of these closures was expected to reach up to $200 million.
But what made Pedro’s story even more remarkable was his unorthodox thinking in the face of disaster. His approach sparked debate—was he reckless or a genius? One observer praised his outside-the-box thinking: “He’s thinking outside the box; need more folks like him.”
Despite the humor surrounding his decision, the situation remained serious for many Floridians. The US National Hurricane Center warned of the deceptive nature of hurricanes: “People are often amazed at how the fierce winds can suddenly stop when the eye passes, only to restart just as intensely from the opposite direction.”
As residents braced for potential flooding caused by the high tide, many watched Pedro’s strapped-down house with bated breath. Would his house survive the onslaught? Or would it be yet another casualty of Milton’s devastating power?
In the aftermath of Milton, Pedro’s strapped-down home stood as a symbol of resilience, creativity, and determination. While others faced flooding and destruction, Pedro sat comfortably in his home, watching the storm rage around him, proving that sometimes, thinking outside the box just might work.