Rescue crews survey Tampa by boat

( NewsNation ) — Following Hurricane Milton’s landfall , rescue crews have been surveying the damage, with those in north Tampa using airboats to reach people

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said crews have been working hard through the morning to reach those in need of help .

“We had an assisted living facility that had 135 elderly, disabled folks in it that we had to remove,” he told NewsNation’s Brian Entin.

Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane before weakening to a Category 1 storm as it moved over land.

Though Chronister noted the north Tampa area is not directly on the coast, heavy rains falling on ground already saturated by Helene led to widespread flooding.

“This is an area that doesn’t have a lot of money and the little bit they did have is gone, ” Chronister said. “You’ll see their cars are underwater.”

Chronister said crews also rescued a 14-year-old who was attempting to evacuate as ordered but had to do so on foot.

“He wasn’t a good swimmer, he was flailing his arms, getting our attention,” he said. “He was on a board, floating because he was tired.”

Chronister said crews are providing an opportunity for folks stuck on the upper stories of their homes to get out if they want to. Crews will also be going door-to-door to check on residents.

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