ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Across Central Florida, residents are preparing for Hurricane Ian as its path continues to threaten our area.
On Saturday, at Downey Park in Orange County, residents were lined up ready to fill sandbags in preparation for Ian’s arrival.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Jose Lugo is from Puerto Rico and told Channel 9 that he knows what can happen if the worst hits.
“It’s better to be prepared than sorry later,” Lugo said. “I was in Puerto Rico visiting my parents when Fiona hit. I went from helping them out and now I’m here helping myself and everybody else.”
Read: Parts of Cuba are now under hurricane warning, Central Florida remains in Ian’s path
On Saturday, a handful of residents who showed up at Downey Park alone to get themselves ready, ended up helping their neighbors.
“It’s a tough time, people need help,” said Jayden Oquando.
Read: 1 person seriously injured in possible ‘road rage’ shooting, Daytona Police say
“It’s a great feeling. I think everybody needs to help each other. We’re all in this together,” said Kimberly Lewis. “And after the storm rolls, we’re still going to be in it together.”
Lugo made several trips to the sand pile and told Channel 9 that he won’t stop until his friends and family are taken care of.
Read: SpaceX launches Falcon 9 rocket from Florida’s Space Coast
“I’m helping myself and my neighbor, she’s 96,” Lugo said. “And my sister-in-law too.”
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2022 Cox Media Group
