An influencer has become the center of controversy after a video of her refusing to evacuate due to Hurricane Milton went viral.
Caroline Calloway, an author and social media personality, has chosen to stay at her home in Sarasota as Hurricane Milton approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast, expected to hit on October 9.
In her Category 5 hurricane preparations, Calloway shared a video explaining her decision not to leave, citing her inability to drive as a primary reason.
“I’m going to die,” she expressed. “It’s zone-a, mandatory evacuation.”
“Listen, I didn’t evacuate. Firstly, I can’t drive. Secondly, the airport is shut down. Lastly, the last time I evacuated for a hurricane, it was to my mom’s place in Northport,” she added.
@dailymail Influencer Caroline Calloway says she’s ‘going to die’ as she refuses to evacuate Hurricane Milton. 🎥 Caroline Calloway #hurricanemilton #florida #weather #hurricane #influencer #evacuate
She recounted her previous evacuation experience, stating, “Her entire street flooded, and we were rescued by the U.S. military after enduring three days without power, food, or running water. It was a very traumatizing experience. I don’t want to evacuate to my mom’s again because that was my worst moment.”
In addition, Calloway shared a picture on her Instagram story showing her sitting close to the beach, expressing her concern: “I’m a little worried I live right on the beach, not gonna lie.”
Calloway shared her location on her Instagram story.
Following her decision to remain at home during the hurricane, she received substantial criticism on X/Twitter, with users particularly concerned about her pet amid the looming storm.
“Caroline Calloway staying in a mandatory evacuation zone (right on the waterfront where the hurricane is expected to hit) and potentially facing dire consequences could be an ironic twist to her story,” commented one user.
“I don’t care about her situation, but I’m really worried about her cat. Why didn’t she leave just to ensure that little guy is safe?” another user remarked.
“At least her lips could serve as a flotation device if things get dire!” joked a third party.
Caroline Calloway refusing to leave a mandatory evacuation zone (right on the water, right where landfall is expected) and dying in a hurricane would be the perfect ending to her narrative tbh pic.twitter.com/VBrVqD6LeC
— sydney (costume wearer) (@itsoolongshot) October 8, 2024
Criticism towards Calloway has long been a part of her narrative, dating back to 2018 when attendees of her “creativity workshop”in New York voiced dissatisfaction, leading her to cancel the remaining sessions and issue refunds.
In 2020, she faced more backlash when her former business partner and ghostwriter Natalie Beach alleged that Calloway left her without a place to stay.
After a period of absence, Calloway reemerged on social media in 2022, launching a TikTok account and presenting a five-part series chronicling different chapters of her life.
Leave a Reply