As Hurricane Milton wreaks havoc on Florida, Bradenton Police Chief Melanie Bevan has issued a dire warning, anticipating that her officers will likely begin recovery efforts rather than rescues once the storm subsides. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme around 4am, Bevan shared the grim outlook from the city, which sits along the Manatee River.
“What we’ll probably be finding in the morning are bodies,” Bevan said, highlighting the severity of the situation. The city, already reeling from the impact of Hurricane Helene just a week ago, is now facing devastating winds and rising water levels as the storm surge floods the river.
Bevan described her department’s extensive preparations over the past three days, during which officers evacuated more than 45,000 pieces of property, evidence, and equipment to safer locations. Now stationed in a building designed to withstand Category 5 hurricanes, Bevan and her team are closely monitoring the storm’s impact.
The chief detailed the destructive winds, with gusts reaching up to 110mph, saying, “We see roofs flying, trees flying around. It’s pretty ugly out there.”
When asked about rescue operations for those who refused to evacuate, Bevan was blunt: “I don’t think it’s going to be rescue… it’s going to be recovery.” In a chilling precaution, officers advised residents who chose to stay behind to write their names and next of kin on their arms with a marker to aid identification.
