- The Kolz family, who relocated to Middleton, Florida, in July, has already faced Hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and the looming Hurricane Milton.
- Their new home is built to withstand 180 mph winds, and Dave Kolz, a retired fire chief, believes it’s safer to stay put than risk the dangers of evacuation.
- Despite the stress, the Kolzes have found solace in their new community, receiving help from neighbors and support from loved ones back in Wisconsin.
Imagine relocating to Florida, hoping for sunshine, only to be met with three hurricanes in just three months. That’s the reality for one Green Bay family who’s now riding out yet another storm.
Dave Kolz, who recently retired from the Green Bay Metro Fire Department, made the move to Middleton, Florida, with his family in July. They were excited for a fresh start, but Florida’s hurricane season had other plans.
Kim Kolz expressed, “We never imagined having three hurricanes within the first three months that we’ve been here.”
Their new home—just over an hour from Tampa—is built tough, rated for 180-mile-per-hour winds. With his background in emergency management, Dave says staying put during the storms made sense. “I’m not going to put our dog and all four of us in a car and try to go four hours away. And who knows what you’re going to run into—traffic, flash floods, debris, accidents.”