After 3 Hurricanes, a Former Ohio Family is Done with Florida

Ohio Family is Done with Florida

Florida has long been a popular destination for people seeking sun, sand, and a laid-back lifestyle. With its tropical climate and coastal beauty, it has attracted residents from across the country, including families from northern states like Ohio. But for some, the lure of sunshine comes with a harsh and unpredictable reality—hurricanes. For one former Ohio family, three major storms have been enough to make them reconsider their decision to call Florida home.

A Dream Turned Nightmare

The Jones family, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, made the move to Florida in 2017. Drawn by the warm weather and the prospect of year-round outdoor activities, they settled in Fort Myers, a picturesque town on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Like many northern transplants, they were excited to leave behind Ohio’s harsh winters, trading in snow shovels for beach towels.

“We were just tired of the cold,” says Rebecca Jones, the family’s matriarch. “We wanted a better quality of life for our kids, where they could play outside all year long.”

At first, Florida seemed like paradise. The family enjoyed barbecues by the pool, weekend trips to Disney World, and long walks on the beach. But after just two years in their new home, their idyllic life was shaken—literally.

Hurricane Reality Strikes

In 2019, Hurricane Dorian skirted the Florida coast, sparing the Jones family from a direct hit but introducing them to the anxiety of hurricane season. “We watched the news constantly, boarding up windows and stocking up on supplies. We were lucky that time, but it was stressful,” Rebecca recalls.

Just one year later, they weren’t as fortunate. Hurricane Sally made landfall in 2020, and this time, the family felt the full force of a Category 2 storm. Their home suffered roof damage, trees were uprooted, and they were without power for nearly a week. The experience was frightening, especially for their two young children.

“We huddled in the hallway, listening to the wind howl and hoping our house wouldn’t flood,” Rebecca says. “It was terrifying.”

While the family was able to recover, the emotional toll was significant. But they decided to stay, convinced that Sally was an anomaly rather than a trend.

The Final Straw: Hurricane Ian

However, their resolve would be tested again. In 2022, Hurricane Ian slammed into southwest Florida as a Category 4 storm, one of the most powerful to hit the state in decades. Fort Myers was directly in its path.

“The destruction was unimaginable,” Rebecca says. “Our home was flooded, cars were totaled, and the neighborhood was unrecognizable. We had to evacuate, and when we came back, it felt like we were starting over.”

The family spent months dealing with insurance claims, repairs, and the mental toll of living through yet another natural disaster. Ian was their third major hurricane experience in four years, and it was enough to convince them that life in Florida wasn’t sustainable.

Back to Ohio: Finding Safety in Familiar Ground

By early 2024, after a year of rebuilding and reflection, the Jones family made the difficult decision to return to Ohio. They sold their Fort Myers home and moved back to the Cleveland suburbs, seeking stability and security from the relentless hurricane seasons.

“We loved Florida, we really did. But we just couldn’t keep living with the constant fear,” Rebecca explains. “Hurricanes have become more intense, and it’s not something we’re willing to risk anymore.”

Their return to Ohio has been bittersweet. While they miss the beaches and warm weather, they’ve found comfort in the familiarity of their old surroundings. They no longer have to worry about evacuations, boarded-up windows, or flood damage.

“Snow doesn’t seem so bad anymore,” Rebecca laughs. “At least it’s predictable.”

The Growing Trend of Climate Migration

The Jones family isn’t alone in their decision to leave Florida. As climate change intensifies, more people are rethinking life in hurricane-prone areas. Experts warn that hurricanes are becoming more frequent and severe due to warmer ocean temperatures. Florida, especially its coastal regions, remains highly vulnerable to these storms, and many families are beginning to question whether the sunshine state is worth the risk.

A growing trend known as “climate migration” is seeing residents of vulnerable areas move to regions with less extreme weather. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan are seeing an increase in former Floridians relocating after experiencing multiple hurricanes.

For the Jones family, the decision to move back to Ohio was about peace of mind. “We didn’t want to uproot our lives every time there was a storm on the horizon,” Rebecca says. “We just want to live somewhere where we feel safe.”

Florida’s Weather

The allure of Florida’s sunshine, palm trees, and laid-back lifestyle is undeniable, but for families like the Joneses, the reality of living with the constant threat of hurricanes has proven too much. Their story reflects a broader shift happening across the country, as climate change forces people to reconsider where they live and what they prioritize in their search for safety and stability.

For now, the Jones family is enjoying life back in Ohio, grateful for the peace of mind that comes with a more predictable environment—even if it means braving the occasional snowstorm.

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