Weldon and her husband, Rick Bass, live in Clermont, situated between Tampa and Orlando. Their farm, while not on the coast, is directly in Milton's projected path, raising concerns about safety. “We’re not evacuating, and please don’t ask me to,” she emphasizes, highlighting the emotional bond they share with their animals.

In a recent interview, Weldon detailed their farm life, which includes ten donkeys, nine Highland cows, four goats, over a hundred chickens, and six dogs. “We could almost fill Noah's Ark!” she remarked, reflecting on the family dynamic they have with their animals.

Despite having weathered storms in the past, this hurricane poses an unprecedented challenge. Hurricane Milton is predicted to make landfall as a major hurricane, with potential downgrades as it moves northeast through Central Florida. “This is the first time we’re in the direct path of a storm like this,” Weldon explains. Evacuating all the animals would be nearly impossible, so the couple has chosen to stay and protect them. Although they are in a voluntary evacuation zone, their location is not near any large bodies of water.

Weldon is taking extensive precautions to prepare for the storm. “We’ve stocked up on gas and propane, filled our bathtubs, and gathered plenty of food and water. We also have a good supply of animal feed, tightened fences, and are giving our animals all the love and prayers we can muster,” she says. Her strategy involves allowing the animals to roam freely rather than confining them to a barn, which she believes is safer. They plan to bring in their dogs and some baby chickens, as well as Cash, their baby donkey who feels more secure inside with them.

Weldon has been overwhelmed by the support she has received on social media. “Our account, OurSimpleHomestead, had a large following due to Cash’s story, but since posting about our decision to stay, our followers have doubled overnight,” she reveals. Messages of encouragement and offers to help from people all over the world have flooded in, providing emotional comfort in this daunting time.

Still, she acknowledges her fear as Hurricane Milton approaches. “This storm is unlike anything we’ve ever seen; it’s a monster,” she says. “I alternate between feeling calm and crying over my animals. Saying goodnight to them tonight, I worry if I will see them again—that thought weighs heavily on my heart.”

 Sara Weldon, a Florida farm owner, chooses to stay behind during Hurricane Milton, prioritizing the safety of her over 100 animals. Amidst emotional turmoil and widespread support from social media, she prepares for one of the biggest storms they’ve faced.