Wedding venue in Blue Ridge, GA for couples in Doral, FL

The Trump family is offering 275 Florida Power and Light (FPL) linemen complimentary stays at his Doral Miami resort as they prepare for Hurricane Milton.

The Doral Miami Resort, officially known as Trump National Doral Miami, is a luxury resort and golf club located in Doral, Florida, near Miami. Miami is like to be spared the brunt of Hurricane Milton's wrath, as it's south of where the storm is supposed to hit, but people in mobile homes were encouraged to evacuate.

Former President Donald Trump's son Eric Trump, shared a video of the linemen geting their room assignments on X, formally Twitter.

"Honored to have 275 incredible linemen from FPL at @TrumpDoral as they get ready to respond to the aftermath of Hurricane #Milton! You are amazing and the Trump Family, and entire state of Florida, appreciates you! Enjoy the rooms – they are the best in Florida! Be safe!" Eric posted.

FPL is one of the largest electric utility companies in the United States. It serves millions of customers in Florida, providing electricity to residential, commercial and industrial sectors. The company plays a crucial role in restoring power during emergencies, such as hurricanes and severe storms, and is involved in various community initiatives.

Newsweek reached out to Florida Power and Light regarding the accommodations, however they have not yet responded.

Kamrel Eppinger, a spokesperson for FPL, assured the company is fully prepared to respond to whatever challenges Hurricane Milton may bring to Florida via X.

"Safety is our top priority here at FPL and we're urging our customers to keep safety top of mind," Eppinger said. "This is a hurricane that has the potential to bring extensive flooding, heavy rainfall, damaging winds and storm surges which could ultimately create challenges to our restoration and potentially lead to widespread and extended outages."

The spokesperson also advised if individuals plan to use a generator, it's essential to keep several safety tips in mind. Follow the guidelines in the manual and ensure the generator is placed outside, away from windows and the home.

Hurricane Milton is projected to make landfall on Florida's western coast in less than 14 hours, with winds expected to exceed 100 mph. The storm surge could reach as high as 15 feet, accompanied by up to 18 inches of rain. The timing of the storm's arrival during the dark hours further intensifies the risks it poses.

President Joe Biden recently spoke about the impending arrival of Milton, highlighting leaders in his administration are on the front lines, actively preparing for the storm.

He announced he approved an emergency declaration for Florida and deployed search and rescue teams, along with essential supplies like water, food, power generators, and ambulances to the region.

"I want to thank everyone who has followed local guidance to evacuate ahead of landfall," Biden said. "I urge everyone in Hurricane Milton's path to adhere to all safety measures as we head into the next 24 hours; it's a matter of life and death."

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DORAL, FL – As Milton fast approaches as a category 5 hurricane, according to Monday’s 11 am report, most of Florida’s Gulf Coast is under a hurricane or tropical storm watch.

On Sunday evening, Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 51 counties, including Miami-Dade and Broward, although initially the emergency was only activated in 35.

According to the latest report, the eye of the storm will cross ashore near Sarasota sometime late Wednesday, but, at this time, is not possible to calculate the exact landfall location pending more projections from the National Hurricane Center.

What has already been stated is that Tampa Bay region, including Bradenton, could see 8 to 12 feet of surge. Areas just to the south and north, including Naples, could see 5 to 10 feet.

Some mandatory evacuations have already been ordered in Manatee, Pasco and Pinellas counties as the state prepares for what it could be the “largest evacuation we have seen since, most likely, 2017 Hurricane Irma”, reports the Miami Herald, according to the Director of the Florida Department of Emergency Management, Kevin Guthrie.

The National Hurricane Center stated on Monday Milton is now a category 5 hurricane with winds up to 140 kts/160 mph from latest recon data.

South Florida, according to the projections, will likely experience heavy rains and possible floodings through Thursday.

As Milton is being monitored, authorities advise to protect your home by covering windows, securing doors and loose items, determining sheltering options and considering your pets, and following evacuation orders. More information here.

Several South Florida sites are organizing sandbag distribution events to help residents prepare for possible floodings. Residents can receive up to four bags per household and the drive-thru service is available from 7 a.m. until bags run out.

Distribution sites in Miami-Dade County to prepare for Milton:

– Amelia Earhart Park: 401 E 65th St, Hialeah, FL 33013

– Oak Grove Park: 690 NE 159th St, Miami, FL 33162

– Gwen Cherry Park: 7090 NW 22nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33147

– Tropical Park: 7900 SW 40th St, Miami, FL 33155

– Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park and Campground: 12451 SW 184th Street, Miami, FL 33177

– Homestead Air Reserve Park: 27401 SW 127th Ave, Homestead, FL 33032

– Tamiami Park: 11201 SW 24th St, Miami, FL 33165

– Greynolds Park: 17530 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33160

– Ives Estate Park: 20901 NE 16th Ave, Miami, FL 33179

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DORAL, FLA. (WSVN) - The Global Empowerment Mission and South Florida groups work together to help Hurricane Helene victims in one of Florida’s hardest-hit areas.

Hurricanes are not new to Floridians but the images of the destruction it leaves behind never get easier to witness. People lose their homes, businesses and sometimes their lives.

That is what some of our neighbors up north in Perry, Florida are witnessing after Hurricane Helene left her mark.

For the past few days, GEM has managed efforts to collect and distribute necessity kits and hygiene kits to reach people upstate. The organization located in Doral, sent six semi-trucks full of supplies ahead of the hurricane making landfall and continues to do so.

“As soon as we begin the first distribution, more trucks will return, take some more stuff out, so we can continue making more family essential kits. As well as hygiene kits for the victims that are in need,” said Raul Celaya with GEM.

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kionne McGhee speared headed South Dade’s efforts on Saturday. People dropped off supplies like tarps, flashlights, and batteries at South Dade Government Center, to be loaded into a truck with the logo #DownSouthPride.

“From what I am hearing from some of my friends up there, it’s unlike anything they have seen before,” said McGhee. “And they are just asking for prayers and resources to come to help them.”

Miami Beach of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Unwavering Support for Uncommon Heroes, and other veteran associations are collecting donations as well. They are accepting items like paper towels, baby food, diapers, and pet food. People can drop off supplies at the Miami Beach VFW, located at 650 West Avenue, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., until Monday.

“We know in the military it is a team effort. So we make sure we have everybody six, you know, we have their back,” said Jacob Master with Miami Beach VFW. “Because when we get hit, we know they will be here to help us out.”

South Florida coming together to help our neighbors up north.

“I went through Hurricane Andrew, so I know what it is,” said Martha Mejia, who is volunteering at GEM. “I’m trying to give back to the community.”

If you would like to donate or volunteer at GEM, click here.

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DORAL, FLA. (WSVN) - Help is on the way for residents in North Florida impacted by Hurricane Helene, as volunteers with Global Empowerment Mission assembled family necessity kits and hygiene kits to be shipped upstate.

7News cameras on Friday captured volunteers putting together the kits at GEM’s warehouse in Doral.

“Everything is important. What’s more important than a diaper for your baby, than formula, than feeling like you can brisy your teeth, than wiping yourself off to stay clean?” said philanthropist Bethenny Frankel. “Hydration is a huge one, so the hydration packets are a great way to take all the water that is being donated and make it into something better.”

GEM has already shipped thousands of boxes to areas like Perry and Keaton Beach, which were most affected by the storm.

GEM crew members drove through Keaton Beach, witnessing the catastrophic damage caused by the heavy winds of Helene.

Drone video recorded by the GEM team showed how Helene destroyed everything in its path.

People’s homes were reduced to rubble, power lines were down, and the streets were filled with debris.

Volunteers with GEM were seen delivering the boxed kits filled with aid to residents who stayed behind.

The GEM team is also driving through some of the most destroyed areas in order to determine which communities need the most help.

“As of 48 hours ago, when we knew that Helene was going to make landfall somewhere around last night, we as always deploy our teams well in advance, so we prepared four trucks to deploy as of yesterday,” said Raul Celaya, director of operations for GEM.

Video recorded by GEM shows the storm destroyed many homes in Keaton Beach.

GEM has set up a base in the Gulf Coast and will assess the damage and assist those in need, hoping to pass out thousands of items.

“All of our other teams have been deployed, making assessments over near Perry, Florida, and Keaton Beach, Florida,” said Celaya.

Back at GEM’s warehouse, volunteer said they’re determined to continue helping those affected by Helene.

“Absolutely, it’s gratifying, and I went through Hurricane Andrew, so I know what it is to feel that you need things,” said a volunteer.

Another team, put together by Interiors by Steven G, is also heading North to provide hurricane relief. They are accepting donations starting Friday at 7:30 a.m. If you would like to donate or have any questions please contact Steven G. at 954-592-3332.

If you would like to volunteer at GEM , click here.

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DORAL, FL – Helene became a category 1 hurricane Wednesday morning, and it will most likely turn into a category 3 hurricane when it enters the Gulf of Mexico in a few hours, forecasters predict.

Landfall is predicted for late Thursday or early Friday with a peak of 15 feet of storm surge above ground in the Big Bend area.

According to the Miami Herald, by Thursday morning, Helene will be nearest Tampa Bay, and its wind field is expected to be nearly 430 miles wide, and South Florida will probably experience the worst well into Thursday. The Keys will be the first place to feel Helene on Wednesday afternoon.

“Helene’s wind field will be so large that even passing 325 miles west of Miami on Thursday is not enough to keep the entire #Florida peninsula from being placed under a Tropical Storm Warning,” John Morales, hurricane specialist at NBC5, posted on Twitter Wednesday morning.

According to Gov. Ron DeSantis and state emergency officials, Helene is expected to impact nearly the entire state. Mandatory evacuations have been requested for at least 10 West Coast counties and voluntary or partial evacuations in several more.

To know whether to evacuate or not, the governor advises residents to listen to local officials. “If you don’t think they are making the right call in terms or not making [evacuation] calls that are broad enough, that does not prevent you from taking whatever action that you may deem necessary,” DeSantis said.

“All but three counties in the state of Florida are under some type of tropical storm, flood, storm surge or hurricane watch or warning at this point in time,” said Kevin Guthrie, the director of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management as reported by the Herald. “That’s 64 out of 67 counties that need to pay attention to their alerts starting today.”

“Hopefully there won’t be a big need, but we have all the agencies and all the assets on standby,” the governor said. “Everything from high water vehicles to riverine assets to rotary-wing aircraft. It is all there, and it will be deployed as needed.”

For more information, safety tips and emergency lines, click here.

Photo by: Pixabay.com