Former Woodbury resident plans to ride out Hurricane Ian near Fort Myers

Some Minnesotans are riding out the storm in Florida, many experiencing a hurricane for the first time.

Kathy Connell and her husband moved from Woodbury to Bonita Springs, near Fort Myers last spring.

“It’s been beautiful up until two days ago,” Connell said. “People say it’s the price you pay for living in paradise. At this point it seems like a pretty hefty price.”

Connell didn’t think Hurricane Ian was heading her way.

“The only reason we stayed is this was really looking like it was going to hit Tampa,” Connell said. “We were not in the evacuation zone at all, so otherwise we would have left and now it’s honestly it’s too late.”

Late Wednesday afternoon Connell said her home had lost power.

“Emergency response is down so you can call 911 and leave a message but they will not send out first responders.”