my dad lives in clearwater, AKA across the bay from tampa. he decided to ride out the storm, despite my pleas to get the eff outta dodge. haven't heard from him yet, but that is expected, for now - i told him to ping me as soon as he gets power/cell/internet back but it'll take some time. i'm nervous but the fact that he wasn't in the direct path, he's on (slightly) higher ground and that milton wasn't quite as bad as predicted is providing some comfort. fingers still crossed.