In brief
As Hurricane Milton struck Florida, over 2,000 evacuees found refuge in Babcock Ranch, a hurricane-resilient community, raising questions about its model for future settlements in the state.
Babcock Ranch, a purpose-built community in Florida designed to withstand powerful hurricanes, successfully sheltered over 2,000 evacuees during Hurricane Milton's onslaught. Opened in 2018, this community spans an area comparable to Manhattan and incorporates robust infrastructure to endure climate-induced storms. Two emergency shelters in the town—a school and a large sports facility—housed around 400 and 1,600 people, respectively, many fleeing mandatory evacuations from nearby Fort Myers.Governor DeSantis' designation of Babcock Ranch as a safe haven led to a surge in evacuees, with many residents of the town accommodating additional guests in their private homes. The town's co-founder, Syd Kitson, highlighted the life-saving role the town played during the storm. Babcock Ranch's buildings are designed to withstand winds exceeding 150 miles per hour, supported by a solar farm and underground power system that largely prevent outages. Almost 90% of the town consists of preserved wetlands that manage excess water, preventing flooding.In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Babcock Ranch reported minimal damage, with only a few trees and traffic lights affected, but importantly, power remained uninterrupted. Kitson emphasized their approach of risk mitigation and resilience in the face of nature's forces, suggesting Babcock Ranch could be a template for future coastal developments in hurricane-prone areas.
