Some Floridians 'have faith in the Lord' and choose to stay despite warnings of risk to their lives

William Tokajer, police chief of Holmes Beach, told islanders who planned to stay to write their names, dates of birth and social security numbers on their limbs with Sharpies to help identify their bodies after the storm

The dome of Tropicana Field which has been torn open due to Hurricane Milton in St. Petersburg, Florida today. Photo: Bryan R. Smith / AFP via Getty Images

Most left when they were told to. But some chose to stay, even though officials warned Hurricane Milton would turn their homes into coffins.

Along Florida’s Gulf coast, where millions of people were urged to get out of harm’s way, cities were largely deserted as time ran out to evacuate. Those who remained were advised to shelter in place as best they could. Others who fled spoke of their dread at what, if anything, they would return to once the storm had passed.