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Ohioans with ties to Florida watch Hurricane Ian from hundreds of miles away

Tropical Weather
Posted at 5:22 PM, Sep 28, 2022
and last updated 2022-09-28 23:17:51-04

STOW, Ohio — It’s estimated that more than 500,000 former Ohioans now call Florida home. Countless others have ties to the Sunshine state through real estate, family, or friends.

Many Ohioans, including John Gardner, are keeping a close eye on Hurricane Ian.

“I always have the weather channel on, watching what’s going on. I also watch live web cams,” said Gardner.

He’s watching and worried. He’s hundreds of miles away here in Ohio, but he’s concerned about what is unfolding on Siesta Key.

“Definitely a lot of Ohio people are down. It’s not a secret, it’s a beautiful place to be. I’m not surprised so many people from up north around this area go down there to enjoy the weather,” said Gardner.

He’s been vacationing on Siesta Key since he was 3 years old. He loves it so much he bought a time share there about 10 years ago.

“Now, I’m getting to take my kids there,” said Gardner.

Gardner, his wife and kids were just there last month. Now he’s hoping Ian doesn’t destroy his dream vacation spot and can withstand Ian.

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