Several influencers decided to ride out Hurricane Milton rather than evacuate, and among the most notable was Caroline Calloway, often referred to as the “world’s worst influencer.” Despite dire warnings, the 32-year-old shared a series of dramatic Instagram posts as the storm bore down on Florida. “So if you’ve been following Hurricane Milton, I’m going to die,” Calloway declared in her Instagram Story on October 8, making light of the life-threatening situation.
Hurricane Milton, which struck Siesta Key, Florida, as a Category 3 storm before weakening to a Category 1, brought significant danger to those in its path. Calloway, however, made the bold decision to stay behind in her Sarasota home despite a mandatory evacuation order. The National Hurricane Center had issued warnings, and many residents took heed, but Calloway refused to budge.
In her posts, Calloway shared several reasons for her decision, noting that she couldn’t drive and that the local airport had closed before she had the chance to leave. She also recounted a previous evacuation experience during Hurricane Ian, when she fled to her mother’s house in Northport. According to Calloway, that evacuation was more traumatic than helpful. “The whole street was flooded, and after three days without power or running water, the US military had to evacuate us,” she explained.
Though she admitted to feeling some concern—especially since her beachfront home placed her directly in the path of the storm—Calloway ultimately stood firm in her decision. She expressed her frustration with evacuating to her mother’s home during past hurricanes, describing it as one of the worst experiences of her life, which further solidified her resolve to stay behind.
Her social media presence during the hurricane generated a mix of reactions. Some followers were concerned, while others found her posts sensationalized and irresponsible. Meanwhile, other influencers, like Anderson Cooper, who covered the storm from a safer distance, faced their own challenges as he was hit by flying debris during a live broadcast.
In the end, Calloway survived the storm, but her decision to remain in Florida despite evacuation orders has left many questioning the lengths some influencers will go for content.
