MILTON PROOF
Kricketfelt: Latest on Tampa lifestyle creator and TikToker who stayed in Florida home during Hurricane Milton storms
See the influencer's justifications for ignoring safety advice
KRICKETFELT is a TikToker who stirred up controversy during Hurricane Milton by ignoring evacuation orders and staying at home.
Here's everything we know about the content creator — as well as the range of reactions to her seemingly dangerous decision.
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Who is Kricketfelt?
A Tampa-based lifestyle influencer, content creator and TikToker gained significant attention during Hurricane Milton.
She goes by the handle @kricketfelt and as of October 10, 2024, has almost 380k followers.
Instead of posting about her usual topics — the luxurious lifestyle she enjoys and day-to-day activities — she went viral for disregarding the advice of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, who warned the city's almost 400,000 residents to urgently evacuate.
She became the center of online controversy when she decided to stay in her Florida home.
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Hurricane Milton controversy
As Hurricane Milton approached Florida, local authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents in vulnerable areas.
However, Kricketfelt made the controversial decision to remain in her home, defying these orders.
During the hurricane, the content creator documented her experience through a series of TikTok videos showing her going about her daily routines — including cooking meals and relaxing in her home — while the storm raged outside.
Her content during this period garnered millions of views and sparked intense debate among viewers.
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In one of her videos, Kricketfelt states: "I'm not leaving. I'm staying right here in my house in Tampa, Florida."
She goes on to explain her reasoning: "My house is built to withstand hurricane-force winds. I'm in a non-flood zone. I have hurricane impact windows."
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Justification for staying
Kricketfelt offered several reasons for her decision to remain in her home, including:
- Home Safety: She emphasized the structural integrity of her house.
- Previous Experience: "I've been through many hurricanes before. I know what I'm doing."
- Preparation: "I have plenty of food, water, and supplies."
Public reaction and criticism
Her decision elicited strong reactions from the public, with many people criticizing her actions as irresponsible and potentially dangerous.
One commenter on social media wrote: "What about your kids? This is so selfish and ignorant."
I'm not leaving. I'm staying right here in my house in Tampa, Florida
@Kricketfelt
Kricketfelt responded with: "I'm not being selfish. I'm being practical. My kids are safe here with me."
Privilege and responsibility
Some pointed out that her ability to stay home safely during a hurricane reflected her wealth and privilege.
Kricketfelt acknowledged this, stating: "I know I'm fortunate to have a safe home. Not everyone has that option."
As a social media influencer with a large following, Kricketfelt's actions were scrutinized for their potential impact on her audience's behavior during natural disasters.
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She addressed this concern, saying: "I'm not telling anyone else what to do. This is my personal decision."
Some also argued that individuals who choose to ignore evacuation orders could potentially strain emergency services, putting themselves and first responders at unnecessary risk.