As Hurricane Milton struck Central Florida, a Polk County woman's journey to motherhood turned unexpectedly dangerous. In the early hours of Thursday, Zenia, a soon-to-be mother, went into labor at the worst possible moment, as high winds and flooding impacted the area. FOX 13 News reported that ambulances were unable to reach those in need due to the dangerous conditions.
In response, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office became a crucial source of support. Deputies went above and beyond by driving Zenia and her partner, Javier, to a hospital for safety. According to WFLA News, Zenia's call for help came shortly after 3 a.m., during a particularly fierce moment of the hurricane. Deputy Calderin transported the couple in her patrol car, navigating through hazardous streets affected by the storm, while Deputies Jones and Goolsby escorted a relative.
Sheriff Grady Judd shared news of the deputies' commendable actions on social media. In a post featuring a photo of Zenia, her partner, and their newborn, Jade, Judd emphasized the deputies' dedication by noting that they returned to the hospital later in the day to check on everyone. The Miami Herald described the harrowing drive as a "white-knuckle" experience, highlighting the significant dangers involved. The most direct route to the hospital was fraught with flash flood warnings, power outages, and flying debris.
