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Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt Share Update on Hurricane Milton’s Aftermath and Ask Fans for Prayers

In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which struck Florida’s Gulf Coast just days ago, HGTV stars Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt are reaching out to their fans for support. Although their Tampa home suffered some damage, the 100 Day Dream Home couple is more focused on the many residents whose lives were devastated by Milton and the earlier impact of Hurricane Helene just two weeks prior.

On October 14, 2024, Brian and Mika shared a heartfelt video on social media, asking their followers to join them in supporting Feeding Tampa Bay, an organization providing hot meals to first responders and residents affected by the hurricanes.

“We will rebuild one day at a time and we need your help🙏,” they wrote in the caption. “Many of us are still without power, and supplies are scarce. God Bless and Thank You❤️ #floridastrong💪.”

Brian & Mika Kleinschmidt Say They’re Focused on ‘Building Up Our Community’

hough the Kleinschmidts are no strangers to hurricanes, Helene and Milton delivered a powerful blow to the region where they live and work. Hurricane Milton, which had intensified to a Category 5 in the Gulf of Mexico, weakened to a Category 3 before making landfall on the evening of October 9. Despite the downgrade, the storm caused significant damage.

Brian and Mika evacuated their home, choosing to “ride out the storm” at Brian’s parents’ house further inland. Upon returning the next day, they were relieved to find their house still standing, with only minor damage to the front and back.

However, many residents were not as lucky. Determined to help their neighbors, the Kleinschmidts pledged to support the rebuilding efforts. According to CBS News, Milton has claimed 24 lives in Florida.

Even days after the storm, 10 Tampa Bay reported that floodwaters continued to rise in some neighborhoods, forcing residents to be rescued. Schools remained closed, prompting the city’s Parks & Recreation department to offer a free day camp for kids at local parks on October 15.

“We’re partnering with Feeding Tampa Bay for this reason,” Mika explained. “They are out there every single day, in multiple locations, helping those in need. So many people still don’t have electricity, water, or basic supplies. No donation is too small.”

Brian chimed in, “We’re all in this together, so let’s lift each other up.” Mika echoed, “Thank you, everyone. Florida strong.”

Feeding Tampa Bay, which fights hunger year-round, has ramped up efforts in response to the hurricanes. According to their website, they’ve set up 79 emergency distribution sites in the hardest-hit areas and delivered nearly 17,000 meals to first responders, shelters, neighbors, and group homes.

In their October 14 video, Brian emphasized their commitment to the community, saying, “The only thing we love building more than houses is building up our community. And let’s face it, right now, Tampa Bay needs a lot of rebuilding.”

Brian & Mika Kleinschmidt ‘So Grateful’ Their Home Survived Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton may not have reached the intensity some forecasters predicted, but it still caused significant destruction, including tearing off part of the roof at Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, and leaving over three million Floridians without power, according to the Associated Press.

The storm also inflicted major damage on the MidFlorida Amphitheater, where Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt attended a New Kids on the Block concert in July with fellow HGTV stars, cheering on Farmhouse Fixer star Jonathan Knight.

The day after the storm, the Kleinschmidts were relieved to find their home mostly intact. However, Brian shared an Instagram Story showing some damage to their front porch, including missing sections of their exterior wall and ceiling.

Mika added that they were fortunate to have avoided “major flooding.” In another Instagram Story, Mika filmed the back of their home, pointing out mangled screens on their lanai. She told fans, “We just got back to our house — yes, we have a house to come back to — and I am so grateful. You can see behind me, we have a little bit of damage the

re, a couple of screens, the front porch, but honestly, no complaints. We are safe and sound. No power still, but family’s good, dogs are good.”

She continued, “Honestly, I just want to thank everyone who has reached out to us. We’re going to assess the damage to our neighborhood, our family, and friends, and we’ll be posting soon about how you can support recovery efforts from both Hurricane Helene and now Milton.”

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