Floridians are digging trenches around their homes to hold back expected floodwater - and filling bags with MULCH after stores ran out of sand.

As Hurricane Milton churns toward Florida's Gulf Coast, residents across the state are taking precautions.

Communities like Sarasota, Fort Myers, Orlando, Ocala, and beyond preparing for heavy winds and rain.

In New Port Richey, landscaper Jeremy Traxler, 40, couldn't get sandbags.

"I couldn't find any sandbags so I had to go to an Ace Hardware and buy mulch because that's the safest thing," he says. "

"I also had to dig two trenches at my apartment complex to avoid the water coming into my sliding glass doors."

For some, the storm's impact has already disrupted their lives.

Jen Thayer, a 39-year-old house cleaner from Pasco County, had to rescue her mother from Coquina Key in Saint Petersburg.

"All day yesterday, FEMA told her they'd call her back but they didn't. So this morning, I had to go down to St. Pete — which is darn near the ocean — and get her and put her in a shelter."

The emotional and physical toll of hurricane preparations weighs heavily on many Floridians.

Joe Fratto, 64, a retired master carpenter from Pasco County, reflected on the stress of living through storms.

"It's exhausting mentally and physically and also financially," he notes. "But the frustrating part is that people who do not live in Florida or have never lived here have no idea of the stress we endure."

"The rest of the country needs to stop acting like first responders or meteorologists."

Paul Simpson, 65, a retired field service manager from Weeki Wachee, shared his family's preparedness plan.

"We have supplies, food, water, batteries, lanterns, and a solar generator. All power lines are underground, and we've only lost power one time for about 15 seconds the last two or three storms."

Simpson also noted that they are ready to leave if conditions worsen, stating, "We have removed all debris, loose yard items and furniture from around the house. "

"We also have an RV in the driveway, with a generator, in case we need additional resources, living accommodations, or need to leave."

Mark Boisvert, a 46-year-old draftsman from Ocala, shared a calmer perspective.

"I'm not scared. I've ridden out every storm since I was a child. If it was actually coming towards us, I would be scared," he says. "

"Where this thing is hitting now, I'm more concerned about flooding than I am the wind."

For others, past experiences serve as stark warnings. Tyrone "Ty" Landers, a 32-year-old entertainer at Salty Sam's Marina in Fort Myers Beach, recounted a harrowing experience during a previous storm. "

"Helene was my warning. I stayed when I shouldn't have. It wasn't until my camper was almost underwater that I realized my mistake, and that it was too late," he recalls. "

"There's no reason to stay. If you choose not to evacuate, you are tempting fate in a very dangerous way. Learn from me, almost losing it all. It's not worth it."

Landers urges others to learn from his mistakes, emphasizing, "Even if it seems impossible to leave, I promise you it can be done. Ask for help. You may receive it."

"Don't worry about your stuff. It can all be replaced. Almost anything can be. Except for you."

"There's no weakness in getting help. Asking for help takes strength. Make the choice to live. That is true bravery. Dying is easy. Living is harder."