Cynthiana native staying in Hurricane Irma’s path

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – As thousands leave their homes in Florida to avoid Hurricane Irma, some are choosing to stay where they are and ride out the storm.

One former Kentuckian who recently moved to Florida has decided to do just that.

Josie Valentine has spent most of her life in Cynthiana. Just eight months ago, she decided to pick up and start a new journey in Jacksonville, Florida. Now, she’s right in the path of Hurricane Irma, but says she has no intentions of leaving her Florida home.

For her, preparing for a hurricane is a new experience, but she quickly figured it out, buying plenty of food, water and candles for light.

Several parts of Florida are under a mandatory evacuation, but Jacksonville is not.

Valentine says she lives about eight miles from the coast, but will be moving further inland to stay with her sister.

She says she sees staying through the storm as part of the beach lifestyle.

“This is hurricane season,” said Valentine. “This just comes along with living here. This just comes along with living at the beach. This comes along with living in Florida. It’s just kind of like a ‘give and take,’ but I am okay.”