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Despite decaying from a Category 5 to a Category 3 hurricane as it made landfall, Hurricane Milton still claimed over a dozen lives, as of the writing of this article, and has left millions without power. Bainbridge has consequently seen an influx of Floridian evacuees seeking to ride out the storm.

To help those in need, the City of Bainbridge allowed evacuees to stay at the Earle May Boat Basin’s campground free of charge, first come first served.

According to the City Executive Assistant Randee Eubanks, the campground was almost full, taking in nine families.

“We hope that everyone will be able to get back home as soon as they want to,” Eubanks said, “but we are here for those in need, and know it might not be that easy for everyone to get back home, and we’re willing to work with whoever.”

Additionally, the Flint River RV Park has hosted roughly 20 people seeking refuge from Milton.

Of course, campgrounds and RV parks make up only a fraction of those staying in Southwest Georgia. Local hotels have seen a huge surge in visitors. The Willis Park Hotel filled all six of its rooms, according to co-owner Chrissy Kay, mirroring many other hotels.

“I do know that everybody was booked,” she said. “If they need to stay longer, we will offer them a huge discount, and allow them to stay longer.”

With the storm now passed, many Floridians are departing for home to inspect the damages; according to Business Insider reporting, Milton may have cost between $30 billion and $50 billion in insured losses.