NEW ORLEANS — Thousands of Florida residents are heeding the warning of officials ahead of Hurricane Milton's landfall, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Tampa Bay region is expected to take a direct hit from Hurricane Milton. The NFL team announced they would be temporarily moving their operations to New Orleans ahead of Sunday's game against the Saints.
Players and their families, including those with four paws, flew to New Orleans Tuesday morning just before the Tampa International Airport shut down.
Players shared photos on Instagram from the MSY tarmac and Bourbon Street once they arrived.
The New Orleans Saints are no strangers to evacuation. Three years ago, during Hurricane Ida, the Black and Gold temporarily moved operations to Dallas.
New Orleans also is familiar with the power football has to bring us hope in a storm's wake.
Just last month the Saints dominated the Cowboys after Hurricane Francine.
“New Orleans is strong and you kind of see that resiliency within them to go through what we went through with the hurricane, but then to also travel and go to the game," Saints Cornerback Alontae Taylor said, "They were definitely second lining, and I was watching those videos. It felt pretty good.”
When the dome reopened after Hurricane Katrina's catastrophic devastation, the City felt another glimpse of hope.
So, we welcome the Bucs to the Big Easy with open arms. At least until the game clock starts on Sunday.
The Buc's first practice at Tulane is scheduled for Wednesday.
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