The equine region of Ocala, Florida, emerged mostly unscathed after Hurricane Milton, while Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar, Florida, reported minor damage and significant flooding in the barn area following the storm’s impact on the evening of October 9.
Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm, made landfall near Siesta Key, about 60 miles south of Tampa. Although Tampa Bay Downs, located roughly 25 miles from downtown Tampa, had no horses on the premises during the storm, it did sustain damage, particularly to power lines and surrounding roads. The track has been closed since October 8, with employees evacuated days before the storm. Margo Flynn, vice president of marketing and publicity, stated that due to power outages and fallen trees, crews had not yet been able to assess the damage in detail.
Meanwhile, parts of Tampa were hit harder, including Tropicana Field, where the roof was partially torn off by high winds. As the storm moved east across Central Florida, it caused widespread power outages, tornadoes, and confirmed fatalities. However, the Ocala region, known for its horse farms, experienced minimal damage. Bridlewood Farm, for example, reported no major issues, with horses safely sheltered indoors during the storm.
In preparation for Milton, Ocala Breeders' Sales (OBS) shifted its October Yearling Sale by a day, ensuring most horses were transported off-site before the hurricane hit. The remaining horses were safe, and OBS reported no significant damage or loss of power after the storm.