Stay or Go? Many Southwest Florida Residents Hunkering Down as Hurricane Ian Powers Toward Coast

Carl Mottler (L) and employee Jordan Carlson unload medical equipment at Mottler's ranch in Punta Gorda, Fla., on Sept. 27, 2022. Courtesy of Lisa Mottler

PUNTA GORDA, Fla.—It’s been 18 years since the area of Charlotte Harbor has seen a major hurricane but another one is about to make its presence known and residents are either getting out or hunkering down preparing for the worst.

Lisa Mottler, an avid horsewoman and Punta Gorda business owner, said she and her husband are staying put even though Gov. Ron DeSantis has asked those in the direct path of Hurricane Ian and potential major flood zones to evacuate.