105-Year-Old Recovering After Hurricane Milton Destroyed FL Home

STUART, FL — As Hurricane Milton barreled down on Florida on Oct. 9, many residents braced for hurricane-force winds, heavy rains, storm surge and flooding.

Many people living on the state’s east coast were surprised when the storm spawned a number of tornadoes that caused damage and destruction.

Jayne Huston, 105, was one of many caught off-guard by the tornadoes after an EF-3 twister destroyed her home and left her hospitalized.

Her family launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise the money needed for her medical needs, temporary housing and rebuilding her longtime home. As of Wednesday afternoon, nearly $3,500 of the $10,000 goal had been raised.

“Her house is completely gone now,” her great-grandson, Rylee Huston, told Patch. “Her property is on a canal. It came from the side of the canal and swept into the side of her home. The roof was entirely ripped off.”

All that remains are the walls of Jayne’s bedrooms, the kitchen and the garage, he said.

His great-grandmother is hospitalized at Cleveland Clinic’s Martin South Hospital in Stuart as she recovers from surgery on her left foot, which was injured during the hurricane and prevents her from walking on her own.

She’s also covered in bruises after the roof lifted off and landed on her back as the pieces fell on top of her, Rylee said.

Jayne will remain hospitalized while recovering, but her goal is to return to living on her own, whether in a new home or her old one if it can be restored.

“But it’s in an unlivable state,” he said. “It’s a complete teardown if we’re going to rebuild.”

Born in 1919, Jayne moved to Florida at a young age with her family. She’s lived a storied life, marrying twice and traveling the world.

She’s lived in her Rocky Pointe home for decades, at least, Rylee said.

“She’s been in that same spot as long as I’ve been alive, 22 years, and I’m sure she’s been in it at least 20 more,” he said.

Jayne cherishes her family, which is spread out now, though Rylee and his parents live nearby and check on her frequently.

She also values her independence.

“She is 100 percent aware; she is cognizant,” her great-grandson said. “She is sharp. She is there. She has no doubt about what she wants. She doesn’t want to be in assisted living; she wants to be in her home, in some sort of independent living.”

While she’s mourning the loss of her home and her memories, she remains hopeful for her family and the future, he added.

“She is quite a story, definitely,” Rylee said. “She’s 105. She’s survived pretty much everything. She’s a fighter. She hasn’t stopped and won’t stop. It’s amazing and it’s a miracle that she survived and that she continues to be so independent in such a dark time.”