Thread by @HarrisonHove

OPERATION RESCUE MIMI: My 88 year old grandmother in Venice, FL suggested riding out the storm in her mobile home. No ma’am. Grandson is on the way. Chronicling my journey to get MIMI (or grandmama) to safety. I need safe travels and plentiful gasoline #HurricaneIan #Evacuation

OPERATION RESCUE MIMI: brilliant sunset leaving Gainesville, down I-75. It’s the whole God is a gator vibe. Mimi aka grandmama is 88 year old Denise Pirhalla and not much of a gator fan. She’s lived in Venice 25+ years and has never evacuated for a hurricane. #hurricaneIan

OPERATION RESCUE MIMI: my gut just told me to get off at an exit in Sumter County to top off my gas tank. My Jetta can go far, but not 400 miles roundtrip on reg unleaded. Thank you @bp_America and @TATravelCenters for keeping us all going- literally. #HurricaneIan #evacuation

OPERATION RESCUE MIMI: I-75 is eerily quiet in both directions still. I’m in Manatee County and just about 40 minutes away from Mimi aka Grandmama’s house. Venice, FL in Sarasota County- I’m coming! #HurricaneIan #evacuation

OPERATION RESCUE MIMI: @Wawa coming through big- still open on 41 headed into Venice and with gas?!? 🙏 next stop: Mimi! No need to stop on the way home now. #HurricaneIan #evacuation #SarasotaCounty

OPERATION RESCUE MIMI: this woman means business. Mimi, 88 year old Denise Pirhalla of Venice, greets me not with “hi” or “hello.” She’s ready to get out of here! Time to pack the car. #venice #SarasotaCounty #HurricaneIan #evacuation

OPERATION RESCUE MIMI: Mimi is ready to roll. She is concerned about sticking to her diet. I’m told we must bring all of her special food on this evacuation from Sarasota County. This appears to include cookies and red wine. She’s 88, but still has great taste. #HurricaneIan

OPERATION RESCUE MIMI: I love this woman! She is such a delight. Mimi aka grandmama is loaded into the car and ready to roll. I strapped her in tight and she’s already wrapped herself into a cocoon. Goodbye Venice! #HurricaneIan #SarasotaCounty #evacuation

OPERATION RESCUE MIMI: We made it! Venice, FL evacuee Denise Pirhalla is safe in Gainesville with me. Mimi is now resting comfortably, but this was our arrival photo. #HurricaneIan #SarasotaCounty #evacuation

OPERATION RESCUE MIMI: My grandmother just called her neighbor who stayed in Venice during #HurricaneIan. My grandmother lamented she can join them for cards right now, discussed wine drinking, and offered her unsafe mobile home as shelter. This is why we love her! #Evacuation