Amid Hurricane Milton, Couple Welcomes Baby Boy in Sarasota Hospital, Defying the Storm's Fury

The story of Kenzie Lewellen and Dewey Bennett is a truly remarkable one, as they faced the chaos of Hurricane Milton while simultaneously welcoming their first child into the world. This incredible tale transports us to the heart of Port Charlotte, Florida, where Lewellen's labor commenced in the early hours of Wednesday, just as Hurricane Milton was barreling toward the Gulf Coast.

A Stormy Labor

At 4 a.m. ET, Kenzie Lewellen's labor began, filling the air with a sense of urgency and anxiety. The impending hurricane added a layer of tension to an already life-changing moment. Lewellen, a first-time mom, was already 39 weeks pregnant when contractions started. She vividly recalls the whirlwind of emotions she experienced, stating, ‘My mind was just running a million miles an hour, like, what am I going to do? I was very nervous.’ Her boyfriend, Dewey Bennett, 24, also felt the weight of the situation, expressing his stress during an interview.

The couple’s anxieties were heightened by the memory of a past tragedy. Dewey Bennett's father had tragically passed away during Hurricane Irma, leaving a profound impact on the family. ‘My dad had a massive heart attack because the ambulance could not come out to us during the storm,’ he recounted, adding to the emotional burden of the moment.

Crossing the Stormy Seas

As the storm intensified, the couple faced the daunting decision of whether to evacuate to West Palm Beach on the east coast of Florida. However, in hindsight, Lewellen expressed relief at their choice to stay put, stating, ‘I’m kind of glad we didn’t, because they ended up getting, I think, nine tornadoes before the storm had even made landfall.’ This decision, borne out of uncertainty, would soon prove to be pivotal in their journey.

With the hurricane looming, the couple knew they had to make their way to the hospital to ensure the safe delivery of their baby. After enduring 4½ hours of labor at home, they embarked on the treacherous journey to Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Venice. Aware of the deteriorating weather conditions, Lewellen’s mother drove them, navigating the windy and rain-soaked roads with caution.

“There was not really many people on the roads because it was so windy outside and it was raining quite a bit,” Lewellen recalled, painting a vivid picture of their harrowing journey to the hospital. Once they arrived, however, another hurdle awaited them. Due to hospital regulations, only one person could accompany Lewellen inside, forcing her to bid farewell to her mother. Despite the emotional strain, the couple made the most of the situation by utilizing FaceTime to bridge the gap.

A Battle with Nature

As Lewellen labored in a room with a view of the hurricane's devastation, the couple fought against the external chaos while preparing to welcome their child into the world. Amidst the tumult, Lewellen's thoughts often turned towards her family and the challenges they faced during the storm. “I was very hopeful that everything would be okay for them,” she shared, showcasing her resilience amidst the turmoil.

Throughout the labor, Dewey Bennett stood by Lewellen’s side, providing the support she desperately needed. Despite the tumultuous environment outside, the couple found moments of levity, sharing observations about the storm's ferocity. However, after enduring hours of labor, Lewellen received distressing news—her baby was in the wrong position, necessitating a cesarean section. This revelation weighed heavy on her mind, as she grappled with the impending medical procedure intertwined with the ongoing hurricane.

Rising Above Adversity

The emotional strain was further compounded by issues with the epidural, leaving Lewellen in excruciating pain for hours until she was finally administered anesthesia. Even in the face of adversity, she expressed gratitude for the dedicated doctors and nurses who provided unwavering support during one of the most challenging moments of her life. In a statement, David Verinder, CEO of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, praised the medical team's commitment, acknowledging the sacrifices they made to be present for their patients during the storm.

Throughout Hurricane Milton, six other babies were born at the two Sarasota Memorial hospitals, showcasing the resilience of both the medical staff and families amid the chaos. The ability to bring new life into the world, even in the face of such adversities, is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human experience.

A Miracle Arrival

Finally, at 11:45 p.m. ET, amidst the howling winds and pouring rain, Dewey Lester Bennett IV made his grand entrance into the world, weighing a healthy 8 pounds. In that moment, all the struggles and sleepless nights faded away as Kenzie Lewellen held her newborn son for the first time. “It is the most indescribable feeling. He’s a part of you and also part of the person you love,” she expressed, encapsulating the overwhelming emotions that accompany the arrival of a child.

For Dewey Bennett, holding his namesake carried profound significance, especially considering the loss of his father in similar circumstances. The experience was bittersweet, intertwining joy with the memory of a loved one lost. As they gazed at their newborn son, the couple couldn't help but reflect on the extraordinary circumstances surrounding his birth and the resilience displayed in the face of adversity. In a moment of lightheartedness, Lewellen joked about their son’s stubbornness during labor, while Bennett fondly reminisced about his father.

A Miracle Baby

Reflecting on the tumultuous journey leading to their son's birth, Lewellen described him as a "miracle baby." Nestled in her arms, she held him up to the sunlight streaming through the hospital window, a symbol of hope and resilience amidst the storm. Their son’s arrival not only marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives but also showcased the incredible strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.