Florida Dad Receives ‘Incredible’ Support After Surviving Hurricane by Clinging to Bushes for 3 Hours

A Florida father who survived flooding caused by Hurricane Ian is detailing his miraculous survival.

On Thursday’s episode of “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” Jennifer was joined by Stan Pentz of Fort Myers, Florida, and his daughter Stephanie Downing, who lives an hour away in Rotonda West.

They shared that as the hurricane tore through the southeastern United States, Stephanie received a text from Stan, who said floodwaters were up to his shoulders and that he couldn’t get out of his condo.

Stephanie stood on her kitchen table to get a signal, but she eventually lost all cell service while trying to communicate with her dad.

During a video call that aired on the show, Stan recalled to Jennifer Hudson how he held on to an overhead rod in his condo and eventually saw an opening through the sliding door.

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Stan tried to swim to a nearby apartment but got swept up by the wind,  and then the current took him around the building. He held on to a bush as debris flew over his head until he was finally able to put his feet on the ground after three hours.

The Florida man took overnight shelter at a nearby two-story condo and then returned to his place to grab a few items, including sandals and a checkbook. He couldn’t reassure his family he was okay until he eventually got ahold of a phone.

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Stephanie told Jennifer that her father is “strong, tenacious, and [has] a spirit of life.” She added that members of their community have reached out to help.

“So many people have lost lives in [the hurricane],” Stephanie said. “Someone choosing to help my dad has been incredible.”

Since the event, Stephanie created a GoFundMe to raise funds for Stan’s damaged condo, which has been completely submerged in mud and water.

To donate, visit GoFundMe.com.

“The Jennifer Hudson Show” airs weekdays. Check your local listings.