FLAGER BEACH, Fla. — While most are focusing on the west coast of Florida, many along the east coast of the state are also preparing for Hurricane Milton.

Eventually, the powerful storm will likely exit somewhere off the east coast, affecting residents in places like Volusia and Flagler counties.

Operations Manager Tom Garrison of Whaam Burgers restaurant located on A1A near the pier worries about the wind and the rain.

“Honestly, the biggest worry for us is kind of a concern for most people, which is we have had so much rain. And with this being the second storm in two weeks, it’s where is the water going to go,” said Garrison.

Since 2017, the popular burger stop has seen its share of storms, including Hurricanes Ian and Nicole.

Ian knocked down the nearly 100-year-old pier across the street and has shut it down since 2022 for an $18 million restoration. 

“As you can see, there is the Atlantic Ocean. And then you go about 50 yards. There we are in our restaurant,” said Garrison.

Down the street from the restaurant, a 3.5-mile beach restoration project will be put on hold until Milton passes. 

The goal of the project that has been in the works for 10 years is to strengthen A1A from future storms.

The Army Corp of Engineers, along with other workers, spent much of Monday moving large equipment and construction materials away from the coast and across A1A for safety concerns.

For Garrison, who has experienced storms, says safety is the only plan.

“Whatever we have to do from an operation standpoint is what we are going to do. I will make sure our staff is safe and that we are here for the customers at the tail end of the storm and coming back out of it,” he said.