Local Teen Rescues Animals From Flooding

On December 3, the Hernando County Board of Commissioners recognized local teen Averie Kimelton for her acts of bravery in rescuing animals that were stranded during the flooding in the wake of Hurricane Milton. Commissioner John Allocco read the certificate aloud at the board’s regular meeting on Tuesday.

“This certificate is presented to Averie Kimelton for exhibiting true courage and extraordinary heroism while attempting to rescue numerous animals left behind during Hurricane Milton evacuation,” Allocco said. “Averie’s acts of bravery and heroism during the crisis are a great example of true compassion and unconditional love for animals.”

Kimelton also came up to the podium that morning and recounted the events of that fateful day. After learning from her mother, Deborah, that a pair of horses and donkeys were stranded in up to five feet of water on a neighbor’s property in the Masaryktown area, Averie resolved to get them out.

According to a post by Kimelton Farm on Find Local Business, the local teen swam out to the steeds and led them through the shallows to safety. Deborah paddled hay and sweet feed out to the equine pets to help them build up their strength along the way, too.

While the horses were able to wade through the standing water, Averie had to find a more inventive way to rescue the donkeys – by canoe. “I’ve got to say in all my years, I never thought I’d see a donkey in a canoe,” the post read.

Regrettably, the donkeys and one of the horses passed shortly after their rescue. At least before that happened, “they had full bellies and they were dry,” said the younger Kimelton.

Commissioner Allocco added that just because the other animals did not make it does not make her efforts less important, and he thanked her for her courageous act. Considering that horses weigh half a ton and can be dangerous when scared, the teen’s brave deeds were potentially perilous in more ways than one.

The surviving horse, renamed Millie for Hurricane Milton, has now become Averie’s companion and will serve as a helpful tutor for the next generation.

“I plan to keep her forever,” said Kimelton. “I teach kids, so I plan to teach kids how to ride off of her. She’s been a great addition to our family already and I was very happy I was able to get those animals out, get them safe.”

Commissioner John Allocco commended Averie for saving these animals when she had reasons why she could have said no. She does not like snakes or frogs, and she waded through areas that were up to five feet deep that inevitably housed plenty of the critters. Averie “overcame her fear to do what was the right thing; she believed in her heart to save those animals,” he said.

All of the commissioners were effusive in their praise of Averie’s deeds on Tuesday. “You are the epitome of what’s good with Hernando County,” Commissioner Brian Hawkins said.

“What better leader than you to teach the next generation what’s the right things to do,” added Commissioner Jerry Campbell.