Jacksonville mom says baby born during Hurricane Irma is 'a really strong fighter'

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A local mother and baby are doing well after she gave birth by flashlight during Hurricane Irma.

Cyrus Cruz says his girlfriend Kristin Kadas was 41 weeks pregnant when Florida began to feel the effects of Irma. He said they joked Sunday about the baby coming during the storm. Then, Kristin went into labor.

“You don’t pick the date, the little guy does. I know it just got real when she was hunched over here at the couch, I’m thinking it’s happening now, isn’t it?” Cruz said.

Their power was out, and roads were flooded near the hospital.

“Riverside is flooded, no one can get to us, there’s no electricity,” he said.

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So Cruz grabbed a flashlight and some bottled water and called his girlfriend’s midwife.

“The bridges being closed, I was really worried that they wouldn’t be able to cross them, or too dangerous,” Kadas said.

But even through debris, downed trees, power lines, heavy rain and wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour, the midwife was able to get to their home.

“They were determined, and I’m grateful they did,” Kadas said.

And by flashlight, little Tavian was born.

“He’s a really strong fighter,” Kadas said.

“I think he’s going to be a tough baby,” Cruz said.

Irma was no match for Tavian.

Cox Media Group