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Mason pilot flies family from Florida to Cincy

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MASON, Ohio -- A former Tri-State resident sat on a Florida beach just days before Hurricane Irma blasted the coast.

He was in Cincinnati later that day.

Mike Shatto and his wife didn't want to evacuate without their dog, so their nephew flew a corporate plane to Florida to bring them to Cincinnati.

"Our nephew called us and said he was getting us out of there. He was flying in. He's a savior,” Shatto said.

His nephew also picked up Shatto’s sister and brother-in-law.

Shatto has lived in Florida since 2004. He and his wife retired and built their dream home on the gulf.

"We have no idea if it will still be standing or not,” he said.

For now, Shatto said he’s just thankful to be with his family.

"It put tears in all our eyes -- knowing he came down to take care of us, knowing we're leaving a lot of friends behind,” Shatto said.

The family is hoping to make the trip back to Florida by the end of this week.