CLAY COUNTY -- While Hurricane Milton was positioned in the Southwestern portion of the Gulf of Mexico Sunday, it was gaining strength and becoming better defined before it is forecasted to start its trek toward the western side of Florida.  According to most models, the National Hurricane Center believes Milton will be a strong as a Category 3 hurricane, and it will strike between Tampa and south of Tampa and exit the state between Daytona Beach and Melbourne.  However, the prediction cone has the eye passing as far north as the Florida/Georgia line and as far south as Miami.  Storm-force winds also extend from the eye for more than 200 miles. "Helene was a wind event. Milton could be a rain/water event. Make sure you have a family plan, especially if you live in areas prone to flooding," said Sheriff Michelle Cook. Hurricane directions and forecasts often change, so check with Clay Today for updates.