BUNNELL, Fla. — Flagler County will officially open its new Fairgrounds Expo Hall later this month, adding a stand-alone emergency shelter designed to withstand a Category 5 hurricane.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Flagler County Fairgrounds, 170 Sawgrass Road in Bunnell.
The new multipurpose facility was built to hurricane-resistant standards and will give the county another option for emergency sheltering.
Until now, Flagler County has relied on school district buildings to serve as shelters during emergencies.
New shelter increases county capacity
County officials said the Expo Hall will increase countywide sheltering capacity while reducing reliance on Flagler Schools facilities.
“This is a multipurpose building, and it is my hope that emergency management and sheltering will be the least of its uses,” Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord said.
Lord said the building can also be reserved through Flagler County Parks & Recreation for community events and activities when it is not needed for emergencies.
Built for major storms
The one-story building was constructed north of Cattleman’s Hall at the fairgrounds.
Its main open area is about 10,000 square feet, with additional space for storage, a kitchen, restrooms and a foyer.
County officials said the building was designed to serve as a community storm shelter capable of withstanding Category 5 hurricanes.
The facility is also elevated above nearby structures to provide additional flood protection.
Other features include:
- Restrooms with showers
- A generator capable of powering the entire building, including HVAC and kitchen appliances
- Backup water capabilities
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Sept. 23 at the Flagler County Fairgrounds in Bunnell.
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