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Hurricane Idalia: County-by-county guide to shelter locations in Central Florida

By Gene Saladna, WFTV.com
By Gene Saladna, WFTV.com

ORLANDO, Fla. — Counties across Central Florida are opening or considering opening shelters ahead of Hurricane Idalia.

See a list of shelters available county-by-county below. This story will be updated as new information is announced.

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Marion County

Special Needs Shelter: The special needs shelter will open Monday at 5 p.m.

  • West Port High School: 3733 SW 80th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34481

General Population Shelters: The following shelters will open to the public on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, at 8 a.m.

  • Lake Weir High School: 10351 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala, FL 34472 (Pet friendly)
  • Vanguard High School: 7 NW 28th Street, Ocala, FL 34475 (Pet friendly)
  • Forest High School: 5000 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala, FL 34480
  • Horizon Academy: 365 Marion Oaks Drive, Ocala, FL 34473
  • North Marion Middle School: 2085 W Highway 329, Citra, FL 32113

READ: LIVE UPDATES: Idalia forecast to impact Florida as Cat. 3 hurricane, tropical advisories expanded

Sumter County

Sumter County will open two shelters on Tuesday evening. County officials say there will be limited space and accommodations in each shelter.

The Wildwood Community Center will house people with special needs, and another shelter at the Sumter County Fairgrounds will operate as a general shelter.

Officials recommend that you take your own bedding supplies, and a cot or an air mattress.

Both shelters are pet-friendly and will open Tuesday at 4 p.m.

Lake County

Two emergency shelters will open for residents on Tuesday. The shelters will open to the public at 3 p.m., and both locations are special needs shelters and pet-friendly. The locations of the shelters are:

Villages Elementary – 695 Rolling Acres Road, Lady Lake

Lost Lake Elementary – 1901 Johns Lake Road, Clermont

Polk County

Polk County and the Department of Health-Polk County will open a special needs shelter at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. The shelter is located at the Department of Health-Polk County Specialty Care Unit, 1255 Brice Blvd., Bartow.

Residents who are pre-registered for special needs sheltering that need transportation must call to make arrangements at (863) 298-7027 before 10:00 p.m. tonight or between 7:00 - 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Orange County

Shelters in Orange County will open tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 29, by 1 p.m., for individuals needing to evacuate or seek shelter from Tropical Storm Idalia. ID cards are not required to enter shelters. All shelters are pet friendly.

Osceola County

Osceola County officials said at this time, shelters will remain closed but are on standby if needed.

Seminole County

No information at this time.

Volusia County

Volusia County and the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County will open shelters at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, at these locations:

Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3150 E. New York Ave., DeLand (general population and pets)

Hester Building, Volusia County Fairgrounds (individuals who lack permanent housing)

Florida Department of Health, 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach (special needs shelter)

Additionally, the Bridge at the Neighborhood Center of West Volusia, 421 S. Palmetto Ave., DeLand, will open to the community at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30. Clients may remain inside throughout the day and may stay at the shelter overnight into Thursday morning.

All shelters will accept pets. Those staying with their pets must bring necessary pet items and supplies, including a leash, cage or crate, dog bowl, water, and food.

Special needs shelters are not for isolation patients or people who need 24-hour dedicated care, a hospital bed, ventilator, or other complex care. These individuals should discuss other shelter arrangements with their physician or home health service provider or caregiver. Only one caregiver will be admitted for each patient.

Evacuees may need to stay at a shelter for 24 to 72 hours during an emergency. Since space is limited, only take essential items. Avoid bringing valuables; shelters are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Flagler County

No information at this time.

Brevard County

No information at this time.

Video: Florida activates ‘price gouging’ hotline ahead of projected Idalia landfall this week Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has activated Florida’s “Price Gouging” hotline. (WFTV)

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