Hurricane Milton Prompts Evacuations and Shelter Openings in Florida

In response to Hurricane Milton, residents of Sarasota and Manatee counties in Florida have been prompted to evacuate due to impending severe weather conditions. The counties have activated evacuation plans for residents in Levels A, B, and C, as well as those residing in mobile, manufactured, and boat homes. Access to popular barrier islands, such as Casey Key and Siesta Key, will be restricted from 7 p.m. on October 8, 2024, allowing only departures but not re-entries until post-storm safety assessments are completed.

Sarasota County, which has opened 11 evacuation centers including Atwater Elementary School and Booker High School, is committed to ensuring these are pet-friendly facilities. These centers will be operational from 10 a.m. on October 8. Residents are advised that, while the shelters can accommodate pets, they must bring necessary pet supplies, as well as personal essentials like bedding and food.

In Manatee County, several locations including Virgil Mills Elementary School and W D Sugg Middle School have also been designated as shelters, with assurances that adequate space is available across these pet-friendly sites.

The City of Venice has communicated concerning the safety of certain evacuation centers that are situated within flood-prone areas. They have been assessed and deemed safe given the current weather forecast. Authorities urge residents to consider staying with friends or family outside the evacuation zones if possible, as shelters are suggested only as a last resort.

Adjacent counties have also initiated their respective emergency protocols. Polk County‘s shelters are scheduled to open at noon on October 8, with three designated as pet-friendly. In Charlotte County, shelters have been accessible since October 7, while DeSoto County plans to open its general and special needs shelters on October 8 at noon.

Officials emphasize the importance of preparation, advising residents to compile a comprehensive checklist of essentials, including personal, pet, and medical supplies, to sustain themselves during the evacuation period. Persons who rely on electricity for medical needs are encouraged to register promptly for accommodation in special needs shelters.