Hurricane Milton is forecast to hit the west coast of Florida as a major storm bringing severe weather barreling over Florida's highly populated I-4 corridor, with strong to damaging winds, flooding and tornadoes a real possibilities.
As the West Coast of Florida faces the prospect of a major hurricane bringing significant disruption to large parts of the state, hurricane-force winds, heavy rain and flooding could be a potential issue for Central Florida residents.
Officials are urging residents to take action. and prepare for the possible impacts from the storm.
Here in Central Florida, local counties are opening or considering opening shelters ahead of Hurricane Milton, allowing residents time to be able to evacuate and be safe.
Keep checking back as we add new information as it becomes available. Stay Safe!
Here is the latest list of emergency shelters in Central Florida. We will update this list as we receive new information.
Central Florida Emergency Shelter Locations
The following locations are open for individuals looking to shelter from the effects of Hurricane Milton. Locations include:
General Population Shelters Open Tuesday evening, Oct. 8, at 6 p.m.
Apopka High School*: 555 Martin St, Apopka, FL 32712
Carver Middle School *: 4500 W. Columbia Street, Orlando, FL32811-4052
Colonial High School*: 6100 Oleander Dr, Orlando, FL 32807
Lake Buena Vista High School: 11305 Daryl Carter Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32836
Lake Nona High School*: 12500 Narcoossee Rd, Orlando, FL 32832
Oak Ridge High School: 700 W. Oak Ridge Rd, Orlando, FL 32809
Ocoee High School: 1925 Ocoee Crown Point Pkwy, Ocoee, FL 34761
Odyssey Middle School*: 9290 Lee Vista Blvd, Orlando, FL 32829
Timber Springs Middle School: 16001 Timber Park Ln, Orlando, FL 32828
Union Park Middle School*: 1844 Westfall Dr, Orlando, FL 32817
Wedgefield K-8: 3835 Bancroft Blvd, Orlando, FL 32833
*Denotes Pet-Friendly Shelter
Persons with Special Needs Shelters Open Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 8, at 10 a.m.
Goldenrod Rec.: 4863 N. Goldenrod Road, Winter Park, FL 32792
Silver Star Rec.: 2801 N. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32818
South Econ Park: 3850 S. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, FL 32829
Orange County residents requiring a PSN Shelter please dial 3-1-1 or 407-836-3111. LYNX will provide free service to shelter locations.
For important information on what to bring to a shelter, visit ocfl.net/shelters.
The following Seminole County shelters open Wednesday, October 9, at 8:00 a.m.
Pet friendly shelters are noted below. Not all shelters accept animals. Please ensure the shelter you use is Pet Friendly before bringing along animals. All animals need to be in carriers and we ask that you please provide your own crate/carrier.
GENERAL POPULATION:
Lyman High School - 865 S Ronald Reagan Blvd, Longwood Pet-Friendly
Crystal Lake Elementary School - 231 Rinehart Rd, Lake Mary,
Lawton Chiles Middle School - 1240 Sanctuary Dr, Oviedo
Midway Elementary School - 2368 Brisson Ave, Sanford
Winter Springs High School - 130 Tuskawilla Rd, Winter Springs
SPECIAL NEEDS
Bentley Elementary School - 2190 S Oregon Ave, Sanford Pet-Friendly
Highlands Elementary School - 1600 Shepard Rd, Winter Springs
Layer Elementary School - 4201 FL-419, Winter Springs
Emergency shelters should be used as a last resort; if possible, evacuees should stay with family or friends. Shelter clients will be assigned a space of 3’ x 7’; belongings should fit in this space if staying at a shelter. Cots are not provided at General Population Shelters.
Special needs shelters do not substitute for the greater levels of care given in hospitals or assisted living facilities. Those requiring 24-hour skilled medical care should contact their medical professional to make arrangements. For more information, visit prepareseminole.org.
While no evacuations are currently in effect for Osceola County, shelters will open for residents living in low-lying or flood-prone areas, or homes with structural concerns.
The following shelters will be available starting Tuesday, October 8 at 5 p.m.:
Celebration High School
Gateway High School (Pet-Friendly)
Harmony High School (Pet-Friendly)
Holopaw Community Center
Kenansville Community Center
Kissimmee Middle School (Pet-Friendly)
Liberty High School (Pet-Friendly)
For residents with special medical needs, a shelter will open at noon on Tuesday, October 8 at the Osceola Council On Aging.
Please bring items to make your stay more comfortable, such as blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, books, quiet games, and battery-powered radios. Residents taking prescription medications are strongly encouraged to bring an adequate supply with them.
Polk County Division of Emergency Management has activated the Citizen Information Hotline to answer questions related to Tropical Storm Milton. The local telephone number for the Citizen Information Hotline is (863) 298-7500. The toll free number is still (866) 661-0228. The Citizen Information Hotline will remain open until 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.
Based on the current projections and estimated time of Hurricane Milton’s arrival to Polk County, special needs shelters will open at 7am on Tuesday, Oct. 8, public shelters and pet shelters open at noon on Tuesday.
Public Shelters
Auburndale High School, 1 Bloodhound Trail, Auburndale
Spessard Holland Elementary School, 2432 E.F. Griffin Road, Bartow
Citrus Ridge Academy, 1775 Sand Mine Road, Davenport
Horizons Elementary School, 1700 Forest Lake Dr., Davenport
George Jenkins High School, 6000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland
Highlands Grove Elementary, 4510 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland
Kathleen High School, 1100 Red Devil Way, Lakeland
R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School, 5500 Yates Road, Lakeland
Sleepy Hill Elementary School, 2285 Sleepy Hill Road, Lakeland
Mulberry Middle School, 500 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Mulberry
Lake Marion Creek Middle School, 3055 Lake Marion Creek Dr., Poinciana
Chain of Lakes Elementary School, 7001 Hwy. 653, Winter Haven
Winter Haven High School, 600 6th St. S.E., Winter Haven
Pet Friendly Shelters
Haines City High School, 2800 Hornet Dr., Haines City
Lake Region High School, 1995 Thunder Road, Eagle Lake
Tenoroc High School, 4905 Saddle Creek Road, Lakeland.
Pet owners must bring shot records for their pets, an airline-approved carrying case or crate and pet food.
Special Needs Shelters
FDOH Polk Specialty Care Unit, 1255 Brice Blvd., Bartow
Ridge Community High School, 500 W. Orchid Dr., Davenport
McKeel Academy, 1810 W. Parker St., Lakeland
Special needs shelters are temporary emergency facilities capable of providing care to residents whose medical condition(s) may require the use of electrical equipment, oxygen or dialysis, or individuals with physical, cognitive or medical conditions who may require assistance from medical professionals. Although special needs shelters provide more care than a general shelter, they do not provide the level of care found in a medical facility.
For a full list of shelter locations visit www.polk-county.net/news/polk-county-shelters-to-open/
Lake County will open 15 shelters for those who need accommodations during the storm. The shelters will open Tuesday, Oct. 08, at 12 p.m. Residents are encouraged to bring necessary supplies such as medication, bedding, and a pet carrier or crate.
For more information, please call the Citizens Information Line at 352-253-9999.
General Population Shelters:
East Ridge High - 13322 Excalibur Road, Clermont
East Ridge Middle - 13201 Excalibur Road, Clermont
Eustis High - 1300 E. Washington Ave., Eustis
Leesburg High - 1401 Yellow Jacket Way, Leesburg
Mount Dora High - 700 N. Highland St., Mt. Dora
Tavares High - 603 N. New Hampshire Ave., Tavares
Pet-Friendly Shelters:
Mascotte Elementary - 460 Midway Ave., Mascotte
Round Lake Elementary - 31333 Round Lake Road, Mt. Dora
Spring Creek Elementary - 44440 Spring Creek Road, Paisley
Treadway Elementary - 10619 Treadway School Road, Leesburg
Pet-Friendly and Special-Needs Shelters:
Leesburg Elementary - 2229 South St., Leesburg
Lost Lake Elementary - 1901 Johns Lake Rd., Clermont
Astatula Elementary - 13925 Florida Ave., Astatula
Umatilla Elementary - 401 Lake St., Umatilla
Villages Elementary - 695 Rolling Acres Rd., Lady Lake
The following shelters are currently open:
South Sumter High School, 706 N. Main St., Bushnell, FL 33513.
Webster Elementary School, 349 S. Market Blvd., Webster, FL 33597.
The following additional shelters will open on Wednesday, October 9 at 6:00 a.m.:
Sumter County Fairgrounds, 7620 State Route 471, Bushnell
Open to the general public.
Special Needs Shelter at the Wildwood Community Center, 6500 Powell Rd, Wildwood
Open for those needing assistance or medical assistance. It will be operated by the Sumter County Health Department.
Stay informed by checking our website at www.sumtercountyfl.gov or calling 352-689-4400 for updates.
All shelters are pet-friendly, so DO NOT leave your pets behind. Also, please bring a crate or carrier for your pet(s), as well as sturdy leashes, food and any other supplies they will need.
With Hurricane Milton heading toward Sumter County, now is the time for residents to review their housing options, especially those unsure about the safety of their homes or access to their homes. Residents of The Villages® development can take comfort in knowing that homes in this community were built above the 100-year floodplain and constructed to withstand predicted wind speeds. As a result, sheltering in place is recommended for these residents.
For more information on sheltering in place, visit www.sumterprepares.com.
However, we advise the following groups to consider evacuating or moving to a shelter:
Residents in mobile, manufactured, modular homes, or recreational vehicles.
Those living in low-lying, flood-prone areas near the river.
Individuals with special needs.
Anyone who feels unsafe staying alone.
Please be aware that shelters do not provide cots, blankets, or other supplies, so plan accordingly.
If heading to a shelter, bring the following items:
Identification (driver’s license).
Bedding (cot, air mattress, blanket, pillow).
Food and water.
Medications.
Baby supplies (food, formula).
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.).
Entertainment (games, books, etc.).
Pet supplies (food, bedding, medication, crate(s) for your pets).
DO NOT bring:
Illegal drugs.
Alcohol.
For those considering a local hotel, hotels operate on a first-come, first-served basis and may fill quickly due to evacuees from coastal areas.
Plan your evacuation in advance. Keep in mind that the Florida Turnpike and I-75 converge in Wildwood, and traffic from other areas may be heavy.
Important Note: Sex offenders are prohibited from entering general or special needs shelters. They must report to the Sheriff at the County Jail for any sheltering needs.
Curfew
A curfew has been announced for Volusia County beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9., and lasting until 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, to discourage unnecessary traffic during the height of the storm.
The curfew does not apply to:
Regular members of law enforcement bodies
Regular employees of businesses, industries, or government entities while traveling for their jobs
All emergency workers
Any person who knowingly violates this ordinance shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of up to $500 and/or 60 days jail.
Again, this curfew is intended to prevent unnecessary traffic on our roads during dangerous storm conditions, which are already anticipated to significantly impact emergency resources.
Evacuation
Due to the increased threat of local impacts from Hurricane Milton, Volusia County has expanded its evacuation order to include all of Evacuation Zone A, effective 8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9.
The expansion still encompasses all areas east of the Intracoastal Waterway and now also includes:
Residents east of Ridgewood Avenue/U.S. 1 in Daytona Beach and Holly Hill
Residents east of US-1 in Edgewater and Oak Hill
Residents north of State Road 44 and east of Mullinax Ford in New Smyrna Beach
Residents east of Bulow Creek State Park and any locations east of U.S. 1 before it - crosses the Tomoka River in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea
Residents along the Spruce Creek River, between State Road 44 and South Nova near Trailwood Drive, or adjacent to Spruce Creek in Port Orange, South Daytona, and Daytona Beach Shores
The evacuation order also applies countywide to the following:
All manufactured and mobile homes
All low-lying areas and other areas prone to flooding
All campsites and RV recreational parks
Residents and visitors can verify their specific evacuation zone by clicking here to enter their address. Residents needing to travel long distances are urged to depart sooner to avoid potential delays.
Areas and homes that flooded during Hurricane Ian may experience flooding during Hurricane Milton. It is recommended that all evacuations be complete by 8 p.m. Wednesday evening when the Volusia Sheriff’s Office curfew goes into effect.
Volusia County continues to work with state officials and the National Weather Service to monitor the storm’s local effects. Residents should download the Volusia Emergency Management app, follow the County on social media, or visit www.volusia.org for updates.
Shelters
In preparation for Hurricane Milton, Volusia County is partnering with Volusia County Schools to open emergency shelters at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
General Population Shelters:
Creekside Middle School, 6801 Airport Road, Port Orange
Deland High School, 800 N. Hill Ave., Deland
University High School, 1000 W. Rhode Island Ave., Orange City
Mainland High School, 1255 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach
Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3150 E. New York Ave., Deland
Special Needs Shelters:
Galaxy Middle School, 2400 Eustace Ave., Deltona
David C Hinson Sr Middle School, 1860 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach
These shelters will provide basic necessities such as food, water, and a place to sleep. Note that they are not intended to be comfortable living spaces.
Special Needs Shelters: Staffed by healthcare professionals, these shelters are for evacuees with one caregiver only. They are not suitable for individuals needing complex medical care.
Pet-Friendly Shelters: Pets are welcome at Deland High School, Mainland High School, and the Volusia County Fairgrounds. Owners must provide pet food, medications, bowls, leashes, ID tags, and medical records.
Transportation to Shelters: Votran and Volusia County Schools offer free transportation. All Votran bus stops serve as evacuation points. Evacuees should limit carry-on items to essentials like personal ID, food, bedding, clothing, and medications.
Brevard County will open shelters at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, for residents who live in manufactured or mobile homes, flood-prone or low-lying areas, or those needing safe harbor from potentially dangerous wind and rain conditions anticipated from Hurricane Milton, which is expected to begin impacting the county sometime late Wednesday and continuing throughout the day Thursday.
The following shelters will be available for general population and families wishing to bring their pets.
South Mainland Community Center, 3700 Allen Ave., Micco, FL 32976
Walter Butler Community Center, 4201 N Cocoa Blvd, Cocoa, FL 32927
Wickham Park Community Center, 2815 Leisure Way, Melbourne, FL 32935
Space Coast Area Transit will provide transportation to the shelters for registered special needs clients.
To request transportation to a special needs shelter call 2-1-1.
Residents going to shelters will need to take their own supplies, including bedding, folding chairs, or sleeping bags; any needed medications; multiple changes of clothing and and sturdy shoes; personal hygiene items; and entertainment items, like games, cards, books or magazines.
Flagler County urges residents to prepare for impacts from Tropical Storm Milton, expected to be Major Hurricane Milton when it makes landfall on Florida’s west coast.
For more information about emergency preparedness, please visit www.FlaglerCounty.gov/emergency or call 386-313-4200 between 7am – 7pm.
Evacuations
In preparation for the impacts of Hurricane Milton, the Flagler County Emergency Operation Center will open a public Hurricane Evacuation Shelter at 8 a.m. Wednesday in conjunction with a mandatory evacuation order.
For residents whose evacuation plans are to go to hotels/motels or stay with friends/family, we recommend you do so well before the evacuation orders are issued. preferably this evening, to help limit the traffic on the roads on Wednesday
.
All residents in the following neighborhoods are urged to prepare for evacuations:
Residents living in Mobile Homes and RV’s Countywide
Coastal / Island Communities
The entire island from the St Johns County Line to the Volusia County Line
Marineland through Flagler Beach
Mainland Communities
South of SR-100 (Moody Blvd)
Neighborhoods off John Anderson Hwy
Neighborhoods off Palm Dr
Bulow RV Park & Homes, off Old Kings Rd
Polo Club West / Sweetbottom Plantation properties along Lexington Court / Ashland Way up to the Bulow Creek
Between SR-100 (Moody Blvd) and Palm Coast Pkwy
Neighborhoods off Lambert Ave
Marina Del Palm (properties along the Intracoastal waterway / basin)
Palm Coast Plantation
Properties off South / North Riverwalk Drive
North of Palm Coast Pkwy
Properties within Princess Place Preserve
Shelters
After the Evacuation Orders are issued, at 8 a.m. Wednesday, residents seeking public sheltering will be able to go to Rymfire Elementary School, located at 1425 Rymfire Drive, Palm Coast.
This pet-friendly shelter will serve as both a general population and special medical needs shelter.
Individuals with special medical needs, including those who require assistance with daily living, depend on electricity for oxygen support, or have medical conditions that limit their ability to care for themselves, should take note: it's important for a family member or caregiver to accompany them to the shelter for proper assistance.
The shelter will also accommodate residents who are from an area under an evacuation order and have no other place to go.
Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, rodents and turtles - are the allowed pets. There is a four-pet maximum. Pet owners should bring current vaccination records and supplies, including crates/cages, and medications.
What to bring to a shelter:
Cash
Keys
Medical records
Medical equipment
Identification
Water for several days
Prescription medications
Flashlight and batteries
Special dietary food
Clothing
Bedding (air mattresses not permitted)
Reading material
Contact information for family and friends.
The following locations will open as emergency shelters in preparation for Hurricane Milton. Citizens with special dietary needs should bring a supply of food with them.
Evacuations
A mandatory evacuation order is for mobile homes, RVs, and modular-type homes. Additonally, any residents who feel unsafe in their homes are encouraged to evacuate.
Due to the current projected path of Hurricane Milton, Marion County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management officials have issued a mandatory evacuation order for those living in mobile homes, RVs, modular-type homes, and any structure in which the resident feels unsafe. The mandatory evacuation order will go into effect on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
Those living in these homes should know that if they remain in these locations, emergency personnel will not respond to their location until it is deemed safe to do so. Residents are encouraged to first seek shelter with family or friends. If that option is not available, Marion County has several shelters listed below for residents to utilize.
Shelters
The following locations will open at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 8, 2024, as emergency shelters in preparation for Hurricane Milton. Those seeking shelter should bring their own medications, food, and other essentials. Pet owners seeking shelter for animals should bring their own pet supplies, including crates.
General Population Shelters:
Belleview Middle School, 10500 SE 36th Avenue, Belleview, FL
Forest High School, 5000 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala, FL
Fort McCoy School, 16160 NE Highway 315, Fort McCoy, FL
Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks, 365 Marion Oaks Drive, Ocala, FL
Liberty Middle School, 4773 SW 95th Street, Ocala, FL
Madison Street Academy, 401 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Ocala, FL
North Marion Middle School, 2085 W Highway 329, Citra, FL
Special Needs Shelters:
West Port High School, 3733 SW 80th Avenue, Ocala, FL (pets of special needs residents allowed)
Pet-Friendly Shelter:
Lake Weir High School, 10351 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala, FL
Vanguard High School, 7 NW 28th Street, Ocala, FL
Sexual Offender and Predator Shelter:
The MCSO Sexual Offender and Predator Unit will close to the public for registration activities on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. and will open as an emergency shelter for Registered Sexual Offenders and Predators at 6:00 p.m. that day. Please contact the unit by phone during normal business hours to request early acceptance. Emergency acceptances will be handled as needed after the shelter opens.
MCSO Sexual Offender and Predator Unit, 3300 NW 10th Street, Ocala, FL
Sexual Offenders and Predators at this shelter should bring any prescribed medication, and no medical marijuana, alcohol, or weapons are allowed. They should also bring food and snacks, a pillow, a blanket, a sleeping bag, and hygiene items. Once inside the shelter, they will not be able to leave until the storm passes and it is safe to travel. They will NOT be able to bring any guests with them. If the storm increases in severity, the shelter will move to the Marion County Jail. If the shelter is moved to the jail, tobacco products and cell phones will not be allowed.
The Sexual Offender and Predator Unit will be available 24 hours a day by phone at (352) 368-3517 beginning at 8:00 a.m., on Tuesday until the storm has passed. They will also be available to field any emergency registration requests; however, non-emergency requests will be handled during normal business hours beginning at 8:00 a.m., on Friday, October 11, 2024. Thursday’s hours will be determined after the storm assessment is completed for safety purposes.
We urge you to stay informed and stay safe as Hurricane Milton approaches Florida.
Closures & Updates:
Emergency Info:
School Closure:
Shelter Locations:
Sandbag Locations:
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