Shelter is open at DeSoto Middle School

ARCADIA — Residents seeking shelter from Hurricane Milton should now report to DeSoto Middle School, officials announced Tuesday. The county opened a special needs shelter as well.

The shelter opened at noon and accepts pets with valid vaccination records, Economic Development Director Sondra Guffey said.

A crate, collar and leash must also be brought, along with any medications and at least three days of food.

On the county's website, officials said space is extremely limited.

"All other means of evacuation and sheltering should be considered before going to a public shelter," the website reads.

The Turner Center, which normally acts as a hurricane shelter for DeSoto County, will not be used as a center for Hurricane Milton.

Guffey said its metal doors and metal roof will not ensure safety for residents like the middle school.

Concerns for flooding in DeSoto County are high, with officials stating Peace River and Horse Creek are both already at high levels due to recent rainfall.

DeSoto Middle School is at 420 E. Gibson St. and opened at noon.

DeSoto County also opened a special needs shelter at South Florida State College, 2251 NE Turner Ave, No. 2700, Arcadia.

Closures

County offices are closed through Thursday, with Friday still to be determined by officials, Guffey said.

Schools are closed through Thursday.

Construction has been halted throughout Arcadia.

Guffey recommends people use Florida 511 for road info or visit https://fl511.com/ to help find pathways out of the county if they plan to leave ahead of Hurricane Milton.