Marion County, Florida, Issues Required Evacuation Order as Hurricane Milton Approaches

Hurricane Milton Tracking NewsPhoto byVideo captured image

Marion County officials have taken decisive action in preparation for Hurricane Milton's imminent arrival. The Marion County Sheriff's Office Emergency Management has issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents living in powerless structures.

The evacuation order, set to take effect Tuesday, October 8, at 6 p.m., applies to residents of mobile homes, RVs, modular-type homes, and any structure where they feel unsafe, according to a release on the Marion County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

Marion County officials emphasize that emergency personnel will not respond to calls from these locations until conditions are deemed safe following the hurricane's passage.

Residents affected by the evacuation order are urged to seek shelter with family or friends as a first option. For those without this alternative, Marion County has opened several emergency shelters to accommodate evacuees.

The county has designated multiple shelter locations, including general population shelters, special needs shelters, and pet-friendly options. These facilities will open their doors at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, coinciding with the start of the mandatory evacuation period.

General population shelters are available at various schools throughout the county, including Belleview Middle School, Forest High School, and Fort McCoy School. Special needs residents can find accommodation at West Port High School, which also allows pets for these individuals.

For pet owners, Lake Weir High School and Vanguard High School have been designated as pet-friendly shelters. Evacuees are reminded to bring essential supplies, including medications, food, and pet necessities such as crates.

This proactive measure by Marion County officials aims to ensure the safety of residents as Hurricane Milton approaches. The county continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary through official channels, including the Marion County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.