Charlotte County enacts curfew during hurricane

Charlotte County has enacted a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. effective at 9 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9.

The curfew all of the county, including the City of Punta Gorda. It will be in place until further notice. Violation of the curfew is a misdemeanor.

The curfew includes a ban on the sale of alcohol between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. until the curfew is rescinded.

"Although I recognize the frustrations that come with enacting a curfew, this is a means of protecting the people and property of Charlotte County during and following Hurricane Milton.” Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell said in a statement to media.

“As soon as it is safe, I will recommend the order be rescinded. Until that time, the only people who should be out on the roadways during those hours are essential workers as they strive to assess damage and provide assistance to those in need and people traveling to and from work,” Prummell stated.

The Punta Gorda Police Department will be "strictly enforcing a curfew … safety of our citizens,” said Punta Gorda Police Chief Pam Smith. “This curfew will allow emergency responders to focus on post-storm rescue and recovery efforts.”

No curfews have been issued in Sarasota County, DeSoto County, North Port or Venice as of Wednesday afternoon.

For Hurricane Milton information, call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000.