Hernando County orders mandatory evacuations for Hurricane Milton

BROOKSVILLE, Fla. (WFLA) – Hernando County Emergency Management has issued a mandatory evacuation for residents as Hurricane Milton approaches.

Evacuations will begin at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, with residents urged to arrive at safe shelter locations by noon on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

The evacuation order affects all areas west of U.S. 19, including zones A, B, and C.

Residents in coastal and low-lying areas and those living in manufactured homes across the county are required to evacuate.

Officials recommend seeking shelter with friends or family in secure locations. As a last resort, a public shelter will open at 8 a.m. Tuesday at Challenger K-8, located at 13400 Elgin Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34609. The shelter will accommodate special needs clients, the general population, and pets.

• Pasco County shelters open, schools close ahead of Hurricane Milton
• Find your evacuation zone ahead of Hurricane Milton
• Pinellas County announces evacuations, opens shelters ahead of Hurricane Milton

Pet-Friendly Shelter Information
For residents bringing pets to the shelter, animals will be housed separately from their owners. Those seeking shelter with pets are advised to bring necessary supplies, including crates, food, medications, and vaccination records. Animal care remains the responsibility of pet owners throughout their stay.

Hernando County Animal Control will coordinate pickups for transportation assistance for special needs individuals and their pets. Call the Hernando County Public Information Center (PIC) at 352-754-4083 to arrange transportation. The PIC will be operational starting at 8 a.m. Monday, October 7, and will remain open 24/7 until further notice.

Stay Informed
Residents are encouraged to stay updated on local conditions and evacuation information by visiting www.HernandoCounty.us/EM or signing up for weather alerts at www.AlertHernando.org .

For additional storm-related notices or information, follow Hernando County Emergency Management on Facebook:

• @HernandoCountyEM
• @HernandoCoGov
• @HernandoCountyFire

For questions, contact the Hernando County Public Information Center at (352) 754-4083.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.