Polk County opens public shelters, anticipates power outages ahead of Milton

POLK COUNTY, Fla., (WFLA) — Shelters in Polk County are opening their doors to families in the community, but people need to come prepared.

Polk County Emergency Management said 5 to 10 inches of rain is expected, which could cause lakes and rivers to rise. There is also a high concern for the Peace River Basin in Bartow.

Officials said trees could knock down trees, causing damage and power outages as well.

Families are already starting to arrive at the several shelters offered in the county, including George Jenkins High School. Officials said they still have plenty of space for anyone who needs it.

The school can fit a little over 1,000 people if needed.

“It is a bare necessity, meaning we don’t have blankets and pillows, things like that. If you come to any one of our 17 shelters, you’ll need to bring those items for yourself. Hygiene items you need to bring, as well. We do provide three meals a day,” said Principal Tom Patton.

Anna and Lee Easley are two of the people seeking shelter at George Jenkins.

“The house is fine, but anxiety, you know, worrying. We went through Irma together— didn’t like it at all. The house was fine, but I think this time, keep the blood pressure low, not to worry,” Anna said.

Some people do not feel like their homes will be okay during Hurricane Milton.

“We stay in apartments, and I’ve been around a long time and those apartments are made out of plywood. So, I don’t want to take no chances with my family,” said Lorenzo Hurd.

Jontelle Gibson is at the shelter helping out, because in 2019, she was worried for her own family in the Bahamas during Hurricane Dorian.

“That was really, really difficult to be in the waiting room to try and find out where are they, what’s going on, how did they make it?” she said.

Now, the tides have turned, and her family is worried for her safety as Hurricane Milton approaches.

“I’ve been hearing from my parents, just my family in general. My mom, being a mom, and saying, ‘Do you have this, do you have that,’ you know, ‘make sure you have all of these things in place.’ Just because they know how crazy it can get,” Gibson said.

Gibson said she is going to trust in God and is going into this storm with peace of mind.

“I remember in the Bahamas, we said, ‘torn but not broken.’ That’s what I hope for, that even if this tears us up, that we won’t be broken,” she said.

For this particular shelter, you cannot bring your pets, but the doors are open to take you in.

“Y’all need to get out here because you don’t know how bad that storm is going to be. You know, be safe than sorry,” Hurd said.

There are roughly 1,400 people across the county’s 19 shelters.

For a list of the shelters open in Polk County, including ones that can accommodate people with special needs, and those that take pets, click here. Residents can also call the 24/7 information line at 863-298-7500.

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