Jackson County uses their agricultural facility as an evacuation center for evacuees

JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) — Jackson County officials enacted a local state of emergency, not because of hurricane Milton, but because of Milton evacuees. The county is using its agricultural facility as an evacuation shelter for those making the trip up here from the center of the state.

By declaring a local state of emergency, county officials initiated the process of getting on the state’s radar as a resource for those in need. The center has 50 campsites for cars and RVs, and 30 stalls for animals.
Facility director Abraham Johnson says it’s important to help those fleeing the storm.

“I support them. I mean, we understand firsthand how it feels to be displaced from home and have somewhere for these people to stay. I mean, in the meantime, they’re figuring out what’s going on with their place, I mean, it’s very important to us,” Johnson said.

The center is currently open. It has showers, bathrooms, and a kitchen area. Those evacuees will also have some company this weekend. The agricultural center is hosting the 2024 Panhandle Youth Expo on the 10th, 11th and 12th.

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