C.J. Gish
In preparation for Hurricane Idalia making landfall, Levy County issued a mandatory evacuation notice for all people along coastal areas prior to 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Idalia is projected to strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane and make landfall by Wednesday.
The Levy County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) sent a release that stated, “Levy County residents and visitors in the coastal areas of Levy County. This includes, but is not limited to Cedar Key, Yankeetown, Fowlers Bluff, Fanning Springs and any other area that is prone to storm surge. Please start your preparations for evacuations as soon as possible, and be completed by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 29, 2023.”
The peak storm surge is expected to be between 7-11 feet along the Levy County coastline and everyone on Cedar Key needs to be off the island before the surge arrives, according to the release.
Levy County schools and public offices will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
A special needs shelter will be open at Bronson Elementary School (400 Ishie Ave.) at 8 a.m. on Tuesday.
A general population and pet-friendly shelter will be open at the Bronson Middle/High School (351 Ishie Ave.) at 8 a.m. Tuesday. Once filled to capacity, the Williston Middle/High School shelter (350 Robert Philpot Way) will open.
People with animals that need to be sheltered will need to bring a crate, bottled water (one gallon jug per animal), food and medications. Owners must also provide a rabies vaccine certificate and proof of distemper parvo/feline distemper vaccines.
Levy County Animal Services will provide vaccines for $10 per vaccine. If proof of vaccinations is not available, animals will be sheltered at the Levy County Animal Control shelter. Anyone with questions should call 352-486-5138.
All county boat ramps will be closed at the end of business on Monday and the Cedar Key Airport will be closed
Sandbag locations are now operational at the following locations:
- Gulf Hammock Fire Station
- Cedar Key Community Center
- Rosewood Baptist Church
- Yankeetown Water Plant
- Inglis Municipal Building
- Bronson Town Hall
- Chiefland Maintenance Yard
- Fowler’s Bluff Fire Station
- Morriston Fire Station 11
- Fanning Springs Fire Station
- Empty lot across from the Williston Police Department
Levy County citizens’ information lines are now operational, and a representative can answer your questions at 352-486-5155 or 352-486-5576.