Multiple shelters are now open throughout North Florida for people evacuating ahead of Hurricane Milton, which is forecasted to make landfall on Wednesday evening along the west coast of Florida.
Below are county-by-county emergency shelters that are available.
Alachua County
Alachua County does not expect a storm to impact on Tuesday. There is no need for local residents to shelter today. However, the County is opening shelters today to accommodate neighbors from the south who are evacuating.
Alachua County has opened three emergency shelters in response to Hurricane Milton, including two general population/pet-friendly shelters and one special needs shelter. We encourage residents impacted by the storm to seek alternative housing with friends, family, or short-term rentals. Shelters are intended as a last resort.
Special needs shelters provide one cot per patient. Caregivers are asked to bring any needed bedding in case cots are unavailable. When packing to go to a shelter, please bring special dietary foods and any prescription medications. Also, bring spare clothing, personal care items (hygiene, toiletries, etc.), spare eyeglasses/contacts, and identification. Residents going to the special needs shelter should bring their caregivers.
General population shelters do not provide cots or beds. Bring any needed bedding. When packing to go to a shelter, please bring special dietary foods, baby food, diapers (and other child necessities), prescription medications, and a small cooler of ice if refrigeration is needed, as the shelter cannot be responsible for your medications. Also, bring spare clothing, personal care items (hygiene, toiletries, etc.), spare eyeglasses/contacts and identification.
On Wednesday morning, Alachua County announced that the Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center is full and now closed.
Locations for two of the three shelters still open include:
- Special Needs Shelter: Alachua County Senior Recreation Center, 5701 NW 34th Blvd., Gainesville
For information about transportation to the special needs shelter, call 352-955-2575. - General population/Pet-friendly: Easton-Newberry Sports Complex, 24880 NW 16th Ave., Newberry
Residents with pets are encouraged to bring basic pet supplies such as collars, leashes, crates, carriers, towels, blankets, pet medications, pet food, etc. Animal Resources will have supplemental supplies on hand for those in need. We encourage citizens to bring veterinary records indicating their pets are properly vaccinated
Animals, however, without such records will be vaccinated upon intake to minimize the spread of contagious diseases. Please remember that animals must be properly restrained throughout their stay at the emergency shelter for the safety of all involved citizens and pets.
Free Uber Rides to Shelters:
Alachua County has partnered with Uber to provide free rides to and from shelters, ensuring no resident is left behind due to transportation challenges. To access this service:
1. Open the Uber app
2. Go to the account tab and tap “Wallet”
3. Add promo code: rYb19PkoIMp
(Up to $35 each way to/from Alachua County shelters and Grace Marketplace)
Alternatively, visit Uber Ride Promo to redeem your free ride.
311 Emergency Information Line:
The 311 Emergency Information Line (or 352-264-6557 if 311 is unavailable in your area) is now active for storm-related questions and rumor control. For true emergencies, please call 911.
Stay Informed:
To receive critical updates, residents can sign up for text alerts by texting ALACHUA to 888-777. For the latest storm track, updates, and real-time weather developments, follow the Alachua County Facebook page or visit the Alachua County Ready website.
Gilchrist County
Shelters will open at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7, and will remain open until the winds subside.
The locations include:
- Special Needs Center: Bell High School Health Academy, 930 S Main St., Bell.
- General population: Bell High School, 930 S Main St., Bell.
- General population: Trenton Elementary School, 1350 SW SR, Trenton.
Shelter checklists:
- Bring all medications
- Baby food, diapers, wipes and formula
- Blankets and pillows
- Toiletries and snacks
- If brining pets to the shelter, bring a crate, food, water, up-to-date vaccinations and medication.
Levy County
Shelters opened at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7 and the locations include:
- General population: Bronson Middle High School, 351 Ishie Ave., Bronson
- General population: Williston Middle High School, 350 Robert Philpot Way, Williston
- Pet-friendly: Bronson Middle High School, 351 Ishie Ave., Bronson
Citizens with animals needing shelter must bring a crate, food, bottled water (one gallon jug per animal), and medications. Owners must provide a Rabies vaccine certificate and proof of distemper parvo/ feline distemper vaccine.
Levy County Animal Services will provide vaccines for an additional $10.00 per vaccine. If you cannot provide proof of vaccinations, your animal will be sheltered at the Levy County Animal Control shelter. - Special Needs Shelter: Bronson Elementary School, 400 Ishie Ave., Bronson
For transportation to the shelter on Tuesday, call 352-486-3485. All transportation must be reserved by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8.
Dixie County
Shelters will open at 6 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the following location:
- General population: Dixie County High School, 17924 SE Hwy 19, Cross City.
- Special Needs Center: Bell High School, 930 S Main St., Bell
- Pet-friendly: Bell High School, 930 S Main St., Bell
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Wednesday with information from Alachua County.