Governor Rick Scott says time is up. People on Florida’s east coast in evacuation zones must leave now. He urged them to head west.
The State Emergency Operations Center has directed some Southwest Florida counties to open shelters for evacuees coming from the east coast of Florida. Lee County has declared a local state of emergency to make that happen.
Since the Fort Myers area is only under a Tropical Storm watch it’s hosting two shelters for evacuees, including one where people can stay with their pets. The regular shelter is at Alico Arena at Florida Gulf Coast University. The pet friendly shelter is at the Estero Recreation Center on Corkscrew Palms Blvd. Both are off exit 123 on Interstate 75.
People bringing pets to the shelter must also bring the animal’s food, water and a crate. Timothy Engstrom with Lee County Government said it’s preferred they also have vaccination records in hand.
Around 1.5 million Floridians are currently under evacuation orders.