More mandatory evacuations are taking place across Southwest Florida as Hurricane Milton gets closer. To help evacuees find a safe place, more Charlotte County hurricane shelters open today as well.
Charlotte County officials have already opened the shelter at Harold Avenue Recreation Center (23400 Harold Ave.) in Port Charlotte. Today they are adding three more locations to the list to accommodate the latest evacuation orders.
If you are not sure if you are in a mandatory evacuation zone, click here for the current orders. To find out what zone you are in, click here.
New Charlotte County Hurricane Shelters Open Today
- Kingsway Elementary School, 23300 Quasar Blvd. in Port Charlotte
- Liberty Elementary School, 370 Atwater St. in Port Charlotte
- Neil Armstrong Elementary School, 22100 Breezeswept Ave. in Port Charlotte
- Babcock Ranch School Field House at 43301 Cypress Parkway in Babcock Ranch
The shelters are being set up now. Officials ask you not arrive before they are officially open to the public. If you choose to go to a shelter you will need to bring supplies for each family member, that includes pets. All Charlotte County shelters are pet friendly.
New Charlotte County Hurricane Shelters Open And Here Is What To Bring
- Sleeping bag, sleeping pad and/or blankets and pillow
- Personal flashlight & headlamps
- Disinfectant supplies, hand sanitizer, soap, cloth face coverings
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Soap, or you may choose to purchase body wipes for quick wipe downs instead
- Feminine hygiene products
- Cell phones chargers/backup battery
- Extra sets of clothes suitable for the season
- Extra socks and sturdy shoes
- Food or snacks (72+ hours worth)
- Books or magazine
- Prescription medications, eyeglasses
- Important documents
Pets Welcome As Charlotte County Hurricane Shelters Open
If you have a pet and will be sheltering with them, please remember to pack these items.
- Medications
- Pet care items
- Pet food and water (at least two weeks worth)
- Proper identification
- Medical records/microchip info/vaccination papers
- A carrier or cage
- Muzzle and leash
- Water and food bowls
Be sure to check out our 2024 Hurricane Guide for more important information. In it you will find even more useful tips for evacuating and preparations in general. You will also have access to important phone numbers after the storm passes.
For more Hurricane Milton information, call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000.
