LAKE COUNTY – Lake County officials announced in a press release that they will be opening local shelters beginning Thursday morning at 7:00 am.
According to the release, Emergency Operations status will be elevated to a Level 1 – Full Activation at 7:00 am Thursday Morning. All Lake County shelters will be made available to anyone who needs shelter from Hurricane Matthew.
Residents can also call the Citizens Information Line at (352)253-9999 if they need emergency information. The Information Line will be open until 7:00 pm on Wednesday evening and will reopen at 7:00 am Thursday morning and remain open 24 hours a day until further notice.
A full list of shelters can be found HERE along with addresses and a legend showing which shelters can accommodate special needs. All Shelters are pet-friendly.
Officials ask that anyone going to a shelter to be sure to bring the following:
- Prescriptions and emergency medications
- Foods that meet unusual dietary requirements
- Identification to show residence is in affected area and important personal documents
- Extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies and other comfort items
- Supplies needed for children and infants, such as diapers, formula, and toys
- Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled
- Chargers for any electronic devices you bring with you
- Books, games and other ways to entertain your family and yourself
- Pets must be brought in a carrier that is marked with the owner’s name, address, and two phone numbers. Owners must have documentation of up-to-date rabies vaccinations for their pets. Owners are responsible for taking care of their pets. It is recommended pet owners bring minimal pet supplies, such as food and water, to a county public shelter.
Government offices will also close for normal operations on Friday. Below is a list of the following offices and agencies that will be closed:
- The Lake County Board of County Commissioners will be closed on Friday
- All Lake County schools are closed Thursday and Friday
- The Lake County Clerk of Court will close on Thursday at noon, and will be closed on Friday
- The Lake County Courthouse will close on Thursday at noon, and will be closed on Friday
- Lake County Library System Libraries will close on Thursday at noon, and will be closed on Friday
- Lake County parks will close on Friday at 5 p.m.
- The Lake County Extension will be closed on Friday
Sandbags will be available at self-serve county locations. There is a limit of 20 sandbags per household per day. Officials ask that you bring your own shovels. You can pick up your sandbags between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm at the following fire stations:
- Station 10: 23023 State Road 40, Astor
- Station 14: 42700 State Road 19, Altoona
- Station 53: 2505 Spring Lake Rd, Fruitland Park
- Station 110: 6234 County Road 561, Clermont
- Station 39: 31431 Walton Heath Ave., Sorrento
The City of Eustis is also offering sandbags at the Eustis Fire Station #22 located at 100 W. Norton Ave. Bags, shovels, and sand will be provided at the self-service fill location. Assistance is available if needed, You can pick up sandbags in Eustis between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm. Limit 20 per household.
The City of Clermont will offer sandbags from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Wednesday and Thursday at the Clermont Public Works Department located at 400 12th St. Bags, sand and shovels will be available.
Minneola Fire Department located at 307 Virginia St. will offer sandbags for the Minneola and surrounding areas as well. Residents are asked to bring their own shovels. Bags and sand are provided.
Due to possible high winds, Lake County residents are asked to keep their garbage containers in a secure location overnight. Garbage and yard waste collection will be suspended on Friday. Residents who normally receive garbage pickup on Friday will receive collection on Saturday between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm.
Lake County public transportation has also been affected. LakeXpress routes will be suspended until further notice. Lake County Connection paratransit trips have been canceled for Thursday and Friday.
To sign up for the latest emergency notifications, visit www.alertlake.com. For more information about Emergency Management, visit www.lakecountyfl.gov/emergency and follow Emergency Management at www.facebook.com/
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