To keep up with the latest track of Milton, click here.
Update: Tuesday 6:15 p.m.
Charlotte County has now order evacuations for zone C, which is yellow. This is in addition to zones A, B, mobile and manufactured homes. The barrier islands are included in zone A.
Charlotte County Fire Station 10 is also required to evacuate as well. No helicopters will be available during the storm.
Update: Tuesday 4:45 p.m.
Finding gas in North Port is becoming more difficult. However, the state says it's working to expedite refuels.
In Gov. Ron DeSantis' latest update, he said at least 43 fuel trucks were given police escort to get to stations as soon as possible. He said more than 1.2 million gallons of gas and diesel are arriving today.
He also said the state has 268,000 gallons of diesel and 110,000 gallons of gasoline on standby.
Unfortunately, some stations are already wrapping pumps in plastic until Milton passes.
Others are already on cash only and set to close soon.
Update: Tuesday 2:57 p.m.:
Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell says "if you choose to stay, find yourself a permanent marker. Write your name, date of birth and next of kin on your arm so we know who you are and who to contact."
- The sheriff says federal and state resources are spread thin as people recover from Helene.
- Encourages people in evacuation zones to leave.
- "If you choose to stay, find yourself a permanent marker. Write your name, date of birth and next of kin on your arm so we know who you are and who to contact. This is no joke," Prummell said, repeating a statement the Taylor County Sheriff made ahead of Helene.
- More deputies will be out after the storm and they will be doubling shifts.
Update: Tuesday 12:26 p.m.:
NORTH PORT EVACUATIONS AND SHELTERS:
Sarasota County has issued evacuations for zones A, B and C, including manufactured homes, mobile and boat homes. Those who live in low-lying areas or have experienced flooding in the past should be prepared.
The following shelters are open:
- John Ringling Causeway, just west of Golden Gate Point in Sarasota
- Siesta Drive Bridge, 1400 Siesta Drive in Sarasota
- Stickney Point Road Bridge, 1512 Stickney Point Road in Sarasota
- Blackburn Point Swing Bridge, 733 Blackburn Point Road in Osprey
- Albee Road Bridge, 913 Albee Road in Nokomis
- Manasota Beach Road Bridge, 2055 Manasota Beach Road in Englewood
Update: Tuesday 11:27 a.m.
Charlotte County Public Schools has canceled school on Friday, October 11.
"Once the storm has passed, our dedicated teams will be working diligently to check every school to ensure it is safe for your children and our staff to return," the district said in a statement. "We promise to keep you informed every step of the way and will update you with a return date as soon as it’s safe to do so."
Update: Tuesday 9:35 a.m.
SHOREPOINT HEALTH EVACUATIONS
Shorepoint Health in Port Charlotte will transfer at-risk and critical patients to Physicians Regional Healthcare System in Naples. The emergency room will stay open.
Update: Tuesday 7:45 a.m.
Governor Ron DeSantis gave an update on state response to Hurricane Milton live from the state emergency operations center. He talked about fuel, the possibility for power outages, the threat of storm surge, shelters, and evacuations. Watch a portion of his news conference here:
"I JUST DON'T WANT TO PUT UP WITH IT NO MORE"
Fox 4's Alex Orenczuk met with people in Charlotte County who had damage in Hurricane Helene two weeks ago, and now are preparing for Milton. Watch his report here:
Update from Charlotte County Emergency Management (3:15 p.m.):
- The county could issue an evacuation for zone C, but this will depend on the storm surge, according to the emergency management director.
- About 75,000 to 80,000 people are under evacuation
Here are updates from the City of North Port (1:27 p.m):
- City offices are closed Tuesday, Oct. 8, until further notice.
- The Building and Planning division counters at City Hall are closed to the public now until after the storm to allow staff to prepare themselves and their families for hurricane impacts.
- The North Port City Commission declared a local state of emergency during its meeting Monday morning in response to Hurricane Milton's potential impacts. This proactive measure is a procedural step to allow the City to take protective actions and secure emergency funding for any necessary repairs.
As southwest Florida prepares for Hurricane Milton, Charlotte County Emergency Management has issued evacuation orders for residents in the red and orange zones, also know as Zones A and B. This evacuation also includes anyone living in mobile and manufactured homes. Remember, you only need to evacuate tens of miles, not hundreds.
FLOOD ZONES:
EVACUATION ROUTES:
SHELTERS:
If you choose to stay in Charlotte County, there are several shelters you can go to.
As of Monday morning, the Babcock Ranch School Field House at 43281 Cypress Parkway is open as well as the Harold Avenue Recreation Center, 23400 Harold Ave., in Port Charlotte
On Tuesday, the following locations will open at a time not yet announced:
- Kingsway Elementary School at 23300 Quasar Blvd., in Port Charlotte
- Liberty Elementary School at 370 Atwater St., in Port Charlotte
- Neil Armstrong Elementary School at 22100 Breezeswept Ave., in Port Charlotte
The county asks to bring the following supplies for you and your pets (all shelters are pet friendly):
- Sleeping bag, sleeping pad and/or blankets and pillow
- Personal flashlight & headlamps
- Disinfectant supplies, hand sanitizer, soap, cloth face coverings
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Soap – you may choose to purchase body wipes for quick wipe downs instead of soap
- 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
For pets, bring the following items:
- 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
- Medications
SCHOOL CLOSURES:
Charlotte County Public Schools has closed schools from Monday to Thursday.
