Evacuation shelter opens in Hernando County as Hurricane Helene heads toward Florida
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As Hurricane Helene continues its trek in the Gulf, more residents in the Tampa Bay area are taking precaution. Evacuation shelters have opened up across the Tampa Bay area as Hurricane Helene barrels thru the Gulf toward Florida. West Hernando Middle School opened in Hernando County today, offering residents a place to stay safe. The shelter has food as well as kennels for pets, but residents will need to bring chairs, bedding, pillows, and all other necessities with them. Those with the shelter say they will remain open, taking in as many homeowners and pets as they can.
Evacuation shelters are open all along the coast for those evacuating their homes after being ordered to do so by county officials. In Hernando County, a shelter opened early Wednesday, with the goal of offering residents a place to stay safe from Helene. On a normal day, West Hernando Middle School would be home to students. But this week, it’s serving as Hernando County’s emergency evacuation shelter.