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Alachua County: Idalia updates and emergency information

Updated  August 29, 2023 10:22am EDT
Ocala
FOX 35 Orlando

DeSantis: Idalia to be 'powerful' hurricane

Gov. Ron DeSantis is urging Floridians to prepare now as Tropical Storm Idalia is forecast to become a major hurricane before making landfall in Florida this week.

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. - Follow ongoing updates from Alachua County in response to Hurricane Idalia. 

You can get information directly from Alachua County Emergency Management here. 

Evacuations

An evacuation order is in place for those who live in mobile or manufactured homes or if you live in flood-prone areas. If you have flooded during previous storms, you need to evacuate. 

Shelters

Two general population shelters have opened up on Tuesday: 

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center: 1028 NE 14th St., Gainesville
  • Easton-Newberry Sports Complex: 24880 NW 16th Ave., Newberry

These shelters do not provide cots or beds. Bring any needed bedding. When packing to go to a shelter, please bring special dietary foods, baby food, diapers (and other child necessities), prescription medications, and a small cooler of ice if refrigeration is needed, as the shelter cannot be responsible for your medications. Also, bring spare clothing, personal care items (hygiene, toiletries, etc.), spare eyeglasses/contacts, and identification.

There is also a special needs shelter at the Alachua County Senior Recreation Center at 5701 NW 34th Blvd. in Gainesville. 

Special needs shelters provide one cot per patient. Caregivers are asked to bring any needed bedding in case cots are unavailable. When packing to go to a shelter, please bring special dietary foods and any prescription medications. Also, bring spare clothing, personal care items (hygiene, toiletries, etc.), spare eyeglasses/contacts, and identification.

School closures

Alachua County Public Schools said schools and district offices will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday. 

The University of Florida will close beginning at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 29 through Wednesday, Aug. 30.   All academic and student-related activities, including classes and exams, will also be canceled during that time.

Other closures

Alachua County Offices will be closed starting at 1 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. The decision to reopen will be based on the storm's impacts. 

Alachua County Animal Resources is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Sandbag locations

Wayside Park: 11855 US-441 (open Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to noon) – when site is closed, sandbags, sand and shovels will be available for self-serve

To receive all updates on County operations in response to Idalia, please text ALACHUA to 888-777

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