Additional shelters opening this morning!

Fort Myers, FL, Oct. 8, 2024 - Lee County has announced additional shelters opened at 8 a.m. today in advance of the approach of Hurricane Milton.

Additional shelters are:

13820 Griffin Drive

Fort Myers, FL 33913

11000 Everblades Parkway

Estero, FL 33928

• Oak Hammock Middle School

5321 Tice St.

Fort Myers, FL 33905

• Tortuga Preserve Elementary School

1711 Gunnery Road N.

Lehigh Acres, FL 33971

• Treeline Elementary School

10900 Treeline Ave.

Fort Myers, FL 33913

• Varsity Lakes Middle School

801 Gunnery Road N.

Lehigh Acres, FL 33971

To view a video of Public Safety Director Ben Abes discussing the shelters, go to https://youtu.be/Dm9I3J1oVQE

On Monday, Lee County issued mandatory evacuation orders for Evacuation Zones A and B. People who live in mobile homes and manufactured homes are also part of the evacuation order. All shelters are pet-friendly; pets must be on leashes or in kennels.

Residents are encouraged to make more comfortable arrangements by staying with a friend or family member outside of the evacuation zones. Residents should plan to be in a safe location outside of the evacuation zones by tonight.

Shelters open since 3 p.m. Monday include:

3800 Edison Ave.

Fort Myers, FL 33916

9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd.

Estero, FL 33928

2125 DeNavarra Parkway

Cape Coral, FL 33909

Only these shelters listed are open.

Transportation is available to shelters. People can go to any LeeTran stop and advise the driver that they need to go to an open shelter. They will be taken to a transfer center and then to a shelter. LeeTran has suspended fares.

Residents with questions can call the Emergency Information Hotline at 2-1-1, or 239-433-3900.

Tolls on Lee County bridges - Cape Coral Parkway, Midpoint Bridge and the Sanibel Causeway - have been suspended.

Lee County asks that residents:

• Obey evacuation notices.
• Pack a go-bag with family and pet needs.
• Bring their own personal items and supplies if going to a shelter.
• Report blocked ditches, swales and canals.
• Know that where it rains, it can flood. Even if you are not in a flood zone, you could still be prone to flooding due to local drainage issues and existing saturated areas.
• Understand that even if you are not evacuated or in an evacuation zone, flooding can still occur. Be prepared for flood inundation.
• Be sure you are signed up for AlertLee. The link is at www.leegov.com/storm.

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter here: www.leegov.com/resources/newsletters. Follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc.

Additional information:

If you're heading to one of Lee County's shelters, you need to bring a Go Kit. Include a three-day supply of food, water and snacks. You'll also need a pillow and sleeping bag; folding chair; medications and eyeglasses; disinfectant wipes; toilet paper; a three-day supply of clothing; a sleep mask and earplugs; hygiene items; games or books; a phone charger or battery bank; and instant coffee or teabags.

Pets are allowed in all Lee County shelters, but you're responsible for bringing what they need. Pack your pet a Go Kit. Make sure there's a collar, leash and ID tags. Have a photo of you with your pet in case you become separated. Bring a crate or pet carrier. Include a week's worth of water; food and treats; clean-up supplies including waste bags for dogs and litter box with litter for cats; remember any medicine your pet needs. You can find out more about preparation at leegov.com/storm.

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