Hurricane Milton Update 8 – MLK Shelter Closed

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The MLK Center shelter is full. The General Population/Pet-Friendly shelter at the Easton-Newberry Sports Complex, 24880 NW 16th Ave., Newberry, has plenty of capacity, as does the Special Needs Shelter at the Alachua County Senior Recreation Center, 5701 NW 34th Blvd., Gainesville.

We encourage residents impacted by the storm to seek alternative housing with friends, family, or short-term rentals. Shelters are intended as a last resort.

Please note that general population shelters do not provide cots or beds. Residents are advised to bring their own bedding and essential supplies, including:

• Special dietary foods, baby food, diapers, and other child necessities
• Prescription medications (with a small cooler for refrigeration if needed)
• Spare clothing, personal hygiene items, and spare eyeglasses or contacts

Residents with pets should bring:

• Basic pet supplies (collars, leashes, crates, carriers, towels, blankets, medications, food)
• Veterinary records indicating vaccinations (animals without such records will be vaccinated upon intake)

Alachua County Animal Resources will have supplemental supplies on hand. For everyone's safety, animals must remain properly restrained throughout their stay.

Special needs shelters will provide one cot per patient, though we cannot guarantee cots for caregivers. Residents should bring their own bedding, prescription medications, dietary foods, spare clothing, personal care items, and identification. For transportation assistance to the special needs shelter, please call 352-955-2575.

View shelter information with an interactive shelter map.

Free Uber Rides to Shelters:

Alachua County has partnered with Uber to provide free rides to and from shelters, ensuring no resident is left behind due to transportation challenges. To access this service:

1. Open the Uber app
2. Go to the account tab and tap "Wallet"
3. Add promo code: rYb19PkoIMp
(Up to $35 each way to/from Alachua County shelters and Grace Marketplace)

Alternatively, visit Uber Ride Promo to redeem your free ride.

Stay updated on real-time weather developments by texting "Alachua" to 888-777 and following the Alachua County Facebook page. The Alachua County Ready website is also a valuable resource for storm information.

For the latest storm track and updates, click here.

Sign up for text alerts by texting the word ALACHUA to 888-777 to stay fully informed of any disaster-related information related specifically to Alachua County.

For more information, contact Alachua County Communications Director Mark Sexton at 352-264-6979 or [email protected].

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