Hurricane Milton Update 6 - General Population and Special Needs Shelters Open; Uber Rides Available

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​​Alachua County does not expect a storm impact today. There is no need for local residents to shelter today. However, the County is opening shelters today to accommodate neighbors from the south who are evacuating.

Alachua County has opened three emergency shelters in response to Hurricane Milton, including two general population/pet-friendly shelters and one special needs shelter. 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.

General Population/Pet-Friendly Shelters:

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

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 Shelter:

• Alachua County Senior Recreation Center
  5701 NW 34th Blvd., Gainesville

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: rYb19PkolMp
(Up to $35 each way to/from Alachua County shelters and Grace Marketplace)

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

311 Emergency Information Line:

The 311 Emergency Information Line (or 352-264-6557 if 311 is unavailable in your area) is now active for storm-related questions and rumor control. For true emergencies, please call 911.

Stay Informed:

Toreceive critical updates, residents can sign up for text alerts by texting ALACHUA to 888-777. For the latest storm track, updates, and real-time weather developments, follow the Alachua County Facebook page or visit the Alachua County Ready website.

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

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