Due to the current projected path of Hurricane Irma, Marion County Emergency Management officials have issued a mandatory evacuation order for those living in mobile homes and modular-type homes within Marion County. Emergency Management officials urge those living in these type homes to be evacuated by 8 p.m. Saturday.
Those living in these homes should know that if they remain in these locations, that emergency personnel will not respond to their location until it is deemed safe to do so. Residents are encouraged to first seek shelter with family or friends living in a site-built home. If that option is not available, Marion County has several shelters listed below for residents to utilize.
General Population Shelters:
North Marion Middle School (2085 W Highway 329, Citra)
Fort McCoy School (16160 NE Highway 315, Fort McCoy) Lake Weir High School (10351 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala) Forest High School (5000 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala) Hammett Bowen Jr. Elementary (4397 SW 95th Street, Ocala)
Special Needs Shelters:
Belleview Middle School (10500 SE 36th Ave, Belleview FL) West Port High School (3733 SW 80th Avenue, Ocala)
Pet-Friendly Shelter:
Vanguard High School (7 NW 28th Street, Ocala)
Special needs individuals can contact the Citizens Information Line at 352-369-7500 to arrange transportation to a shelter, if necessary. Registered sex offenders and predators are required to report to the Marion County Jail for sheltering. There will be law enforcement presence at all shelters for extra security.
