10:22 a.m.
Officials stated that about 5,300 people have taken shelter at facilities in Charlotte, DeSoto and Sarasota counties. Of that, about 4,100 are in Sarasota County Schools buildings – along with about 700 pets.
“We do not want you staying in your home if you are anywhere near a body of water,” Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi said.
Time is starting to run low, but open shelters include:
CHARLOTTE COUNTY
• Babcock Ranch School Field House, 43281 Cypress Parkway, Babcock Ranch
• Kingsway Elementary School, 23300 Quasar Blvd., Port Charlotte
• Harold Avenue Recreation Center, 23400 Harold Ave., Port Charlotte
“Charlotte County Transit provides free rides to the four shelters now open,” it stated.
To get a ride, people must call by noon today at 941-833-4000.
DeSOTO COUNTY
• DeSoto County Middle School, 420 E Gibson St, Arcadia,
SARASOTA COUNTY
• Atwater Elementary School, 4701 Huntsville Ave., North Port.
• Booker High School, 3201 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota