Hurricane Shelters Open In Sarasota & Charlotte Counties.

Authorities urge residents who must evacuate to first seek out a friend or family member in a safe area to stay with and only go to an evacuation shelter as a last resort. If you do go to a shelter, expect to have no privacy, limited space and no conveniences or luxuries.

If an evacuation is called for, and you do not evacuate, you will be without fire rescue, law enforcement or emergency medical support until winds and waters subside.

SARASOTA COUNTY SHELTERS:

  • Atwater Elementary School, 4701 Huntsville Ave., North Port (Pet-friendly shelter)
  • Heron Creek Middle School, 6501 West Price Blvd., North Port (Pet-friendly shelter)
  • North Port High School, 6400 West Price Blvd., North Port (Pet-friendly shelter)
  • Woodland Middle School, 2700 Panacea Blvd., North Port (Pet-friendly shelter)
  • Booker High School, 3201 North Orange Ave., Sarasota (Pet-friendly shelter)
  • Brookside Middle School, 3636 South Shade Ave., Sarasota (Pet-friendly shelter)
  • Fruitville Elementary School, 601 North Honore Ave., Sarasota (Pet-friendly shelter)
  • Gulf Gate Elementary School, 6500 South Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota (Pet-friendly shelter)
  • Phillippi Shores Elementary, 4747 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (Pet-friendly shelter)
  • Riverview High School, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota (Pet-friendly shelter)
  • Southside Elementary School, 1901 Webber St., Sarasota (Pet-friendly shelter)
  • Taylor Ranch Elementary School, 2500 Taylor Ranch Trail, Venice (Pet-friendly shelter)

CHARLOTTE COUNTY SHELTERS:

The following shelter locations will open Sept. 27 at 8 a.m.:

  • Kingsway Elementary School 23300 Quasar Blvd., Port Charlotte
  • Liberty Elementary School 370 Atwater St., Port Charlotte
  • Neil Armstrong Elementary School 22100 Breezeswept Ave., Port Charlotte
  • Harold Ave. Regional Park Recreation Center 23400 Harold Ave., Port CharlotteIf you choose to go a shelter you will need to bring supplies for each family member and pets (all Charlotte County shelters are pet friendly).  
    • Sleeping bag, sleeping pad and/or blankets and pillow
    • Personal Flashlight & Headlamps
    • Disinfectant supplies, hand sanitizer, soap, cloth face coverings
    • Toothbrush/Toothpaste
    • Soap – you may choose to purchase body wipes for quick wipe downs instead of soap
    • Feminine hygiene products
    • Cell phones chargers/ backup battery
    • Extra sets of clothes suitable for the season
    • Extra socks and sturdy shoes
    • Food or snacks (72+ hours worth)
    • Books or magazine
    • Prescription Medications, Eyeglasses
    • Important Documents

    If you will have pets, be sure to bring:

    • Pet Care Items
    • Pet food and water (at least two weeks’ worth)
    • Proper identification
    • Medical records/ microchip info/ Vaccination papers
    • A carrier or cage
    • Muzzle and leash
    • Water and food bowls
    • Medications