PRESS RELEASEThe Hardee County Emergency Operations Center continues to monitor the track and intensity of Hurricane Wilma. At this time, the National Hurricane Center advises of a landfall on Florida's west coast on Monday morning with sustained winds between 45 - 55 mph and gust up to 65mph. The outer feeder bands of Hurricane Wilma have started to influence the county today. As with any tropical cyclone feeder band, there is a threat of isolated tornadoes. Flood impacts Projected area rainfall totals may range between 1 to 2 inches. All rivers in west central and southwest Florida are well below flood stage and no river flooding is expected at this time. Shelters THERE ARE NO SHELTERS OPEN AT THIS TIME! Wauchula Elementary and SFCC Hardee Campus (Special Needs Only) will be the first shelters to open at 6:00pm Sunday. These will be the only shelters opened until the need arises for more space. Recommended Evacuations are scheduled for Sunday 10/23 at 6:00pm for low-lying areas, mobile homes, R.V. and sub-standard homes. Recommended evacuations will be in effect Sunday afternoon. Hardee County has five shelters on standby. Wauchula Elementary will be the 1st shelter to open and 6:00pm Sunday 10/23 along with the special needs shelter at SFCC Hardee Campus. Remember, special needs clients need to be pre-registered. If you have not already registered, please call the Emergency Management office at 863-773-6373. If you are in a safe solid structure you are encouraged to stay there during the course of the storm. If you need to utilize a shelter remember to bring supplies for up to three days including; water, food, clothes, and personal hygiene items. Shelters are not pet friendly. Shelters locations are: * Wauchula Elementary School * North Wauchula Elementary * Hardee Jr. High Media Center * Zolfo Springs Elementary * South FL Comm. College (Special Needs Only) Hardee County Schools will be closed on Monday. SFCC Hardee campus has cancelled activities through Monday Hardee YMCA will be closed on Monday. Sandbags are available at the County Public Works on Hanchey Rd. Please monitor local TV and radio stations for updates and potential direction and effects of hurricane Wilma. Hardee County Emergency Operations Center will send updates notices when further decisions are made.
Hardee County schools closed, shelters to open
Hardee County schools will be closed on Monday. South Florida Community College has cancelled activities as of 5:00 pm Friday through Monday. Some shelters are scheduled to open Sunday evening.
