Tropical Storm Idalia: Voluntary evacuation recommendation issued

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Tropical Storm Idalia: Voluntary evacuation recommendation issued
BEACON PHOTO/BARB SHEPHERD<br> Crowded gas pumps at 7-Eleven on W. New York Ave., in DeLand in preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia

Volusia County has issued a voluntary evacuation recommendation beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29. People who live in RVs, mobile homes, or low-lying areas may wish to find accommodations with friends or family members. People in these high-risk areas may use public shelters as a site of last resort.

Beachfront residents who were impacted by significant coastal erosion during Hurricane Ian or Nicole, and have not completed necessary protective measures, are encouraged to seek safe shelter.

Shelters

Volusia County and the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County will open shelters at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, at these locations:

  • Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3150 E. New York Ave., DeLand (general population and pets)
  • Hester Building, Volusia County Fairgrounds (individuals who lack permanent housing)
  • Florida Department of Health, 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach (special needs shelter)

Additionally, the Bridge at the Neighborhood Center of West Volusia, 421 S. Palmetto Ave., DeLand, will open to the community at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30. Clients may remain inside throughout the day and may stay at the shelter overnight into Thursday morning.

All shelters will accept pets. Those staying with their pets must bring necessary pet items and supplies, including aleash, cage or crate, dog bowl, water, and food.

Special needs shelters are not for isolation patients or people who need 24-hour dedicated care, a hospital bed, ventilator, or other complex care. These individuals should discuss other shelter arrangements with their physician or home health service provider or caregiver. Only one caregiver will be admitted for each patient.

Evacuees may need to stay at a shelter for 24 to 72 hours during an emergency. Since space is limited, only take essential items. Avoid bringing valuables; shelters are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Necessary items include:

  • Special dietary food, snacks or comfort food, and water or other non-alcoholic beverages
  • Bedding
  • Ear plugs
  • Extra clothing
  • Medications and medical supplies
  • Oxygen supplies or arrange with your oxygen company to deliver to the designated special needs oxygen shelter
  • Toiletry items
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Diapers, infant and elderly/disabled necessities
  • Time occupiers such as books, magazines, games or cards

Volusia County beaches

Volusia County beaches will close to vehicular traffic Tuesday afternoon. These will be rolling closures. As toll booths are removed, entry will be prohibited in those locations. The beach access ramps will remain closed throughout Wednesday. County staff will work quickly to assess damage before reopening the beaches.

All coastal parks will close at the end of day Tuesday.

For real-time updates, download the Volusia Beaches App.

Closures and cancellations

  • SunRail will suspend service tonight until further notice. For additional information, visit https://www.sunrail.com.
  • The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s public hearing regarding the Tomoka/Ford Marsh property, originally scheduled for Aug. 29, has been postponed due to Tropical Storm Idalia. A new time and date will be announced.
  • The Florida Department of Transportation is postponing an Aug. 31 meeting regarding plans for safety improvements on South Ridgewood Avenue at the intersection of Marion Avenue in Edgewater. Information is available at https://www.cflroads.com/project/992200-2. The meeting will be rescheduled, and the new date will be announced.
-Pat Kuehn

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