Samuel Wurzelbacher, Celebrated as ‘Joe the Plumber,’ Dies at 49
August 29, 2023Idalia Threatens to Stir Up Lake Okeechobee’s Toxic Algae Blooms
August 29, 2023More than 20 counties in western and Central Florida have issued evacuation orders as Hurricane Idalia approaches, including parts of Tampa, the state’s third-largest city.
Each county in Florida has its own website that residents can check for the recommended level of preparation. Here is the latest, as of 5 a.m. Eastern time on Tuesday. Evacuation orders could be expanded as the storm nears the coast.
Baker County, west of Jacksonville, issued a voluntary evacuation order for low-lying and flood-prone areas and for mobile homes.
Citrus County, north of Tampa, ordered a mandatory evacuation for all areas west of U.S. Highway 19 and several sections east of the highway. A list of evacuation zones, emergency shelters and additional resources can be found here.
Dixie County, west of Gainesville, issued a voluntary evacuation order for all residents.
Franklin County, southwest of Tallahassee, issued a mandatory evacuation for all those on the barrier islands, in low-lying areas, in mobile homes and in recreational vehicle parks starting at 6 a.m. Tuesday.
Gilchrist County, west of Gainesville, issued a voluntary evacuation order for all low-lying areas and mobile homes.
Gulf County, southeast of Panama City, ordered mandatory evacuations for visitors on Cape San Blas north of the Stump Hole, and people in recreational vehicles along County Road 30 and U.S. Route 90 from the Franklin County border to Mexico Beach — including all of Cape San Blas, Simmons Bayou, Indian Pass, Highland View, and St. Joe Beach. It also issued voluntary evacuations for Indian Pass and low-lying areas.
Hernando County, north of Tampa, ordered voluntary evacuations of all areas west of U.S. Highway 19, including all residents living in coastal and low-lying areas, and those in manufactured or mobile homes, starting at 7 a.m. Tuesday.
Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa, ordered mandatory evacuations for coastal areas. Residents can use an online tool to see their evacuation status. A list of shelters is available here, and you can sign up for emergency alerts here.
Jefferson County, east of Tallahassee, ordered the voluntary evacuation of mobile homes, recreational vehicles and low-lying areas that are prone to floods. There were no shelters open in the county, according to the sheriff’s office.
Lafayette County, northwest of Gainesville, issued a mandatory evacuation order for all residents living in mobile homes, travel trailers and “structurally compromised housing.”
Levy County, southwest of Gainesville, ordered the mandatory evacuation of all residents in recreational vehicles, mobile homes, manufactured homes, coastal communities and low-lying areas by Tuesday at 4 p.m.
Madison County, east of Tallahassee, issued a voluntary evacuation order for residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas, mobile homes, travel trailers, recreational vehicles and “structurally compromised housing.”
Manatee County, which is south of St. Petersburg and includes Bradenton, ordered the mandatory evacuation of some areas and of all mobile or manufactured homes and recreational vehicles, and voluntary evacuations for others, effective at 2 p.m. on Monday. Residents can find their evacuation level here and information about shelters here.
Marion County, just south of Gainesville, recommended evacuations for residents who live west of Interstate 75 in a mobile home, a recreational vehicle or those who require electricity for medical purposes.
Pasco County, just north of Tampa, ordered mandatory evacuations of certain areas and voluntary evacuations elsewhere. An interactive map of evacuation zones can be found here and a list of shelters here.
Pinellas County, which includes St. Petersburg and Clearwater, ordered the mandatory evacuation of some areas and of all mobile homes. Residents can check their evacuation zone here and find information about shelters here.
Sarasota County, which extends from Sarasota to Englewood, called for the evacuation of some areas. Residents can check their evacuation status here.
Suwannee County, in north-central Florida, ordered the mandatory evacuation of low-lying or flood-prone areas starting at noon Tuesday.
Taylor County, southeast of Tallahassee, issued a mandatory evacuation order for all coastal areas, mobile homes, travel trailers and “substandard housing.”
Union County, north of Gainesville, strongly encouraged all residents in mobile homes, low-lying areas and homes that are not structurally sound to evacuate.
Volusia County, which includes Daytona Beach, recommended a voluntary evacuation for people in recreational vehicles and in mobile homes and those in low-lying areas beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Wakulla County, just south of Tallahassee, issued voluntary evacuation order for coastal and low-lying areas, as well as mobile homes. Residents can check their evacuation zone here.
Claire Moses contributed reporting.
