Volusia County Announces Opening of Four Shelters, and Voluntary Evacuation Order for Barrier Islands, Mobile Homes.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

Volusia County Government has announced Saturday that a voluntary evacuation order for coastal Volusia County will be in effect Sunday, August 2, at 8 a.m.

“This evacuation order includes the barrier islands, mobile homes and RV Parks, and anyone who does not feel comfortable with where they are staying,” Said George Recktenwald County Manager at a press conference held at the Emergency Operations Center in Daytona Beach.

Bridges are set to close once sustained winds reach 39 MPH.

Four shelters will also be opening at 8 a.m. Sunday. Galaxy and Freedom Elementary will be two Special Needs Shelters, The Volusia County Fairgrounds will be a pet-friendly shelter, and Deland High School will be a general population shelter.

According to Jim Judge, Director of Emergency Management in the county, anyone with a positive test result for COVID-19, do not come to a shelter. “There are hotels on the west side of the county that will take COVID-19 Positive Residents that are evacuating,”

While the county advertised at the beginning of Hurricane Season that COVID-19 Shelters will be implemented they are not opening up any at this time.

Face Coverings must be worn while at the shelters. Frequent hand washing and social distancing will be practiced, and everyone will be given hand sanitizer.

“Bring something to do, sleep on, and some snacks,” Judge advised at the press conference. “Don’t come to a shelter hungry, eat before you arrive.”

Sheriff Chitwood joined the press conference virtually due to him quarantining himself due to COVID-19, and he urged residents to go out, and if they haven’t already, get prepared. “Complacency is deadly,” Chitwood warned.

The storm has wobbled west since yesterday’s update and will now be only 10-miles off of the coast.