Hurricane Warning - Mandatory Evacuation West of US-19

HERNANDO – The National Weather Service has issued a Hurricane Warning from Franklin County, south to Manatee County, which includes, Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties.

Officials with Hernando County Emergency Management held a press conference this morning to provide an update on what is expected to be Hurricane Idalia by the time it reaches our area.

Officials say a mandatory evacuation will go into effect tomorrow morning and they urge anyone living in a low-lying area or a mobile home to evacuate as well.

Idalia is expected to become a category 3 hurricane that will produce a storm surge of 6' – 9' feet.

Officials say the worst of the storm will impact the area overnight on Wednesday, making rescues more difficult for first responders.

Here is a list of shelter locations that are open now:

West Hernando Middle School – Special Needs

14325 Ken Austin Pkwy.,

Brooksville

D. S. Parrott Middle School – General Population and Pet Friendly

19220 Youth Dr.,

Brooksville

Nature Coast High School

4057 California Street

Brooksville

Hernando High School

700 Bell Ave

Brooksville

If you are in need of a Special Needs Shelter and have a pet, transportation from either your house or shelter location for your pet is done through Animal Control with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. Please call the Hernando County Public Information Center (PIC) at 352-754-4083 to arrange pick up. The PIC will open at 8 am on Monday, August 28, 2023.

Here is a list of sandbag locations that are open now:

Linda Pedersen Park

6300 Shoal Line Blvd.

Spring Hill, FL 34609

Anderson Snow Park

1360 Anderson Snow Rd.

Spring Hill, FL 34609

Ridge Manor Community Center

34240 Cortez Blvd.

Ridge Manor, FL 33523

City of Brooksville DPW (open 24/7)

600 S Brooksville Ave.

Brooksville, FL 34601

We will continue to bring updates as they develop.