Published: October 6, 2024

Bartow, Fla. (October 6, 2024) – Based on the current forecast and estimated arrival time of Hurricane Milton in Polk County, the following public shelters will be open at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8:

• Auburndale High School, 1 Bloodhound Trail, Auburndale
• Spessard Holland Elementary School, 2432 EF Griffin Road, Bartow
• Citrus Ridge Academy, 1775 Sand Mine Road, Davenport
• Horizons Elementary School, 1700 Forest Lake Dr., Davenport
• George Jenkins High School, 6000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland
• Highlands Grove Elementary, 4510 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland
• Kathleen High School, 1100 Red Devil Way, Lakeland
• R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School, 5500 Yates Road, Lakeland
• Sleepy Hill Elementary School, 2285 Sleepy Hill Road, Lakeland
• Mulberry Middle School, 500 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Mulberry
• Lake Marion Creek Middle School, 3055 Lake Marion Creek Dr., Poinciana
• Chain of Lakes Elementary School, 7001 Hwy. 653, Winter Haven
• Winter Haven High School, 600 6th St. SE, Winter Haven

Pet owners must bring shot records for their pets, an airline-approved carrier bag or crate, and pet food.

Special needs shelters will also open at 7 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, for residents with special and/or medical needs. Special needs housing is a temporary emergency facility capable of caring for residents whose medical conditions require the use of electrical equipment, oxygen or dialysis, or individuals with physical, cognitive or medical problems who may require the assistance of medical professionals require specialist personnel. Although special needs housing provides more care than general housing, they do not provide the level of care found in a medical facility.

The emergency shelters for special needs are located in: