Four shelters will be opening Sunday afternoon and evening in advance of Tropical Storm Debby.
During an emergency briefing Sunday, county officials announced three general population and one special needs emergency shelters would be opening. The shelters will provide shelter and restroom facilities for individuals seeking refuge from Tropical Storm Debby and potential flooding.
The only items provided at shelters are cots for sleeping, water and limited food. Those planning to head to a shelter are asked to bring only the essentials they will need for sheltering.
Columbia County emergency shelters are not open to pets or animals. Firearms and alcohol are not permitted in public shelters. Due to limited space at emergency shelters, the county encourages individuals seeking shelter to first contact family and friends that have a safe and secure building structure, and request to stay as a guest during or after the storm.
The three general population shelters will be located at Winfield Community Center, 1324 NW Winfield St. in Lake City, Richardson Community Center, 255 NE Coach Anders Ln. in Lake City, and the Fort White Community Center, 17579 SW State Road 47 in Fort White.
The Winfield site is opening at 4 p.m. The other two general population shelters are opening at 6 p.m., as is a special needs shelter at Westside Elementary School, 1956 SW County Road 252B in Lake City.
Sandbags are still available at the following locations:
- Columbia County Public Works, 607 NW Quinten Street, Lake City
- Fort White Community Center, 17579 SW State Road 47, Fort White
- Southside Sports Complex, 1963 SW Bascom Norris Drive, Lake City
Sandbags are limited to 15 bags per vehicle. Pickup will be available until 5 p.m. Sunday or the beginning of the storms.
On Monday, Columbia County courts, schools, county government, sheriff administration and offices, Department of Health, Florida Gateway College, and City of Lake City government offices will be closed. Many employees and staff will be serving in emergency activation roles. Normal business operations will resume as possible on Tuesday with the exception of Libraries and Extension Office that will remain closed with plans to reopen Wednesday as of now.
The Lake City Council meeting scheduled for Monday night has been postponed.
Waste pickup service will not operate on Monday but will try to resume normal operations on Tuesday.
The Citizens Information Center (CIC) opened at noon Sunday and will remain open 24/7 throughout the duration of the storm. The hotline number is 386-719-7530. Non-emergency questions should be directed to the CIC.