Hernando County Mandatory Evacuations have been issued for all areas west of US 19, which includes evacuation zones A, B, and C.  All residents living in coastal and low-lying areas, as well as manufactured homes county wide, are included. Residents are advised to seek safe shelter with family or friends that reside in a safe structure. If this is not a possibility, a public shelter will open at 9 a.m. today Tuesday September 27, 2022 at the below address for residents in these areas.

Challenger K-8 – Special Needs, 13400 Elgin Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34609

***If you are needing the Special Needs Shelter and have a pet, transportation from either your house or shelter location for your pet is done through Animal Control with Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. Please call Hernando County Public Information Center at  352-754-4083 to arrange pick up.***

Hernando County Pet-Friendly General Population Shelters

• The Mining Association Enrichment Center – General Population and Pet Friendly, 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34601
• Explorer K-8 – General Population and Pet Friendly, 10252 Northcliffe Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34608

Pet Friendly Shelter Tips

Hernando County Animal Services tips for Pet Friendly Sheltering during declared emergencies. Our citizens and their animals are housed in separate sections of the designated shelter(s). Designated shelters are typically Hernando County Schools. Animals will be housed in crates in a different location than where general population is located. If you need to seek shelter with your pet during a declared emergency the following list will help you be prepared:

• Bring your own appropriately sized crate (County resources are limited)
• Bring all your dogs required medications
• Bring several days’ worth of your animals’ food
• Ensure your dog is current on all vaccinations
• Bring your own leash and collar. Ensure your dog is trained to walk on a leash
• Bring any toys and/or bedding that will make your animal comfortable.
• If your animal is fearful or shy, bring sheets to cover the crate while still allowing airflow.
• If you bring a crate place something unique on it to distinguish it from others.
• Understand that your animal will not be housed in the same section as you; however, you will have access to your animal.
• Do not buy different snacks or food for the animal that they are not accustomed to, this will often cause the animals to have digestive issues; particularly when they are already stressed.
• If your animal has any propensity to bite animals or humans, please obtain and utilize a muzzle.
• Bring spray cleaner, paper towels etc., to be able to clean your animal’s crate.

Hernando County Sandbag Locations

• Linda Pedersen Park, 6300 Shoal Line Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34609
• Anderson Snow Park, 1360 Anderson Snow Rd., Spring Hill, FL 34609 – *Enter through the service road between the park and the gymnastics place, the sand is located at the end.
• Ridge Manor Community Center, 34240 Cortez Blvd., Ridge Manor, FL 33523
• City of Brooksville DPW, 600 S Brooksville Ave., Brooksville, FL 34601

These self-serve sandbag sites will remain open until weather conditions begin to deteriorate. This is a self-serve sandbag site ONLY, please bring your own shovel.

Hernando County Government’s Office of Emergency Management continues to monitor and inform our community about storm impacts. Visit the following web and social media sites for more information.

• For the latest local conditions and a complete list of news alerts go to www.HernandoCounty.us/em
• Sign up to receive weather alerts at www.AlertHernando.org
• Follow us on Facebook @HernandoCoGov
• Follow us on Twitter @HernandoCoGov

Stay tuned as more information becomes available. Visit the Hernando County Emergency Management website at www.HernandoCounty.us/EM for all storm-related notices.

For questions or more information, please contact Hernando County’s Public Information Center at (352) 754-4083.