Immigration status will not be checked at our shelters.
Due to anticipated worsening weather conditions (Tropical Storm and Hurricane force winds) Alachua County has issued a Mandatory Evacuation order for those living in mobile homes, manufactured homes, recreational vehicles, or homes which may not withstand hurricane force winds and those in flood prone areas. Please evacuate as quickly as possible.
These residents must evacuate and stay with friends, family, or in a hotel. Those considering using the emergency shelters, please remember that shelters are a choice of last resort.
All shelters are on a first come first served basis.
General population shelters do not provide cots or beds. Bring any needed bedding. When packing to go to a shelter, please bring special dietary foods, baby food, diapers (and other child necessities), prescription medications, a small cooler of ice if refrigeration is needed as the shelter cannot be responsible for your medications. Also bring spare clothing, personal care items (hygiene, toiletries, etc.), spare eyeglasses/contacts, and identification.
Current identified shelters and their opening times are as follows:
Archer Community School
14533 SW 170th St, Archer, FL
Open
General Population
Alachua Elementary School
13800 Northwest 152nd Place, Alachua, FL 32615
Open
General Population
Buchholz High School
5510 NW 27th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32606
Open
General Population
Chiles Elementary School
2525 School House Rd, Gainesville, FL 32608
Open
General Population
Kanapaha Middle School
5005 SW 75th St, Gainesville, FL 32608
Open
General Population
Meadowbrook Elementary School
11525 NW 39th Ave. | Gainesville, FL 32606
Open
General Population
Rawlings Elementary School
3500 NE 15th St, Gainesville, FL 32609
Open
General Population
Santa Fe High School
16213 US-441, Alachua, FL 32615
Open
General Population
Shell Elementary School
21633 65th Ave, Hawthorne, FL 32640
Open
General Population
Williams Elementary School
1245 SE 7th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32641
Open
General Population
Easton Newbery Sports Complex
24880 NW 16 Ave, Newberry, FL 32669
Open
General Population (No more pet room)
Alachua County Senior Center
5701 NW 34th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32653
Open
Special Needs
Waldo Community School
14450 NE 148th Ave, Waldo, FL 32694
Open
Pet-Friendly
Special Needs persons are citizens who require assistance that exceeds services provided at a general population shelters because of physical, mental, cognitive impairment, or sensory disabilities. Special needs shelters are intended to provide, to the extent possible under emergency conditions, an environment that can sustain an individual's level of health.
Residents are also encouraged to stay informed about major storm conditions by following Alachua County on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribing to the County's press releases.
The 311 Rumor Control phone number is now active (This is a call in, not text, phone number). Please use it to verify the most up to the minute information on Hurricane Irma. For life threatening emergencies call 911. For emergencies that are not life-threatening call 352-955-1818.