Media Release

​ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – The Alachua County Emergency Operations Center will move to a level 2 activation at 7 p.m. tonight (Friday, October 7, 2016). The center will be staffed overnight, and all emergency functions will be on call. Winds and rains can still be dangerous. Citizens are urged to exercise caution and stay safe.

Citizens can call the Alachua County 311 information and rumor control line for current information. Residents can also call the normal phone number 352-264-6557. These numbers cannot receive texts. Please use 911 for bona fide emergencies only. While voice calls are preferred, texting to 911 is available if needed. For non-emergencies call 352-955-1818.

There are currently 1200 homes without power in Alachua County. Those without power can call GRU at 352-334-2871, Duke Electric at 800-228-8485, Florida Power and Light 1-800-468-8243, or Clay Electric at 888-434-9844.

Important information from previous releases

People are encouraged to stay off the roads tonight. RTS bus service will begin regular operations at 6 a.m. on Saturday (October 8).

Our shelters remain open until further notice. We currently have 260 people in the three County shelters, two thirds of whom are from coastal communities. The general population shelters are located at Rawlings Elementary (3500 N.E. 15th Street, Gainesville), and the Easton Newberry Sports Complex (24880 N.W. 16th Ave, Newberry). Due to wind impacts on trees in the parking lot, those going to the Rawlings Elementary Emergency Shelter should park in the back grassy lot.

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.

Those sheltering with pets should bring their pets directly to emergency shelters. Depending on weather conditions, pets will be brought to the Animal Services Headquarters or will remain crated at the emergency shelter. Animals brought to the animal shelter can be picked up on Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Call 352-955-1818 to reach the on-call Animal Services Officer.

The special needs shelter is located at the Alachua County Senior Center (5701 N.W. 34th Blvd, Gainesville). The special needs shelter is for those with special medical needs, such as oxygen dependency.

he special needs shelter has cots available. Please be sure that you bring all medications, medical supplies, hygiene products, medical equipment (i.e. pumps, batteries, charges, A/C Adapters, etc.). If a person requires constant care, the appropriate caregiver is required come to the shelter and stay with the person requiring care.he special needs shelter has cots available. Please be sure that you bring all medications, medical supplies, hygiene products, medical equipment (i.e. pumps, batteries, charges, A/C Adapters, etc.). If a person requires constant care, the appropriate caregiver is required come to the shelter and stay with the person requiring care.

Please see the Special Needs Shelter Eligibility Guidelines for consideration of shelter types and accommodations.

View the National Weather Service in Jacksonville's latest briefing package for Hurricane Matthew.

esidents are also encouraged to stay informed about storm conditions by following Alachua County on esidents are also encouraged to stay informed about storm conditions by following Alachua County on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribing to the County's press releases.

For more information, contact Alachua County Communications and Legislative Affairs Director Mark Sexton at 352-264-6979.
For more information, contact Alachua County Communications and Legislative Affairs Director Mark Sexton at 352-264-6979.