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3 shelters open in St. Lucie County with hurricane warning in effect for Milton

Treasure Coast High School gym can accommodate 1,500 people
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PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — While Hurricane Milton is still hundreds of miles away from Florida's coast, some residents are taking no chances and are already seeking shelter on the Treasure Coast.

The Treasure Coast High School gymnasium was set up as one of three shelters in St. Lucie County. By midday Tuesday, a few people had already decided to take shelter at the gym.

The doors officially opened to the county shelters at 2 p.m., and a handful of people were already outside waiting to go in.

Among them were Michelle Kushner who said she just wanted to keep herself and her son stay safe.

Michelle Kushner was among the St. Lucie County residents taking shelter from Hurricane Milton on Oct. 8, 2024.
Michelle Kushner was among the St. Lucie County residents taking shelter from Hurricane Milton on Oct. 8, 2024.

 
Kushner said as she watched the storm's path, she made up her mind a few days ago to go to a shelter.

"This is probably our third or fourth time coming here as a shelter," Kushner said. "Our street floods easily."

There is room for 1,500 people at the Treasure Coast High School gym.

In St. Lucie County, the Fenn Center in Fort Pierce is the special needs shelter.

Treasure Coast High School and Fort Pierce Westwood High Schools are both general population and pet-friendly shelters.

If you plan to bring your animal to the shelter, remember it is strictly for dogs and cats. While they do provide some crates, if you have a crate that your animal is comfortable with, bring that as well as any pet food and pet supplies.

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2024 STORM NAMES

Alberto

Beryl

Chris

Debby

Ernesto

Francine

Gordon

Helene

Isaac

Joyce

Kirk

Leslie

Milton

Nadine

Oscar

Patty

Rafael

Sara

Tony

Valerie

William

TERMS TO KNOW

TROPICAL STORM WATCH: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified coastal area within 48 hours.

TROPICAL STORM WARNING: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.

HURRICANE WATCH: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible somewhere within the specified coastal area. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

HURRICANE WARNING: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area. A hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.