Hurricane Milton Update - Updated at 11:02 am 10/09/2024

Updated at 1:02 pm 10/08/2024

The City of Newberry has issued a Local State of Emergency in preparation for Hurricane Milton. Residents are urged not to dismiss this storm. Take precautions now to ensure the safety of your family and property. Make sure your hurricane kits and emergency plans are ready.

Office Closure

All city offices will be closed beginning at noon on Wednesday (10/8) and will remain closed on Thursday (10/9) .

Sand Bags

Sand and sandbags are available at the public works compound (120 NW 260th Street). Bring your own shovel. Sand and bags are first come, first served.

Solid Waste Collection

Due to the potential impacts of Milton and the County's closure of the transfer stations, solid waste collection for Wednesday and Thursday will be postponed. Wednesday and Thursday's collection will be made up on Friday. 

Shelters

Alachua County has opened three emergency shelters in response to Hurricane Milton, including two general population/pet-friendly shelters and one special needs shelter. We encourage residents impacted by the storm to seek alternative housing with friends, family, or short-term rentals. Shelters are intended as a last resort.

General Population/Pet-Friendly Shelters:

Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center
1028 NE 14th St., Gainesville

Easton-Newberry Sports Complex
24880 NW 16th Ave., Newberry

Please note that general population shelters do not provide cots or beds. Residents are advised to bring their own bedding and essential supplies, including:

Special dietary foods, baby food, diapers, and other child necessities

Prescription medications (with a small cooler for refrigeration if needed)

Spare clothing, personal hygiene items, and spare eyeglasses or contacts

Residents with pets should bring:

Basic pet supplies (collars, leashes, crates, carriers, towels, blankets, medications, food)

Veterinary records indicating vaccinations (animals without such records will be vaccinated upon intake)​

Alachua County Animal Resources will have supplemental supplies on hand. For everyone’s safety, animals must remain properly restrained throughout their stay.

Special Needs Shelter:

Alachua County Senior Recreation Center
5701 NW 34th Blvd., Gainesville

Special needs shelters will provide one cot per patient, though we cannot guarantee cots for caregivers. Residents should bring their own bedding, prescription medications, dietary foods, spare clothing, personal care items, and identification. For transportation assistance to the special needs shelter, please call 352-955-2575.

View shelter information with an interactive shelter map​.

Free Uber Rides to Shelters:

Alachua County has partnered with Uber to provide free rides to and from shelters, ensuring no resident is left behind due to transportation challenges. To access this service:

1. Open the Uber app
2. Go to the account tab and tap "Wallet"
3. Add promo code: rYb19PkolMp
(Up to $35 each way to/from Alachua County shelters and Grace Marketplace)

311 Emergency Information Line

The 311 Emergency Information Line (or 352-264-6557 if 311 is unavailable in your area) is now active for storm-related questions and rumor control. For true emergencies, please call 911.

Special Needs Registry

Alachua County Emergency Management encourages those with special needs to register online for the Special Needs Registry Program. The Alachua County Special Needs Registry specifically targets individuals with certain physical or medical conditions and no options to shelter at home, with friends, family, or elsewhere during a disaster.

The Registry enables Alachua County Emergency Management and Alachua County Department of Health staff to coordinate needs with registrants in advance of tropical weather or other incidents requiring sheltering. 

Preparing for the storm

Residents are urged not to dismiss this storm. Take precautions now to ensure the safety of your family and property. Make sure your hurricane kits and emergency plans are ready.

The best way to stay up-to-date is to text the word ALACHUA to 888-777, follow the Alachua County Facebook page and visit the Alachua County Ready website.

 You should have your hurricane kits and plans in place if you haven’t already done so.

Some of those actions include, but are not limited to:

• Clearing items around your home that can be picked up by strong winds.
• Securing property in areas that are prone to flooding.
• Clearing tree limbs from around windows.
• Moving vehicles out from underneath trees.
• Ensuring everyone in your family is familiar with your disaster plan.
• Having a plan for prolonged power outages.
• Refilling prescription medications.
• Having a plan for your pets.
• Checking up on neighbors and those that you know may have special needs.
• Use Alachua.weatherstem.com to view weather stations that are near your home.
• Go to weather.gov/jax for the latest storm track and potential impacts.