HURRICANE IRMA – INFORMATION EXCHANGE
In the interest of time, we are asking members to contact their local probation office and Sheriff’s department to find out what provisions are being made for Registered Sex Offenders and Predators in each County/City.
Since registrants are excluded from most emergency shelters and a significant proportion of this population are homeless, we strongly advise against waiting until the last minute to seek shelter.
We need at least one volunteer in each county to post the information in the comments section below.
For your County’s Emergency Management Office: http://www.floridadisaster.org/county_em/county_list.htm
For a list of each County’s Sheriff’s Office/Sexual Offender Registration Office: https://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/Documents/REREGISTRATIONLOCATIONS.pdf
*** NOTE – PLEASE POST ONLY COUNTY HURRICANE INFORMATION***
***comments that do not contain factual information will be deleted ***
LAKE COUNTY
Much like many of the other counties in Central Florida, they will turn you away from all shelters in the county. They will have space at the Lake County Jail (Main Jail) in Tavares. They said they WOULD put you in your OWN pod (CELL) but you will be locked in for the entire time and subject to all the rules as if you were a prisoner. You must show up with your ID in hand, and you can NOT come and go as you please.
Lake County Jail
551 W Main St
Tavares, FL 32778
PINELLAS COUNTY
The Continental Inn at 12810 US Hwy 19N, Clearwater, FL 33764 provides long-term housing for registered citizens, and DOES have limited space for shelter during Irma. Please call them first to confirm that they have space, as they are trying to accommodate anyone who needs shelter during this time. The office number is: 727-346-3350.
We have also heard from the SPOT officer who oversees the Palace MHP here in Pinellas Cy that they are not enforcing the mandantory mobile home evacuation, particularly for folks who have nowhere else to go… however if you do have family, friends, etc. that you can stay with, they are encouraging people to act safely, as a mobile home is a last resort for shelter during this time. They cautioned everyone to check with their PO if they are on probation prior to leaving their registered address.
LAKE COUNTY
Much like many of the other counties in Central Florida, they will turn you away from all shelters in the county. They will have space at the Lake County Jail (Main Jail) in Tavares. They said they won’t put you in your own pod (CELL) but you will be locked in for the entire time and subject to all the rules as if you were a prisoner. You must show up with your ID in hand, and you can NOT come and go as you please.
Lake County Jail
551 W Main St
Tavares, FL 32778
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
The only choices RSO’s have are to stay home, with friends and family or to report to the County Jail visitation area according to Michelle Bell. No pets.
Okeechobee Sheriff Office
Sheriff’s Department
504 NW 4th St
If on probation follow PO’s orders.
MARION COUNTY
The only place a registrant can seek shelter is the Marion County Jail.
Hillsborough County Evacuation Shelter Website Quotation:
Homeless Sexual Offenders/Predators
If you are in need of shelter during a hurricane evacuation, please note that you will not be able to seek shelter at any evacuation shelter that is located at a school, and that any restrictions on your whereabouts remain intact. Some non-school based shelter sites may be able to provide shelter, at the discretion of the shelter director. You are encouraged to find a private alternative you can evacuate to if needed. If you are unable to locate such an alternative, you may contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) at their toll free number, 1-888-357-7732, to explore other evacuation options.
CALL THEM BEFORE YOU BOTHER GOING TO A SHELTER !!!!