Florida is not messing around with sexual predators, especially in storms like Hurricane Milton. In Flagler County, they must stay at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Division during the storm. They are not allowed to seek shelter at regular shelters. During Hurricane Donan in 2019, a similar policy was put into place.
Shelter Policy for Sexual Predators
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly announced a critical policy move in response to Hurricane Milton, targeting those individuals identified as sexual offenders. These individuals are instructed to utilize the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility for shelter rather than the county’s regular emergency facilities. This decision aims to ensure the safety of other evacuees, particularly families with children, who will be present in conventional shelters.
Flagler County learned from previous experiences, notably Hurricane Dorian in 2019, reinforcing this policy due to public safety concerns. Similar actions have been observed in other counties, such as Marion County, where specific shelters are reserved for registrants. This approach serves to prevent conflicts and potential dangers in emergency scenarios.
It is now officially Hurricane #Milton.
10/6 – 2 p.m. update https://t.co/I7Npq1XK7X
— Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (@FlaglerSheriff) October 6, 2024
Statewide Hurricane Preparations
The impending landfall of Hurricane Milton has kept Florida officials on high alert. Governor Ron DeSantis, alongside state authorities, has been proactive in issuing safety updates and preparedness plans to brace citizens for the upcoming storm. Multiple emergency resources and operations have been activated, including the State Emergency Operations Center at Level 1 readiness.
Efforts include opening close to 150 shelters, catering to thousands fleeing the areas most likely to be affected by the hurricane. The operation mobilizes across state agencies, ensuring the distribution of essential resources and taking measures such as fuel station readiness and traffic management along evacuation routes. This cohesive response embodies Florida’s resilient spirit in the face of adversity.
🇺🇸FLORIDA SHERIFF BANS SEX PREDATORS FROM SHELTERS DURING HURRICANE MILTON🇺🇸
As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, Sheriff Rick Staly has banned all sex predators from emergency shelters, instead relocating them to the county jail.
During a press conference on Wednesday,… pic.twitter.com/bs3BD0tUHv
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 10, 2024
Impact and Enforcement Measures
The safety mandates come with strict legal obligations, compelling sex offenders to adhere to precise guidelines during evacuations. Florida’s 2018 law enforces strict registration requirements for those who evacuate, demanding updated temporary addresses and identification within specified time frames. Non-compliance triggers legal penalties, highlighting the gravity with which these regulations are treated.
As Hurricane Milton draws near, its predicted path includes Florida’s west-central coastal regions, invoking a state of emergency declaration, affecting over fifty counties. Residents are urged to heed local advice and remain vigilant of safety protocols. With the storm promising severe weather impacts, proactive actions at all levels remain imperative.
