Shelter space still available at Easton in Newberry and the special needs shelter; Uber code now worth $55
Press release from Alachua County
Updated at 4 p.m. on Oct. 9 to increase the Uber ride code from $35 to $55
ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – The Shelter at the MLK Center in Gainesville is full.
The General Population/Pet-Friendly shelter at the Easton-Newberry Sports Complex (24880 NW 16th Ave., Newberry) has plenty of capacity, as does the Special Needs Shelter at the Alachua County Senior Recreation Center (5701 NW 34th Blvd).
Previous information:
Gainesville.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.
Alachua County does not expect storm impacts today. There is no need for local residents to shelter today. However, the County is opening shelters today to accommodate neighbors from the south who are evacuating.
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.
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:
- Open the Uber app
- Go to the account tab and tap “Wallet”
- Add promo code: rYb19PkoIMp (capital “i” not lower-case L)
- (Up to $55 each way to/from Alachua County shelters and Grace Marketplace)
Alternatively, visit Uber Ride Promo to redeem your free ride.
The state of Florida is also offering free Uber rides with the code MILTONRELIEF.
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.
Stay Informed:
Stay updated on real-time weather developments by texting “Alachua” to 888-777 and following the Alachua County Facebook page. The Alachua County Ready website is also a valuable resource for storm information.
THIS IS A F***ING JOKE, ALACHUA CO CAN BUILD A MULTIMILLION DOLLAR COMPLEX BUT NOT PROVIDE COTS, SLEEPING BAG OR BARE ESSENTIAL IN THE WAKE OF A NATURAL DISASTER TO ITS CITIZENS. OR FOR THAT MATTER NOT OPEN THIS AS A SHELTER.
It has been discussed in several Board meetings that buying and storing that many cots is cost-prohibitive. Also, if you look at other Counties, including the “Red” Counties, they do not provide cots or bedding. Shelters generally just provide meals and water. Shelter are a last resort for people who cannot stay with family.
Invest in a sleeping bag.