County Spanish-Speaking Employees Support Evacuees at North Florida Fairgrounds Shelter

County assures evacuees, "Estamos juntos en esto" – We are in this together.

As tens of thousands of people evacuated ahead of Hurricane Milton, a team of Leon County's Spanish-speaking employees provided vital language assistance to hundreds sheltering at the North Florida Fairgrounds. County employees worked around the clock to create a welcoming and safe environment for Spanish speakers from Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and other areas.

To meet the needs of Spanish-speaking evacuees, the team staffed the shelter throughout the night and will continue to do so as evacuees return home. Their presence ensured evacuees received critical information about the storm, assistance with the check-in process, and essential care during this uncertain time.

Leon County will continue partnering with the American Red Cross and other community organizations to support evacuees as Hurricane Milton moves through the region. The County is committed to serving all residents by making vital resources and assistance accessible to everyone, especially in times of crisis.

The County has already deployed personnel, communications assets, and other resources to support the immediate response to Hurricane Milton. In the weeks and months ahead, the County will continue to coordinate with the State for any additional critical assistance.

For updates on Leon County's emergency response efforts and shelter information, visit the County's Emergency Information Portal at www.LeonCountyFL.gov/ei .

Important Resources for Evacuees Considering Returning Home

Before returning to your neighborhood, consider these resources to determine if the area is "reasonably safe":

• State Assistance Information Line: Call 1-800-342-3557 for information on disaster assistance and updates.
• Florida 511: Visit https://fl511.com to check for any road or bridge closures that may prevent access to your neighborhood.
• County Emergency Management Agency: Contact your County Emergency Management Agency for local updates. Visit https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/counties/ for a list of county emergency management websites.
• Utilities Provider: Check the status of electricity for your home by contacting your utilities provider. Use the "Search Utility by Name" feature on the Florida Public Service Commission website: https://www.psc.state.fl.us/find-utility.

If you return home and find that your property has sustained damage, consider contacting the Red Cross for shelter options within your community. The Red Cross Shelter Map is available at: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html.
 

For more information, contact Leon County Community and Media Relations at CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.

County employees (left to right) Cameron Williams and Melissa Silva-Harris

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