Mandatory evacuations begin for areas of Hendry County

LABELLE, Fla. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for parts of Hendry County as Hurricane Irma approaches.

Residents will be required to leave at 8 a.m. Friday in the City of Clewiston, Hookers Point, Harlem, Flaghole, Montura Ranch Estates and the communities located within the Mid-County MSBU which includes Ladeca, Pioneer Plantation and Leon-Dennis Subdivision (Al Don Farming Road).

Hendry County is providing transportation for those living in mandatory evacuation areas who are unable to evacuate to a shelter, according to a county press release.

People can be picked up in the Clewiston commerce park area, across from the Hendry County Health Department on the west side of Olympia Street, officials said.

This transportation is for evacuees in the mandatory evacuation zone who do not have the means to evacuate on their own, according to officials. Those with the means to transport themselves should do so and allow others in need to use the transportation.

The following shelters will be available at 8 a.m. Friday in Hendry County:

• LaBelle Middle School, 8000 E. Cowboy Way in LaBelle (no pets)
• Labelle High School 4050 E. Cowboy Way in LaBelle (no pets)
• Country Oaks Elementary School 2052 NW Eucalyptus Blvd. in LaBelle (no pets)
• A special needs shelter will open at West Glades School at 2500 South County Road 731 in LaBelle

None of the shelters listed above are pet friendly.

There will be no shelters activated in Clewiston.

For more information, call the Hendry County hotline at 863-674-5410.