Governor Rick Scott is directing all public K-12 schools, state colleges, state universities and state offices to close Friday through Monday.

Governor Scott said in a statement Thursday night:

“Today, I am directing the closure of all public schools, state colleges, state universities and state offices for their normal activities effective Friday through Monday, to ensure we have every space available for sheltering and staging.”

“Floridians are facing a life-threatening storm in Hurricane Irma, and every family must prepare to evacuate. Our state’s public schools serve a vital role in our communities as shelters for displaced residents and staging areas for hurricane recovery efforts.”

“Closing public schools, state colleges, state universities and state offices will provide local and state emergency officials the flexibility necessary to support shelter and emergency response efforts.”

For detailed shelter information, visit www.fldoe.org/irma and www.floridadisaster.org/info.

More:Hurricane Irma: Despite preparations, there’s not enough fuel to meet public’s demand

More:Hurricane Irma: Damage in SW Florida depends on when storm turns north

More:Hurricane Irma path eyes South Florida community 25 years after Andrew's destruction

More:Hurricane Irma: Collier County to open eight hurricane shelters Friday afternoon