SEBASTIAN – As Hurricane Irma approaches Indian River County, officials have posted a few storm shelters that are open as of Saturday at 8:00 a.m.

Mandatory evacuations for Sebastian and Vero Beach has been posted, which include low lying areas, substandard housing, areas east of U.S. Highway 1, and the Barrier Island.

Hurricane Irma Shelters for Sebastian and Vero Beach are as follows:

Freshmen Learning Center

Oslo Middle

Sebastian River Middle

Fellsmere Elementary

Liberty Magnet (Pet-Friendly)

Treasure Coast Elementary

“A local state of emergency was declared by County Administrator Jason Brown at 1:00 PM today. All Indian River County Offices will be closed on Friday and Monday. Most banks and stores are closing Friday at noon. Voluntary evacuation orders are in effect for low lying areas, substandard housing and manufactured homes, and those who may be impacted by storm surge such as the barrier island and areas east of US 1. Mandatory evacuation for those areas will begin on Saturday at 8:00 AM. Emergency shelters will open on Saturday at 8:00 AM,” the Indian River County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) stated.

If you’re in Barefoot Bay, there are buses that will pick people up at 3:00 p.m. at Building A to take people to shelters. They require you to bring your supplies, medicines, blanket, cot, pillow, etc.

If you have a wood frame home, it is better to stay in one of the shelters available in Sebastian and Vero Beach during Hurricane Irma.

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