Miami-Dade announces voluntary evacuations due to Hurricane Matthew

3 shelters, 1 pet-friendly shelter open in Miami-Dade

DORAL, Fla. – After declaring a state of emergency, Miami-Dade County Mayor announced Wednesday that those who live in mobile homes need to consider voluntary evacuations ahead of Hurricane Matthew.

Mayor Carlos Gimenez ordered three shelters and one pet-friendly shelter be open by 4 p.m. for anyone who does not feel safe facing the Category 4 storm in their homes on Thursday and Friday. 

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The shelters include Michael M. Krop Senior High School, Booker T. Washington High School and Robert Morgan High School.

Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez issued a voluntary evacuation order Wednesday afternoon for residents living in two mobile home locations.

The order affects those living in the Holiday Acres Mobile Home Park at 1401 W. 29th St., and the Winkly Binkly Mobile Home Park.

Gimenez's emergency precautionary plan also prompted the public evacuation bus pickup sites, which will be in effect unless wind speeds reach 39 mph. 

The state of emergency, Gimenez said, "will allow us to be reimbursed more easily by our federal partners." 

Gimenez said bridges will close at 8 p.m., and bulky waste will be collected Wednesday. He did not consider a boil-water order necessary.

"Simply open the tap," Gimenez said. "The water that we have is fine to drink."


 


About the Authors:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.