Hurricane Helene: Citrus County updates & information

By FOX 13 News Staff
Updated  September 25, 2024 2:33pm EDT
FOX 13 News
Loading Video…

This browser does not support the Video element.

Press play above to watch FOX 13 News

    INVERNESS, Fla. - As Hurricane Helene works its way toward Florida, here's what people in Citrus County need to know. 

    Citrus County Evacuations: 

    Citrus County has ordered a mandatory evacuation for licensed skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities located in Zone A beginning Wednesday, September 25, at 8 a.m.

    Those living within evacuation Zone A or any structure countywide that is not capable of withstanding tropical storm force winds or greater are under a mandatory evacuation beginning Wednesday, September 25 at 2 p.m.

    READ: Citrus County preparing for worst storm threat in 100 years as Helene draws near

    Loading Video…

    This browser does not support the Video element.

    Citrus County braces for Hurricane Helene

    FOX 13's Regina Gonzalez reports.

    Citrus County Closings:

    Besides Citrus County schools, there are no closings to pass along at this time.

    Citrus County Shelters:

    • Central Ridge Elementary School (General Population) - 185 West Citrus Springs Blvd., Citrus Springs, FL 34434
    • Citrus High School (General Population) - 600 West Highland Blvd., Inverness, FL 34452
    • Forest Ridge Elementary School (Special Needs) - 2927 North Forest Ridge Blvd., Hernando, FL 34442
    • Renaissance Center(Pet Friendly) - 3630 W Educational Path, Lecanto, FL 34461

    For more information on shelters, click here.

    Citrus County Sandbags:

    According to county officials, all sites will stay open for self-service 24 hours a day, seven days a week while supplies last.

    • Homosassa Recreation Park, 4210 S Grandmarch Ave, Homosassa
    • Bicentennial Park,501 N Baseball Point, Crystal River
    • Floral Park, 9530 S Parkside Ave, Floral City
    • Old Hernando Elementary School, 2435 N Florida Ave, Hernando

    Sand and bags will be provided. 

    Staff will be on-site to help residents during the following hours:

    • Tuesday – 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Wednesday – 7: 30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

    Citrus County Schools:

    Citrus County schools will be closed on Thursday and Friday. 

    The Citrus County Sheriff's Office decided to open shelters starting Wednesday, September 25 at 2 p.m. Because some of the schools are used as hurricane shelters, all schools will be closed after the scheduled half-day on Wednesday, September 25.

    READ: Gov. Ron DeSantis warns of ‘significant’ storm impacts in Florida

    After-school programs and extracurricular activities are canceled beginning Wednesday through Friday, September 27.

    The YMCA before and after-school programs will follow this schedule as well.

    Citrus County more Information:

    Click here for more information from Citrus County Emergency Management.

    County-by-County

    LINKS: