Need shelter from Hurricane Ian? Here's where to go in Polk County

Sara-Megan Walsh, The Ledger
·2 min read

As Polk County prepares for the potential impacts of Hurricane Ian, this is a list of shelters and emergency contacts for residents to get the latest updates on the storm and what services are available.

Emergency shelter locations

Polk's emergency shelters will open at noon Tuesday. Here is a list of the county's shelters:

  • Horizons Elementary School, 1700 Forest Lake Drive, Davenport

  • Sleepy Hill Elementary School, 2285 Sleepy Hill Road, Lakeland

  • R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School, 5500 Yates Road, Lakeland

  • Chain Of Lakes Elementary School, 7001 Hwy 653, Winter Haven

  • Mulberry Middle School, 500 SE Martin Luther King Jr Ave., Mulberry

  • Spessard Holland Elementary 2342 E.F. Griffin Road, Bartow

  • Auburndale High School,1 Bloodhound Trail, Auburndale

  • Citrus Ridge Academy, 1775 Sand Mine Road, Davenport

  • George Jenkins High School, 6000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland

  • Highlands Grove Elementary, 4510 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland

  • Kathleen High School, 1100 Red Devil Way, Lakeland

  • Lake Marion Creek Middle School, 3055 Lake Marion Creek Drive, Poinciana

  • Winter Haven High School, 600 6th St. SE, Winter Haven

Forecast: Hurricane Ian continues growing stronger. Path toward Florida shifts slightly east

School closures: Polk Public Schools closing at least Tuesday and Wednesday as shelters are activated

Shelters for those with special needs

The county's special needs shelters opened as of 7 a.m. Tuesday. These are designed to provide shelter or transportation for individuals with physical conditions dependent on electric-powered medical supplies. Here are the special needs shelters locations:

  • McKeel Academy, 1810 W. Parker St., Lakeland

  • Florida Department of Health Specialty Care Unit, 1255 Brice Blvd., Bartow

  • Ridge Community High School, 500 Orchid Drive, Davenport

Pet-friendly shelters

Three pet-friendly shelters will open at noon Tuesday. Pet owners must bring their animal's shot records, be in an airline-approved carry case or crate and pet food. These shelters can be found at:

  • Tenoroc High School, 4905 Saddle Creek Road, Lakeland

  • Lake Region High School. 1995 Thunder Road, Eagle Lake

  • Haines City High School. 2800 Hornet Drive, Haines City

Emergency Contacts

Polk County's Citizens Information Line has been activated at 863-401-2234 or toll-free 866-661-0228. The hotline will remain open to answer questions through the storm.

Have an update to this list, contact Sara-Megan Walsh at swalsh@theledger.com or 863-802-7545.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Hurricane Ian: Shelter locations, special needs, pet-friendly shelters