Polk Times

Congressman Scott Franklin has issued a communication to constituents in Florida's 18th district ahead of Hurricane Milton's expected landfall. The message aims to provide local emergency management updates and resources as the storm approaches.

"My team and I continue to monitor Hurricane Milton closely as it approaches Florida. As we prepare for the landfall tomorrow, I wanted to share local emergency management updates and resources," stated Congressman Franklin.

He emphasized the importance of adhering to evacuation orders: "Evacuations are in effect for many Florida counties. Follow real-time evacuation orders on FloridaDisaster.org. Again, to keep you and your families safe, it is critical to follow all instructions and evacuation orders issued by local emergency management teams."

The communication includes information on sandbag locations across several counties including Polk, Highlands, Hardee, Desoto, Hendry, Glades, and Collier. It also provides details on shelter openings in these areas with specific times listed for each county.

State resources mentioned include the Florida Division of Emergency Management's Essential Guide to Hurricane Preparedness and other related services such as the National Weather Service Hurricane Guide and the Florida Traveler Information System.

Local emergency contact numbers for various sheriff's offices in affected counties are provided along with contacts for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Additionally, Congressman Franklin highlighted FEMA's app that offers real-time alerts for up to five locations and can help locate emergency shelters.