Aug 18, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: August 18, 2008 TIME: noon

CONTACT: EOC Public Information, 239-533-3710 or 239-533-3730 

The Lee County Emergency Operations Center held conference calls this morning with the state, National Weather Service, and National Hurricane Center regarding Tropical Storm Fay.  The following summarizes current actions: 

n         The EOC is at activation level 1 (Full Activation). 

n         The Board of Lee County Commissioners approved the State of Local Emergency this morning at 9:30 a.m. 

n         Tourists at Upper Captiva, Cayo Costa, Useppa, and Cabbage Key must evacuate immediately and proceed to safer areas. 

n         A voluntary evacuation is in effect for Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Beach, Pine Island and Boca Grande. 

n         City of Fort Myers and Cape Coral officials will be making recommendations regarding evacuations of low-lying areas later today. 

n         A special needs shelter will open at noon. Only pre-registered evacuees are being accepted at this time. 

n         The Lee County School District will meet later today to determine the status of school for Tuesday, August 19.  

n         The county intends to open four evacuation shelters at 4 p.m. today at Dunbar High School, Island Coast High School, Estero Community Center, and South Fort Myers High School. South Fort Myers High School will also serve as a pet shelter. 

n         Lee County emergency management officials will be available for a media teleconference at 2 p.m. Call 239-533-2750, password 10451045. Limited to 25 attendees. 

n         Contact your local fire department to determine the availability of sandbags. 

n         Citizens or visitors with questions can be directed to the United Way by calling 211 or (239) 433-3900

n         Please monitor your local media for updates.

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