Polk County officials have closed schools for Friday as Hurricane Matthew moves toward Florida.

Also, state government was closed in Polk and shelters were expected to open sometime Thursday. A Tropical Storm Warning was issued Wednesday with the area expecting winds possibly of 30 to 40 mph.

Meanwhile, Citrus Connection will suspend all transit service as a result of the effects on Polk County from Hurricane Matthew. All final departure times for Citrus Connection, Winter Have Area Transit, Lynx buses (Routes 416, 427 and 603) and paratransit trips will occur by 4:15 p.m. today allowing passengers to complete their trip. Citrus Connection will be shutting down for the day at 6:30 p.m.

There will be no service on Friday. Service is anticipated to return on Saturday. More details will be shared as the storm passes.

Oficials are advising residents to take precautions, including those in mobile homes. 

The Polk County Emergency Operations Center said shelters will be located at Alta Vista Elementary, 801 Scenic Highway in Haines City, Ridge Community High, 500 Orchid Drive in Haines City and Spook Hill Elementary, 321 Dr. J. A. Wiltshire Ave E. in Lake Wales.

The county also has a special needs shelter at the Polk County Health Department in Bartow at 1255 Brice Road. 

The EOC has opened the citizen call line for Matthew-related questions. Residents can call (863) 401-2234. 

Be prepared

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