Many of the people evacuating Florida's east coast landed in Polk County Thursday.
- Gas stations in Polk County running out of fuel
- Only a few hotel rooms were still available Thursday night
- Category 4 storm bearing down on Florida
- Check for remaining Polk County hotels
Early in the morning, many of the gas stations in the eastern portion of the county had sold out of gasoline.
“It’s no gas anywhere. I’ve been checking here and all around Auburndale and it’s nothing,” said Lisandra Nader.
Murphy USA in Auburndale was one of the few that still had fuel left. As people lined up there throughout the day, it was left with only premium fuel after 3 p.m.
Related Story: Polk County residents prepare for Matthew
Workers at one station said they had no idea when more fuel would arrive because all of the gas stations in the area were requesting it, and they had no idea who would get more fuel first.
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Bread and water were also hard to come by. The Publix in Lakeland near I-4 sold out of bottled water Wednesday evening. A worker said they had ordered two shipments, but had no idea when they’d arrive.
Around noon, at the Walmart in Auburndale, palettes of bottled water arrived and workers were filling the shelves. But bread and canned meat were all gone.
"I think it's a crazy situation that all of these shelves could be so empty,” said Steve Brodie.
People looking for a place to stay in Polk County also had a tough time. Many of the hotels had a “sold out” sign posted at the entrance, including the Days Inn and Suites in Lakeland.
"We've been sold out since (Thursday) morning and people are steady calling and coming and thinking we're lying. I guess that's why they put the sold out sign on the door,” said Angelia Haugbrook, a housekeeper there.
According to Visit Central Florida, only 11 places in the entire county had rooms or rental homes available Thursday night, and those rooms were going fast.
Other shelter information
HILLSBOROUGH:
TEMPORARY HURRICAN SHELTER
OPEN FOR ALL PEOPLE
ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF TAMPA BAY AREA
OUR MOSQUE IS YOUR HOME
WE HAVE BLANKETS, PILLOWS, FOOD
YOUR SAFETY COMES FIRST
7326 E. SLIGH AVE., TAMPA, FL 33610
http://hcflgov.net/en/newsroom/2016/10/06/hillsborough-county-opens-emergency-shelters
MANATEE:
Three public shelters will open today at 4 p.m., including:
Manatee High School, 902 33rd St. Ct. W., Bradenton (pet friendly)
Virgil Mills Elementary School, 7200 69th St. E., Palmetto (pet friendly)
Myakka Elementary 37205 Manatee Ave., Myakka City
Nolan Middle School (special needs shelter, pet-friendly) – 6615 Greenbrook Boulevard, Lakewood Ranch
CITRUS:
Lecanto Primary School
3790 W. Educational Path
Lecanto, FL
General Population Shelter
Pet Friendly Shelter (bring crate if possible, food, leash, baggies and scooper)
Renaissance Center
3630 W. Educational Path
Lecanto, FL
Special Needs Shelter
Bring all necessary medications and medical supplies (for up to 3 days) If you do not have transportation, Citrus County Transit can provide free transportation to the special needs shelter until 9 PM tonight (Thursday).
Call 527-7630 if you need transportation.
HERNANDO:
The shelter will open at 3 p.m. on 10-06-16 at The Mining Association Enrichment Center, located at 800 John Gary Grubbs Boulevard, Brooksville, FL 34601.
The shelter will serve:
General population.
Special needs residents
Special needs residents should bring all needed supplies with them.
Pets (dogs and cats only)
Pet owners should bring all pet supplies with them including food, crates, leashes, and bowls.
PASCO:
PASCO COUNTY, FL ---- Pasco County is opening a hurricane shelter for residents who would like to leave their home ahead of Hurricane Matthew. Wiregrass Ranch High School will open today, Thursday October 6 at 7 p.m. giving residents a place to ride out the storm.