Bay County to Open Shelter at Deane Bozeman School

Panama City, Florida – As of this morning, state emergency management officials continue to anticipate tropical storm-force winds in the Bay County area beginning late Friday afternoon due to Tropical Storm Nestor.

An emergency shelter will be open from 5 p.m. Friday to noon Saturday at Deane Bozeman School, located at 13410 State Road 77. Anyone concerned for their safety as the weather deteriorates should move to the shelter prior to the arrival of bad weather. People who live in mobile homes or recreational vehicles should relocate to the shelter or another safe location. Additional shelters will open as needed.

Emergency shelters should only be used when no other sheltering options are available. They do not provide the comfort or convenience of a home or hotel, and it may be crowded, noisy and boring. 

Please bring any specialty food or snacks required, and food must be non-perishable. Evacuees should also bring bedding, clothing, medications and toiletries. Do not bring alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs or weapons.

The Deane Bozeman shelter is a pet-friendly facility; however, pets should be kenneled and evacuees are responsible for providing food and water for their animals.

In support of sheltering efforts, the Bay County Board of County Commissioners issued a local State of Emergency for PTC16 on Friday morning. The Bay County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has activated to a Level 2, or partial activation, to support sheltering needs, and will remain at this level until the threat has dissipated.

Mandatory evacuations are NOT planned for Bay County at this time, as this event does not pose significant storm surge threats that would trigger an evacuation. Residents are asked to, if possible, remain in their homes or shelter locations for the duration of the bad weather.

Storm Surge: Very little storm surge is predicted for Bay County at this time, though high tide may be one to two feet higher than normal. Storm-surge related evacuations are not expected.

Bay County Public Works placed sand for bagging at Pete Edwards Field at 7300 McElvey Rd., Panama City Beach and at the Deer Point Dam located on the NW side of County Road 2321. Sandbags are available for purchase at home improvement stores.

Please sign up for emergency notifications at www.alertbay.org.