BAY - The American Red Cross opened a shelter Tuesday for Hurricane Katrina evacuees at the Bay County Fairgrounds, 2230 E. 15th St. in Panama City. The shelter is for displaced victims of Hurricane Katrina who evacuated to Bay County and need a place to stay.
Red Cross officials say evacuees should bring whatever bedding they have as well as medications, snacks, toys for children, etc. Local Red Cross officials also advise everyone to bring identification showing that they reside in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina.
The Lynn Haven City Commission will have a special meeting today to at 8:30 a.m. at City Hall to discuss shelter facilities for Hurricane Katrina disaster victims. The public is invited to attend.
lThe Panama City VA Outpatient Clinic opened Wednesday and is fully functional. However, all VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System clinics were closed as of Wednesday at the Biloxi and Gulfport VA Medical Center campuses in Mississippi and the Mobile, Ala., VA Outpatient Clinic, though employees should report to work if possible.
ESCAMBIA - University of West Florida main campus, Fort Walton Beach campus, Historic Pensacola Village, Small Business Development Center, Eglin and Mariana campuses and the UWF Online Campus opened for business Wednesday. Classes have resumed normal schedules.
The Pensacola VA Outpatient Clinic opened Wednesday but services are available only depending on resources. Employees should report to work if possible.
Naval Air Station Pensacola officials expected to return to normal operations Wednesday.
In light of the communication difficulties created by the hurricane, the U.S. Navy's Bureau of Personnel in Millington, Tenn. has set up a 24-hour helpline for both sailors and families to call for information regarding their loved ones. The number is 1-877-414-5358.
It will be staffed 24 hours a day by active duty Navy volunteers and will be connected with Navy, FEMA and other government agencies. They will try to answer questions regarding the status of Navy family members, but please be aware that communication in the region is still inconsistent.
GULF - Dead Lakes Park on State 71 north of Wewahitchka has camping facilities available for RVs and campers. The Gulf County Commission has agreed to waive the camping fee for those who have been affected by the storm. Identification may be required to prove residence in the affected areas. Details: (850) 639-2238.
Water service has been restored to Cape San Blas customers, but a boil water notice remains in effect. Lighthouse Utilities customers are advised to bring water to a rolling boil for one minute prior to drinking, cooking or brushing teeth, or to use bottled water until further notice. For more information, call 227-7427.
OKALOOSA - A Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Recovery Center opened Tuesday at the CVS Pharmacy, 348 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach. The center provides information only, including written materials about assistance programs available to individuals and business owners. It does not provide emergency supplies.
U.S. 98 in Okaloosa County is open.
The Visitors Welcome Center on Okaloosa Island is open and available to help those who evacuated from areas affected by the hurricane and are looking for a place to stay. Call the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council at 1 (800) 322-3319, or stop by the Visitor Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WALTON - The beaches reopened Wednesday, but double red flags were flying and water activities are prohibited until further notice. Beachgoers are urged to use caution and protective footwear when on the beach. Debris may be just beneath the sand on the beach.
For information about road closures and evacuation information, call 1-800-342-3557.
Evacuees desiring information on Louisiana/Mississippi should call 1-866-438-4636.
To donate assistance in the relief effort, call 1-800-FL HELP 1(1-800-354-3571), or visit
www.volunteerflorida.org online.
To report price-gouging, call the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 1-800-435-7352.
A Red Cross "Host Shelter" for Hurricane Katrina evacuees opened in DeFuniak Springs on Wednesday. The shelter is located in the DeFuniak Springs National Guard Armory on North Ninth St. Capacity is about 200 people.
Residents who want to help the evacuees, particularly those staying in the host shelter, are encouraged to make contributions of clothing, blankets, etc. to Caring and Sharing of Walton County, 1122 State 83 in DeFuniak Springs; phone, (850) 892-7656. The Red Cross distribute vouchers to evacuees that may be used at Caring and Sharing for their needs while in the shelter.
WASHINGTON - The American Red Cross opened a shelter at the Washington County Ag Center, 1424 Jackson Ave. (U.S. 90 West) in Chipley. To get there from I-10, travel north on State 77, turn left onto U.S. 90, travel about one mile to the Ag Center on the right. Signs will direct evacuees to the facility.
