Crisp Co. storm shelters open up for Florida evacuees from Hurricane Milton
CORDELE, Ga. – While Southwest Georgia isn’t seeing any direct impact from Milton, communities across the area are opening their doors and grounds to those evacuating.
Whether it’s in Albany…
“We can expect that there will be an influx of people coming through our area. So, this is when I talk about southern hospitality earlier, that you run across, those who’ve been affected by the storm. Let’s try to lend a helping hand as best we can,” said Chief Michael Persley, Albany Police Department (APD).
Or any community across our area, Southwest Georgia is opening their doors to those evacuating Florida.
The Cordele Motor Speedway is allowing evacuees to camp on the grounds of the racetrack with open arms.
“There’s a lot of people that’s coming up from Florida and we just opened up the facility after rick canceled their race event this weekend to give somebody a place safe to go and free of charge. Just trying to help people out,” said Ricky Brooks, General Manager, Cordele Motor Speedway.
In fact, they’ve been accepting evacuees from across Crisp county as other locations are at capacity.
“Well, the KOA (Campground) yesterday was booked out, so a couple of people actually had to leave the KOA. And, KOA called us and asked us if we had any spots available. So, we’ve had three come from the KOA down the road,” said Brooks.
But… they’re making sure the evacuees from Florida are taken care of as Milton makes landfall.
“We have campsites with power, water, sewer. Uh, we have plenty of sites. I mean acreage here for dry camping,” said Brooks.
And… we got a chance to speak with some of the Floridians who did evacuate to the Cordele Motor Speedway, off-camera. They say they’re thankful to Southwest Georgia communities for offering a place of respite, out of Milton’s path.
And… many community leaders across Southwest Georgia are asking residents to welcome evacuees into their communities with open arms by lending a helping hand.
Brian Roche reporting.
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