It appears Hurricane Dorian is finally on the move. Officials from the Highlands County Emergency Operations Center say the big storm is moving North/Northwest at about a mile an hour. A turn toward the north is expected tomorrow.
Shelters were opened yesterday with a final census of 170 across the four facilities. They may remain open again tonight.
Authorities say although sand is available at the three regular locations, there will be no sandbag distribution today. Those in mobile homes and who live in low lying areas still are being urged to use caution, inasmuch as there may be rain and wind from the big tropical storm system.
Many governmental agencies are closed today, but may be open tomorrow. Schools are out through Wednesday. There was no trash pickup today – that will begin tomorrow.
Four people were seriously injured yesterday in a car crash on the east side of Highlands County. Florida Highway Patrol reports say 26-year-old Kesse Menard was eastbound on State Road 70. The North Port woman’s car crossed the center line and slammed into an oncoming Dodge Ram pickup.
The driver of the truck – 47-year-old James Pellrine and passengers in both vehicles also were hurt. All four were taken to Tampa General Hospital. Charges in the incident are pending.
An Avon Park-area woman working on a pool was injured yesterday when she apparently fell in. Authorities say the indoor pool had been drained for cleaning, when the woman slipped and toppled in.
First respornders had to extricate, then transported her to a nearby hospital. The victim’s name and extent of her injuries has not been released.