Flagler County Faces Heated Debate Over Shelter Policy for Predators During Storm

Flagler County’s decision to bar sexual predators from standard emergency shelters during Hurricane Milton raises questions about balancing public safety and civil rights during emergencies.

At a Glance

Sex offenders in mandatory evacuation zones have to seek refuge at the local jail.
Sheriff Rick Staly stressed sex offenders are not welcome at regular shelters.
Similar policies were implemented during past hurricanes, such as Hurricane Dorian.
Governor Ron DeSantis provided updates on state preparedness efforts.

Sex Offenders’ Shelter Protocol

Flagler County, Florida, has implemented a policy during Hurricane Milton, barring sexual predators from traditional emergency shelters. Instead, these individuals are directed to the lobby of the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. Sheriff Rick Staly emphasized that such measures are in the community’s best interest, ensuring the safety of other shelter occupants.

This policy also accompanied directives for general public evacuations from high-risk areas, including mobile homes and RVs. Similar measures for sex offenders were seen during Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

It is now officially Hurricane #Milton.

10/6 – 2 p.m. update https://t.co/I7Npq1XK7X

— Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (@FlaglerSheriff) October 6, 2024

Legal Implications for Sex Offenders

Currently, sex offenders face felony charges if they attempt to stay at regular shelters, especially where children are present. Florida law requires registered sex offenders to notify authorities of temporary addresses within three days of evacuation and update their identification within 48 hours. Non-compliance could result in mandatory GPS monitoring for six months and up to five years in prison.

Both Marion and Flagler counties have followed protocols ensuring sex offenders are separated from the general population in shelters. Compliance with these legal requirements remains critical to avoid severe penalties.

🇺🇸FLORIDA SHERIFF BANS SEX PREDATORS FROM SHELTERS DURING HURRICANE MILTON🇺🇸

As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, Sheriff Rick Staly has banned all sex predators from emergency shelters, instead relocating them to the county jail.

During a press conference on Wednesday,… pic.twitter.com/bs3BD0tUHv

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 10, 2024

Statewide Measures for Hurricane Milton

Governor Ron DeSantis has provided updates on Florida’s statewide preparedness for Hurricane Milton. A state of emergency has been declared for 51 counties, activating the State Emergency Operations Center. Nearly 150 shelters are open, ready to support over 31,000 residents, with resources like water and sandbags distributed in anticipation of the storm.

Responding to the severity of the hurricane, the Florida National Guard and State Guard have mobilized thousands of service members for relief efforts. As Hurricane Milton approaches, residents are urged to adhere to directives from local officials to ensure their safety amid expected high winds and flooding.

The combined efforts by state authorities aim to mitigate the storm’s impact while maintaining public safety and legal obligations. The ongoing challenge remains balancing these measures with the civil liberties concerns that arise during such unprecedented weather events.