10:08 pm ET, August 30, 2023
A mandatory curfew has been issued in Citrus County, Florida
From CNN’s Amy Simonson
Citrus County commissioners in Florida issued a mandatory curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time, banning all travel within evacuation zone A, the county’s sheriff’s office said in a statement Wednesday.
“Citizens living in the area will not be allowed to return until the curfew is lifted and conditions are deemed safe,” the statement said.
The report warns citizens to use “extreme caution when returning outside” and not walk or drive through standing water.
“There is no way to know what dangers lurk beneath the surface, not to mention potential contamination,” it said.
“There is a large amount of displaced wildlife as a result of this storm,” the statement added.
The sheriff’s office said restoration efforts have begun and will continue “for an unknown period of time.” Road closures are still in place in the western part of the county, it added.
“A portion of US HWY 19 from CR 488 (West Dunnellon Road) to West Venable Street in Crystal River and US HWY 19 from West Bay to Lake HWY (SR 44) is still closed,” the statement said.
Emergency shelters are set to close on Thursday, and some government offices and services will resume normal operations.
