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Where Evacuations Are Voluntary Or Mandatory In South Florida

South Floridians are making final hurricane preparations as Hurricane Matthew churns toward the Florida peninsula. For some, those preparations include evacuation. Here's the latest information about whether you have a choice in evacuation being part of your hurricane preparation. 

While mandatory evacuations don't require you to leave your home and seek shelter elsewhere, it is highly encouraged for personal safety.

Palm Beach county emergency managers have issued mandatory evacuations for residents living in the county's barrier islands (evacuation zone B) and mobile home parks around the county (catagorized as zone A). The county will close off bridges to the mainland tonight, at which time access to the island will be restricted. In Delray Beach, a curfew has been placed on the city beginning at 6 p.m Thursday until 6 a.m Friday. Shelters in Palm Beach County opened at 8 a.m Thursday.

More information about Palm Beach County is available from the county's emergency operations center.

Palm Beach County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for Zones A and B, as well as mobile homes.

Meanwhile in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, evacuations are voluntary for those in low-lying areas and mobile homes. Meaning if you choose to evacuate, shelters are available. 

Monroe County has not issued any evacuations or opened any shelters for the Keys. Similarly, there are no bridge or road closures in the county, including the Seven Mile Bridge. Snake Creek Draw Bridge is locked down until midnight. It will not be lifted for mariner traffic, but will remain open for vehicle usage. 

You may find your nearest shelter here.

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