Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly announced Wednesday that registered sexual predators will be barred from entering the county’s hurricane shelters ahead of Hurricane Milton.

Instead, they will be directed to spend the night at the county jail, providing a safe space for other evacuees while still accommodating those who need shelter.

Sheriff Staly made the comments during a press conference as Hurricane Milton approaches Florida. A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for some areas of Flagler County.

Staly clarified that sexual predators, designated under Florida law, will not be permitted to enter the county’s public hurricane shelters but will be allowed to take refuge at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, located at 61 Sheriff EW Johnston Drive in Bunnell, Florida.

“The sheriff’s office will ensure that there is a safe environment for anyone that comes there,” Staly said, referring to the jail facility. “Anyone that comes in will be checked to make sure that they are not a fugitive, not wanted, and not a sex offender.”

He also noted that those housed at the jail would be accommodated in the lobby of the building. “You’ve probably seen it before,” Staly added, referencing the facility where sexual predators can spend the night during the storm.

The announcement quickly gained attention online, with social media users sharing their reactions. A video clip of Staly’s comments, posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), garnered hundreds of thousands of views within hours. Political commentator Rogan O’Handley, known as @DC_Draino on X, reacted to the news, saying, “Welcome to Florida. If you’re a convicted sex offender, you aren’t allowed in our hurricane shelters. You can spend the night in the county jail.”

Welcome to Florida

If you’re a convicted sex offender, you aren’t allowed in our hurricane shelters

You can spend the night in the county jail pic.twitter.com/JkJhE1SY7X

— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) October 9, 2024

Another user, End Wokeness, applauded the decision, writing, “Florida does it right: Sex offenders will not be allowed in their hurricane shelters. Instead, go to a county jail.”

Florida does it right: Sex offenders will not be allowed in their hurricane shelters.

Instead, go to a county jail. pic.twitter.com/SUF2MjhFPw

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) October 9, 2024

In addition to addressing shelter policies for sexual predators, Sheriff Staly announced a curfew for Flagler County, which will be in effect from Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. to Thursday, October 10, at 7:30 a.m.

The curfew will continue nightly until further notice. This measure is part of broader efforts to ensure public safety during the hurricane, which is expected to impact large portions of Florida.

Flagler County officials are taking extensive precautions as Hurricane Milton approaches, with emergency services working to accommodate those in need of shelter while maintaining a secure environment for residents.

The county’s decision to keep sexual predators out of general shelters is in line with its commitment to ensuring that evacuees feel safe while seeking refuge from the storm.

As residents evacuate and brace for the storm, the local government has been providing continuous updates on evacuation orders, shelter locations, and safety protocols.

Sheriff Staly’s firm stance on excluding sexual predators from public shelters and offering the county jail as an alternative is seen as a significant step to maintain safety and order during the hurricane.

With Hurricane Milton expected to cause severe weather conditions across the region, local authorities are encouraging residents to follow evacuation orders and take shelter as needed.

The focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the community during this critical time, while also addressing concerns about those with criminal backgrounds seeking refuge.

The curfew and shelter protocols will remain in place as the county continues to monitor the impact of the storm.

Further updates and changes to evacuation and safety measures will be announced by local officials as Hurricane Milton progresses.

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