New Florida Keys Hurricane Shelter Plan Expected

South Florida officials are expected to approve a plan for a new mainland hurricane shelter for Florida Keys residents and their pets.
 
The Miami Herald reports that Monroe County commissions are set to approve Wednesday a pact with Miami-Dade County and the company managing the Miami-Dade County fairgrounds.
 
The pact would guarantee space in a storm-hardened building at the fairgrounds as a shelter for 350 people and 150 pets evacuating the island chain.
 
The building's walls are designed to withstand 170-mph winds. The site also can accommodate hundreds of vehicles.
 
Monroe County has not ordered a mandatory evacuation of residents since 2005. Emergency managers are trying to secure space for up to 3,000 Keys residents if a major storm should threaten the islands.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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