Pinellas County officials on Monday ordered mandatory evacuations for zones A, B and C and all mobile home residents throughout the county. State of play: The orders were announced at a 3pm press conference,

Pinellas County has opened six emergency shelters in advance of Hurricane Milton and mandatory evacuations have been ordered for special needs residents in zones A, B, and C, the county announced Monday.

Pinellas County has issued mandatory evacuations for residents living in evacuation zones A, B and C, as well as for those living in mobile homes. “Make your plans now to stay with friends, family or in another safe place outside the evacuation area,” the county offered on its social media channels.

In an afternoon briefing, Pinellas County officials urged residents in Evacuation Zones A, B, C, mobile homes, and those with special medical needs to evacuate immediately if they have not done so already.

Pinellas County has issued mandatory evacuation orders for long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities and hospitals in evacuation zones A, B and C due to the threat posed by Hurricane Milton. This impacts six hospitals, 25 nursing homes and 44 assisted living facilities, totaling about 6,600 patients.

Access to Pinellas County's barrier islands will close to visitors 24 hours before closing to everyone, including residents.

Perkins closed by saying the primary goal was to "prevent the loss of life" from Hurricane Milton but that the storm will bring "scary" conditions and warned the "window is closing" on the ability to evacuate before the storm makes landfall Thursday morning.

Pinellas County opens two more shelters due to worsening storm conditions, providing additional refuge options for evacuees.

Pinellas County has opened six emergency shelters in anticipation of impacts from Hurricane Milton. The shelters opened at noon in Largo, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Clearwater and Dunedin.

In preparation for Hurricane Milton, Pinellas County has opened six emergency shelters as of noon today, Oct. 7. The county has also issued mandatory evacuation orders for special needs residents in evacuation zones A,

Pinellas County officials have ordered evacuations for medical facilities in zones A, B, and C due to Hurricane Milton, affecting about 6,600 patients.