MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Several storm shelters are open in Marion County to offer people in need a place to ride out the hurricane.
▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS
Meanwhile, others are getting their homes ready.
Six shelters are open across Marion County right now.
LIVE UPDATES: Hurricane Idalia strengthens into Category 2 storm as it closes in on Florida
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has completely boarded up their building in preparation for Idalia. A sign posted said they’ll be opening back up Thursday.
It’s a different scene than downtown Ocala, where it looked like business as usual. Businesses, restaurants and shops are still open.
READ: Hurricane Idalia: DCF releasing SNAP benefits early in these Florida counties
As of Tuesday afternoon, only 107 people have taken advantage of the six shelters in the county.
READ: Hurricane Idalia: These Central Florida school districts are closing ahead of the storm
This browser does not support the video element.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.