A New Mainland Hurricane Shelter Slated For Keys Residents & Pets

MARATHON (CBSMiami) – A new mainland hurricane shelter for Florida Keys residents and their pets is expected to get the green light.

On Wednesday, Monroe County commissioners are set to approve a pact with Miami-Dade County and the company managing the Miami-Dade County fairgrounds, according to our news partners at the Miami Herald.

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.

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