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Marion County boards up, braces for Idalia

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Several storm shelters are open in Marion County to offer people in need a place to ride out the hurricane.

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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

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Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.

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