Bay County Special Needs Shelters Closed Since June 2025, Impacting Vulnerable Residents

Bay County's Special Needs Shelters (SpNS), designed for residents requiring extra assistance during disasters, have been closed since June 29, 2025. This closure impacts individuals with medical or functional needs who cannot safely evacuate to a general population shelter. Understanding the past availability and registration process for these now-closed facilities is crucial for historical disaster preparedness context.

The Florida Department of Health in Bay County, Bay District Schools, and Bay County Emergency Services previously operated these specialized shelters. They offered essential services, including medical staff and emergency power backup, to support residents with specific requirements during emergencies. This collaborative effort aimed to ensure a safer environment for vulnerable populations.

Individuals previously qualified for SpNS if they relied on medical devices requiring electricity, had chronic or acute medical conditions, needed skilled nursing assistance, or required caregiver support during sheltering. Pre-registration through the Florida Special Needs Registry was mandatory for access. Residents could visit https://snr.flhealthresponse.com to register or contact the Bay County Department of Health at (850) 872-4455 for assistance and questions.

While early registration was always encouraged before hurricane season, Special Needs Shelters were listed as CLOSED as of June 29, 2025. The primary designated SpNS was the Deane Bozeman Learning Center, located at 13410 Highway 77, Panama City. Northside Elementary School, at 2001 Northside Drive, Panama City, served as the alternate location.