“The City of Douglas understands the concerns of the community regarding the potential influx of evacuees as a result of Hurricane Irma. We are keeping a close watch on the path of the Hurricane Irma path and potential damage it could cause to this community,” says City Manager Terrell Jacobs. “Although Coffee County is included in the counties listed as state of emergency, please know that we are not treating this hurricane as insignificant to our area by continuing with the festival. Following a meeting that was held late Thursday afternoon with local EMA, officials, and other public safety agencies, a decision was made to open a shelter on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 8pm following the South Georgia BBQ & Outdoor Festival at Central Square Complex. If more shelters are needed, Young’s Chapel Missionary Church and First Baptist Church will open in that order. Again, we are keeping a close watch on the storm and will honor the request of Red Cross and EMA to open a shelter late Saturday evening.”
