Written by Matthew Thompson.
In the midst of Hurricane Milton’s impending landfall, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly issued a blunt warning to registered sex offenders: do not seek refuge in public shelters. Instead, the sheriff directed those individuals to head straight to the county jail. As of Wednesday morning, Flagler County residents have been under an evacuation order, but not everyone is welcome at the community shelter. While most evacuees can bring their families and pets to Rymfire Elementary School, sex offenders must find a different, far less welcoming shelter.
Sheriff Staly’s message is clear: “If you’re a predator, you’re not allowed at the Rymfire shelter.” The sheriff emphasized that those designated as sex predators under Florida law are required to report to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, otherwise known as the county jail. With a smirk, he added, “We’ll accommodate you in the lobby of that building. You’ve probably seen it before.”
No Tolerance for Predators During Hurricane
The sheriff’s press conference wasn’t just aimed at sex offenders; he had a message for potential looters as well. Warning criminals not to exploit the chaos brought by the hurricane, Staly highlighted that law enforcement would be out in full force. “If you prey on this community, you will ride out the storm at the county jail,” he said, underscoring that the real-time crime center is operational, and cameras throughout the county are watching closely. The sheriff made it clear that criminals will not be tolerated, especially during a natural disaster when residents are at their most vulnerable.
Flagler County officials have taken every precaution to ensure the safety of their residents, with evacuation orders in place until Thursday morning. Staly reassured the public that his department would help the community weather the storm together, but only if everyone, including offenders and would-be criminals, follows the rules. His stern warning has drawn attention, making it known that public safety is the top priority, even in the midst of a hurricane.
Our Take
Sheriff Staly’s tough stance on keeping sex offenders and looters at bay during a hurricane is commendable. In times of crisis, the last thing a community needs is to worry about predators or criminals taking advantage of vulnerable citizens. By directing registered offenders to the jail and keeping a close eye on potential looters, the sheriff is putting public safety first. This approach sends a clear message: lawlessness, even during a disaster, will not be tolerated. Florida officials, especially Sheriff Staly, are taking bold steps to protect their community, ensuring that everyone—except predators and criminals—can find refuge and peace during the storm.