The City of Stuart definitely stepped up to the plate with this most current snowstorm.  If you were out and about late Sunday afternoon, you would have noticed that I-80 looked somewhat like a parking lot, not to mention the approximately 160 semi tractor trailers in town.  Stuart Rescue Paramedic Specialist Jeff Howard says with that many trucks, it made travel around the Kum n Go and Casey’s very difficult.

Due to the local motels being full, Stuart opened The Congregate Church in Stuart and welcomed stranded motorists who were not able to get their vehicle towed right away.  One of many volunteers who staff the shelter, City employee Nadine Avey was busy registering people and obtaining information regarding medical conditions and emergency notification for individuals who utilized the shelter.  Emergency supplies are stored at City Hall and every person that comes to the shelter receives an air mattress with disposable blanket says Avey.

The City of Stuart has several locations in town that are used for emergency shelters.  Howard points out the shelters don’t open until all motels are full.