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Senior evacuates from Naples arrive in Tallahassee

Senior evacuates from Naples arrive in Tallahassee
Senior evacuates from Naples arrive in Tallahassee
Posted at 5:47 PM, Sep 07, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-07 14:19:22-04

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - It was a long journey but 90 senior citizens have safely evacuated from South Florida to Tallahassee because of Hurricane Irma.

Last night, we told you about Tapestry Senior Living of Tallahassee opening its doors to a group of seniors from Naples.

The trip took longer than expected, with staff and residents finally arriving in the Capital City overnight.

We talked to several of them, who said they were on a bus for more than 12 hours as they were met with traffic all the way up to Tallahassee.

But they told me they feel safer now that they're here.

Altogether, 125 members of "Vi at Bentley Village" got to Tapestry around 3 a.m. today.

The senior living center here ordered bedding for their new residents but it didn't arrive until this afternoon. So, some evacuees slept on air mattresses and in chairs.

We talked to several of them today. Many saying they've never been through a hurricane. And with an influx of new residents, Tapestry says it's looking for volunteers.

"Just to help somebody, escort somebody, navigate through the buildings," said Mike Schmidt, the executive director at Tapestry.

Tapestry says the evacuees are welcome to stay for as long as they need. Many of them have already notified their families that they've been moved to Tallahassee.

Staff stayed overnight to help residents feel more comfortable. And tonight, they'll have mattresses to help them recover from the long trip here.