The Harbor Chase assisted living community added fifty new temporary residents on Wednesday evening. The elderly residents came from the company's sister property in Vero Beach.
"It's about keeping them busy so their minds aren't focused on the fact that their is a hurricane," said Harbor Chase Director Bobbi Mace.
She said the residents were transported by bus on Wednesday evening. She said it was quite the task getting all the medical supplies and staff prepared.
"This is something we pre-plan for with our emergency management plan," said Mace.
Mickey Stewart is one of the evacuees. He was playing cards on Thursday to keep his mind off of the possible damage that could be done in Vero Beach.
"I didn't want to leave, but then they explained to us that during other hurricanes that nursing homes and places like that they couldn't get people out," said Stewart.
The new residents are sleeping on air mattress and couches. They expect to be in Sarasota until Saturday or Sunday.
"We are having a hurricane party," said Stewart.
