GLADES COUNTY – Maple Grove Baptist Church announced last week that they will not be an official Glades County emergency shelter during hurricane season.

The church recognized that this was a difficult decision for the county. They said last year, they struggled with problems with their septic lines. However, they said these problems have been resolved, and the septic system has been working properly since before the new year.

Glades County will not use the church as a shelter unless the church conducts a leech field test. Unfortunately, at a cost of $2,000, the church cannot reconcile the expense when they were already offering their facilities and labor at no cost to the public or the county.

Despite the county not officially recognizing them as a shelter, the church resolves to be open for any who need shelter in the event of extreme weather.

If you have questions or concerns, you can reach the pastor at 239-888-3117.