Hurricane pet shelter to get under way

Construction on Hernando County's first pet-friendly hurricane shelter is set to begin.

County commissioners have approved a contract with Spike Construction Inc. of Tampa to retrofit Parrott Middle School, 19220 Youth Drive, north of Brooksville.

The work, to be done under the Hernando County School Board's existing construction contract, will add 172 shelter spaces for people and 284 spots for cats and dogs.

The project cost is $99,680 and is 100 percent funded by a state disaster preparedness response and recovery grant.

When completed around the end of October 2009, the facility will provide enhanced doors and windows as extra protection against high winds.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.