‘You Either Help or Turn Your Head’: Florida Residents Facing Irma Demand Trump Open Mar-a-Lago as a Shelter

Millions fled Florida at the end of this week, fearing they wouldn’t survive the powerful hurricane predicted to bring storm surges from six to 15 feet. But those who stayed, either due to financial restrictions or out of sheer gumption, are telling President Donald Trump he should open up his private club as a shelter.

Thousands who stayed behind to face Hurricane Irma are flooding into shelters, and according to the News-Press, some county shelters are already full. That’s why many in South Florida are wondering why the president isn’t stepping in to help, the Independent reported Saturday.

“Of course he should,” Florida resident Rick Castillo said, about Trump opening Mar-a-Lago to storm refugees.

Filmmaker Michael Moore asked the question Friday, and as the wind and rains grow stronger, some Floridians are wondering if the president will help.

“He should be doing anything to help the public,” Castillo said of Trump. “When people need help, you either help or you turn your head. I think Trump is turning his head.”

Another woman was in tears while sitting in a courtyard outside of a school. She was given food and two phone numbers for shelters she could go to. No one was answering the phones at either location.

“I have nowhere to go,” she said. She came to Florida on vacation, but now she's stranded. “I’m not even from here.”

The Independent was able to find a Red Cross volunteer who could help her.