On Tuesday, November 8, the Brevard County government issued a recommended evacuation order ahead of Tropical Storm Nicole and it will open four shelters Wednesday morning.

The county currently remains under a Hurricane Watch.

Rusty Fischer Sr., owner of Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster bar, said his crew already began to clean up debris from their deck.

The restaurant has been a staple of Point Canaveral since the early ‘90s.

“We’re going to take all the [heating lamps] off the deck and then we’re going to do the same thing we did [for Hurricane] Ian and turn the tables over and stack the chairs,” Rusty said.

It was almost two months ago when Hurricane Ian hit, leaving its mark on his restaurant so; he said he will take no chances.

“I lost a dock that was [attached to my deck],” Rusty said. He estimated it was about $9,000 worth of damage, but he said he knew it could’ve been much worse.

“No flooding,” he said. “We were fine.”

Typically near his restaurant, he said there would be two ships docked but not on Tuesday afternoon.

The U.S. Coast ordered all ships under 500 gross tons to evacuate Port Canaveral.

Meanwhile, U.S. Coast Guard officials ordered all ships under 500 gross tons to evacuate Port Canaveral.

“If they do have a vessel then, try to pull that vessel via trailer and move it to a safe location,” U.S. Coast Guard Operations Petty Officer Matthew Webster said. “If they can’t do that, they can try to secure it with extra lines or fenders.”

Webster also advised all homeowners and businesses near the coast should also clear any debris before the storm hits.

“Take early and effective actions hopefully. We can minimize the damage that can be occurred by this storm,” he said.

Rusty said he will monitor the weather before deciding when to close his restaurant for Tropical Storm Nicole.

“I hope nothing happens,” Rusty said. “I hope we’re all safe. I hope the beach doesn’t get eroded that’s a big worry especially right after [Hurricane] Ian. We’re praying everything is going to be okay.”

According to the county, the following shelters will be available to the general population starting at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday through Thursday:

The following shelters will be available for the general population, families wishing to bring their pets, and those with medical special needs who have pre-registered or been screened by the Florida Department of Health-Brevard.

• Max K. Rodes Community Center, 3410 Flanagan Ave., West Melbourne, FL 32904

• South Mainland Community Center, 3700 Allen Ave., Micco, FL 32976

• Viera Regional Community Center, 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, FL 32940

• Walter Butler Community Center, 4201 N Cocoa Blvd, Cocoa, FL 32927