(September 10, 2008)

ROCKPORT--Aransas County leaders said Hurricane Ike is a big storm that may devastate the area, like Hurricane Celia or Beulah. Just a couple of hours ago, they ordered a mandatory evacuation for residents and those not deemed essential employees. That came a day after the county started to evacuate special needs residents.

Leaders said Hurricane Ike won't be like the other storms that skirted around Aransas County. So they're telling residents to leave so they won't feel the wrath of the storm.

Special needs residents showed up at Live Oak Elementary School for a mandatory evacuation. It included residents who are elderly, ill and with no transportation.

"All my family is up north," said James Beaird, who has Type 2 diabetes. "I'm glad they pick up an old cripple dude, like me, and get me somewhere."

"Well I have my car, but I don't feel like driving up to San Antone (Antonio) so I used the bus system," said Hank Banach, an 85-year-old man, who fought in World War II and stormed Omaha Beach. 

Leaders issued an order, telling residents to leave town because of Hurricane Ike.

"I'm scared for the community because we all are going to be devastated," said Russel Cole, Fulton Mayor. 

"Do what's for your family and get out of here?" said Aransas County Judge Burt Mills. "That's the best thing I can say for you."

"I'm worried because I don't want anybody to get killed or anything because all my friends are staying here," said Morgan Hedgcotch, a Rockport resident." 

Many residents plan to leave, but first they're getting ready.

"Yes, we're boarding up and leaving," said Rachel Merritt, who lives in Rockport.  "We're very much scared and worried it could impact this area,"

County leaders also ordered high-profile vehicles and tourists out of the beach area.

"We don't know where it's going to hit?" said Mickey Walker, a tourist who packed up his RV so he could leave town. "There's a code of uncertainity. We thought we tried to get a headstart before it's gets crowded."

Many other residents are following behind the tourists and just hoping Hurricane Ike won't devastate the area.

--Manuel De La Rosa, Area 3 News, mdelarosa@kiiitv.com