Baton Rouge River Center To Reopen

WVLA-TV reported that the center, which usually hosts music or other types of events, will reopen to the public Friday after serving as an emergency shelter for 32 days.

The Red Cross is accommodating remaining evacuees at the Celtic Studios.

The Advocate reported that nearly 300 flood victims were moved from the center to the movie-making facility.

The Red Cross started moving shelter operations early Thursday to Celtic Studios and concluded the process by the afternoon.

“People were cooperative because over the past few days, case workers have been explaining the process to them and preparing them for the move,” Red Cross spokesman Roberto Baltodano said.

As of midnight Wednesday, 461 people were still living in shelters throughout the region, according to the Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services.

At the peak following August’s devastating floods, about 2,000 people were sheltered at the River Center.

Tens of thousands of people evacuated from their homes.

Michael Day, the general manager of the facility, says he and his staff appreciate all the “support and understanding from our clients and patrons during this time.” At Celtic Studios, the executive producer has said the space won’t be needed until November when an independent feature film starts production there.