reporter: from kissimmee to ft. lauderdale, people are waiting hours for fuel. reassuring them supply is the top priority. meez take only what you need. be considerate of others so everyone can get out. reporter: as tankers make their ways in to meet demand, smaller boats and cruise ships are heading out, at least one cruise company tells cnn it is using it s vessel to evacuate employees to calmer waters. this is a serious, serious storm. i ve called it a nuclear hurricane. reporter: the mayor is sounding the alarm as ambulances stand ready to move the last of it s patients out of harm s way. early this morning, broward county s animal shelter evacuated more than 175 residents by plane. in order to make room for displaced pets during the storm. physical broward county doesn t get hit, they will be the receiving shelter. reporter: miami beach is now under mandatory evacuation orders, but still, some residents are vowing to stay.