Hurricane Milton is forecast to make landfall close to Tampa Bay as a major Cat. 3 storm bringing severe weather barreling over Florida's highly populated I-4 corridor, with strong to damaging winds, flooding and tornadoes possible.
Hurricane Milton is rapidly intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico and is continuing on a path toward the West Coast of Florida, where the storm is expected to reach Category 4 status before bringing a potentially life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds and torrential rain to the state this week.
With Hurricane Milton forecast to make landfall near or south of the Tampa metro as a Category 3 hurricane., this is bad news for Central Florida. The latest track shows Milton barreling over Florida's highly populated Interstate 4 corridor, which includes Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties.
Counties are making preperations, with schools closing, evacuations in the works, and sandbag locations are open. Many have shelters open, and all have mobilized emergency management centers.
Here we will keep you up to date with the latest emergency information county-by-county throughout Central Florida.
Keep checking back as we add new information as it becomes avaialble. Stay Safe!
Sandbags
MILTON: Orange County Government's Office of Emergency Management is monitoring storm conditions. In preparation for heavy rain, the county will open its free, self-service sandbag program at select parks. Sites will operate on Monday, October 7, and Tuesday, October 8, from 9am - 7pm
Barnett Park: 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
Bithlo Community Park: 18501 Washington Avenue, Orlando, FL 32820
Clarcona Horse Park: 3535 Damon Road, Apopka, FL 32703
Downey Park: 10107 Flowers Avenue, Orlando, FL 32825
Meadow Woods Rec: 1751 Rhode Island Woods Circle, Orlando, FL 32824
West Orange Rec: 309 S. West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787
More info: www.ocfl.net/storm
Schools
We are continuing to monitor and track Hurricane Milton. District leadership has been meeting to discuss preparations for the storm’s impact on Orange County. The OCPS Safety & Emergency Management team is coordinating operations with the Orange County Office of Emergency Management and other local officials to ensure the school district’s decision-making is aligned with our partners.
We will have another update on Monday on any potential school closures and canceling of after-school activities.
OCPS will continue to communicate all updates through phone calls, emails and text messages, as well as posts to our social media pages, and on ocps.net.
For emergency alerts sign up on AlertSeminole.org, or for storm specific preparedness messaging text STORM2024 to 888-777.
Sandbags
With Central Florida in the path of Hurricane Milton, Seminole County and City sandbag operations are open for residents to prepare.
Empty bags and sand are available; residents should bring their own shovels and a partner to assist with filling and loading.
COUNTY LOCATIONS:
Boombah Sports Complex, Overflow Parking Lot, 3325 Cameron Avenue, Sanford
Open Sunday, October 6, 8am-8pm and Monday, October 7, 8am-8pm
Staff will be on-site and available to help those who need assistance.
CITY LOCATIONS:
City of Altamonte Springs - Eastmonte Park, 830 Magnolia Drive, Altamonte Springs
Open Sunday, October 6, 8am-7pm. Unstaffed
City of Altamonte Springs - Westmonte Recreation Center, 624 Bills Lane, Altamonte Springs
Open Sunday, October 6, 8am-7pm. Unstaffed
City of Lake Mary Municipality - Lake Mary Sports Complex, 550 Rantoul Lane, Lake Mary
Open Monday, October 7, 8am-6pm
City of Longwood, FL - Candyland Sports Complex, 599 Longdale Ave, Longwood
Open Sunday, October 6, 9am-5pm and Monday, October 7, 8am-5pm. Unstaffed
City of Oviedo - Public Works, 1725 Evans St, Oviedo
Open Monday, October 7, 10am-7pm and Monday, October 7, 10am-7pm.
Staff assistance available. 10 bag maximum
City of Sanford, - Public Works, 800 W. Fulton Street, Sanford
Open Sunday, October 6, 8am-8pm and Monday, October 7, 8am-8pm. Unstaffed
City of Winter Springs - Central Winds Park, 1000 Central Winds Dr, Winter Springs
Open Sunday, October 6, 8am-5pm and Monday, October 7, 8am-5pm. Unstaffed
Learn more at www.seminolecountyfl.gov/sandbags.
Schools
We are continuing to monitor Hurricane Milton and work closely with Seminole County FL Emergency Management to determine potential impacts to our area as well as evaluate community shelter needs. We will provide an update on potentially modified schedules and/or closures tomorrow after our scheduled morning briefing.
Yard Waste Pickup
Seminole County Solid Waste continues to respond to debris from Hurricane Helene. With Tropical Storm Milton expected to hit Central Florida later this week, crews will be prioritizing yard waste pickup as much as possible over the next few days; however, if residents have a large quantity of debris, they should consider taking it directly to the landfill. All tipping fees will be waived.
The Seminole County landfill is open seven days week, from 7:30am. – 5:30pm. The landfill is located at 1930 E. Osceola Road, Geneva.
Sandbags
We will be distributing sandbags Monday, October 7 from 9am - 6 pm at Osceola Heritage Park.
Each household is allowed up to 25 sandbags. Remember to bring your own shovel or filling tool. Supplies are limited, and on a first-come first-served basis.
A second sandbag distribution site will open Monday, October 7, at 6am at the Celebration Athletic & Recreation Complex. Supplies at this location are limited to 2,000 sandbags, and distribution will close once all sandbags are gone.
Celebration Athletic & Recreation Complex305 Campus St, Kissimmee, FL 34747.
Shelters
While no evacuations are currently in effect for Osceola County, shelters will open for residents living in low-lying or flood-prone areas, or homes with structural concerns.
The following shelters will be available starting Tuesday, October 8 at 5 p.m.:
Celebration High School
Gateway High School (Pet-Friendly)
Harmony High School (Pet-Friendly)
Holopaw Community Center
Kenansville Community Center
Kissimmee Middle School (Pet-Friendly)
Liberty High School (Pet-Friendly)
For residents with special medical needs, a shelter will open at noon on Tuesday, October 8 at the Osceola Council On Aging.
Please bring items to make your stay more comfortable, such as blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, books, quiet games, and battery-powered radios. Residents taking prescription medications are strongly encouraged to bring an adequate supply with them.
Schools
Osceola School District Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff is closely monitoring the weather system in the Gulf of Mexico, and, in consultation with emergency management professionals and county leaders, has made the following decisions due to the projected impact to our area:
On Monday, October 7, and Tuesday, October 8, school will be in session. All after-school activities, events, and athletics at all schools will operate as normal on Monday but will be cancelled for Tuesday. The district's Extended Day/Learning Program will operate as normal on both Monday and Tuesday. The Osceola County School Board workshop and Board meeting that was to be held on Tuesday, October 8, have been cancelled. The next Osceola County School Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 22.
On Wednesday, October 9, all SDOC schools and school district operations will be closed. Employees will not report to work unless deemed essential by supervisor (i.e. Maintenance Department).
The district will continue to closely monitor the impacts of the storm with Osceola County Emergency Management before making any decisions about school for Thursday and Friday of this week to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Parents and community residents are encouraged to monitor the district's social media or website at www.osceolaschools.net for any further school district updates.
Polk County Division of Emergency Management has activated the Citizen Information Hotline to answer questions related to Tropical Storm Milton. The local telephone number for the Citizen Information Hotline is (863) 298-7500. The toll free number is still (866) 661-0228. The Citizen Information Hotline will remain open until 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.
Shelters
Based on the current projections and estimated time of Hurricane Milton’s arrival to Polk County, special needs shelters will open at 7am on Tuesday, Oct. 8, public shelters and pet shelters open at noon on Tuesday.
Public Shelters
Auburndale High School, 1 Bloodhound Trail, Auburndale
Spessard Holland Elementary School, 2432 E.F. Griffin Road, Bartow
Citrus Ridge Academy, 1775 Sand Mine Road, Davenport
Horizons Elementary School, 1700 Forest Lake Dr., Davenport
George Jenkins High School, 6000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland
Highlands Grove Elementary, 4510 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland
Kathleen High School, 1100 Red Devil Way, Lakeland
R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School, 5500 Yates Road, Lakeland
Sleepy Hill Elementary School, 2285 Sleepy Hill Road, Lakeland
Mulberry Middle School, 500 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Mulberry
Lake Marion Creek Middle School, 3055 Lake Marion Creek Dr., Poinciana
Chain of Lakes Elementary School, 7001 Hwy. 653, Winter Haven
Winter Haven High School, 600 6th St. S.E., Winter Haven
Pet Friendly Shelters
Haines City High School, 2800 Hornet Dr., Haines City
Lake Region High School, 1995 Thunder Road, Eagle Lake
Tenoroc High School, 4905 Saddle Creek Road, Lakeland.
Pet owners must bring shot records for their pets, an airline-approved carrying case or crate and pet food.
Special Needs Shelters
FDOH Polk Specialty Care Unit, 1255 Brice Blvd., Bartow
Ridge Community High School, 500 W. Orchid Dr., Davenport
McKeel Academy, 1810 W. Parker St., Lakeland
Special needs shelters are temporary emergency facilities capable of providing care to residents whose medical condition(s) may require the use of electrical equipment, oxygen or dialysis, or individuals with physical, cognitive or medical conditions who may require assistance from medical professionals. Although special needs shelters provide more care than a general shelter, they do not provide the level of care found in a medical facility.
For a full list of shelter locations visit www.polk-county.net/news/polk-county-shelters-to-open/
Schools
Based on the most current forecast, we do not expect significant weather in Polk County tomorrow, Monday, Oct. 7. Consequently, all PCPS schools and offices will remain open during regular hours tomorrow.
However, we will be canceling or rescheduling Monday’s after-school programs and sports. For specific information about rescheduled events, we encourage you to reach out to your child’s school directly.
Please be advised that all PCPS schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, Oct. 8, Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 10, in response to this storm.
Please note that our decision to close schools does not extend to charter and private schools. We recommend that you contact those institutions directly for any relevant information.
At this time, no decision has been made regarding Friday’s operations for PCPS schools and offices.
Sandbags
Polk County will have sand bags available countywide on Oct. 6 and 7. The following locations will be open from 8 a.m. m. at 5:30 p.m. m. A maximum of 10 bags of sand will be provided to each home to help prevent water intrusion into the home. You'll need to bring a driver's license to show your local address.
The locations of the sandbag sites are:
Mulberry/South Lakeland – Parque Loyce E. Harpe, 500 W. Carter Road, Mulberry
Lakeland – 8970 N. Campbell Road, Lakeland
Fort Meade – 1061 NE 9th St., Fort Meade
Frost Proof: 350 County Road 630A, Frostproof
Auburndale – 1701 Holt Road, Auburndale
Dundee – 805 Dr. Martin Luther King St. SW, Dundee
Poinciana Park – 5109 Allegheny Road, Kissimmee 34759
Residents living in flood-prone areas are encouraged to place sandbags in their homes. For more information: http://www.polk-county.net/.../polk-county-sandbags.../
Sandbags
Starting Monday, Oct. 7 the sites will be open daily from 7am to 7pm or until weather conditions become unsafe.
Sand and bags will be available on site - residents should bring their own shovels and will need to fill their own bags. There is a max of 10 bags per household in a 24 hour period.
East Lake Sports and Community Complex, 24809 Wallick Rd, Sorrento
North Lake Regional Park, 40730 Roger Giles Rd, Umatilla
Astor Fire Station 10, 23023 State Road 40, Astor
Minneola Athletic Complex, 1300 Fosgate Road (13930 Education Ave), Minneola
PEAR Gateway Park (Front Entrance), 26701 US Hwy 27, Leesburg
Four Corners Fire Station 112, 16240 CR474, Clermont
Hickory Point Recreation Complex, 27315 SR 19, Tavares
Schools
Lake County public schools are open tomorrow (Monday, 10/7). The district will announce on Monday any changes to school operations resulting from Hurricane Milton. The announcement will be shared directly with parents by email and phone call. It will also be posted on district and school web pages and on district and school official social media pages.
Yard Debris
To ensure yard debris is picked up across the County before conditions deteriorate, residential waste (household garbage) collection will be suspended on Tuesday, Oct. 08. Yard debris will continue to be picked up on Tuesday and Wednesday, until conditions become unsafe.
Residents who need to report set out yard waste can do so by emailing garbagecollection@lakecountyfl.gov.
Also, to help residents dispose of yard debris before the storm, Lake County is waving fees for drop off services. Residents looking to drop off yard debris can do so for free until facilities close due to the storm. As always, Lake County residents can also bring household waste to our facilities at no cost.
For a list of facilities, visit: https://www.lakecountyfl.gov/trash.../drop-off-service
The Sumter County Board of County Commissioners will convene a special meeting on October 7, 2024 at 5pm. at The Villages Sumter County Service Center, 7375 Powell Road, Wildwood, FL 34785 to declare a Local State of Emergency in anticipation of Hurricane Milton.
As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, peak wind speeds may decrease slightly, but the tropical storm-force wind field is expected to expand. Significant wind and water impacts are projected for Sumter County, with hurricane-force winds forecasted to arrive Wednesday.
For updates on storm tracking and preparedness efforts, follow us on Facebook, visit our website at www.SumterPrepares.com, or call the County’s Citizen Information Center at (352) 689-4400.
Volusia County staff are closely monitoring the situation in coordination with state officials and the National Weather Service. For updates, download the Volusia Emergency Management app, follow the County’s social media, or visit www.volusia.org.
Hurricane Milton is set to make landfall near Tampa, bringing tropical storm-force winds and potential hurricane-strength gusts to Volusia County on Wednesday. Residents should prepare for widespread power outages and rainfall totals between 6 to 8 inches, with localized areas possibly receiving more.
The Emergency Management Division has postponed its Local Mitigation and Floodplain Management Planning meetings originally set for Oct. 7 and 8, with new dates to be announced.
In light of Hurricane Milton, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has instituted a no-wake zone along the St. Johns River to protect properties from flooding due to boat wakes.
Volusia County staff are closely monitoring the situation in coordination with state officials and the National Weather Service.
Sandbags
A drive-thru sandbag location at the Volusia County Branch Jail (1300 Red John Drive, Daytona Beach) will operate from 9 am - 1 pm on Monday.
Additionally, self-service sandbag distribution will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the following Fire Rescue Stations:
Station 22, 213 N. U.S. Highway 1, Oak Hill
Station 23, 1850 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach
Station 34, 1700 Enterprise-Osteen Road, Osteen
Residents can receive up to 10 sandbags at each location, they should bring a shovel and avoid blocking fire station bays to ensure emergency access. All residents of Volusia County can access sandbags with proof of residency, regardless of whether they live in an incorporated city or an unincorporated area.
Schools
Volusia County Schools is continuing to work with Volusia County Emergency Management to closely monitor Hurricane Milton.
At this time, all after-school activities except for Extended Day Enrichment Programs will be canceled on Monday, Oct. 7.
VCS will announce further information on Monday about potential school closures after our morning briefing with Volusia County Emergency Management. This will ensure we have the most current information to make the best decisions for the safety of our families and staff.
Flagler County urges residents to prepare for impacts from Tropical Storm Milton, expected to be Major Hurricane Milton when it makes landfall on Florida’s west coast.
For more information about emergency preparedness, please visit www.FlaglerCounty.gov/emergency or call 386-313-4200 between 7am – 7pm.
Evacuations
It is important to note that evacuations may be required on Tuesday for those in mobile homes and RVs, as well as residents living on the island (Marineland down to Flagler Beach), and along the intracoastal waterway.
Sandbags
We encourage residents, who need sandbags to protect their homes, to purchase them at local hardware stores. For those unable to do so, local governments are making them available as follows:
For residents unable to obtain sandbags from our local hardware stores, your local governments are providing them as follows:
Countywide Residents (10 per household, self service – please bring a shovel):
Hidden Trails Community Center (6108 Mahogany Blvd, Bunnell)
Sunday: Noon to sunset, Monday: 10am to sunset
Bay Drive Park (30 Bay Dr, The Hammock)
Sunday: Noon to sunset, Monday: 10am to sunset
City of Flagler Beach Residents (Self service – please bring a shovel)
Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church (915 North Central Ave) Monday: Starting at 9am.
Flagler Beach Fire Station (320 S. Flagler Ave) Monday: Starting at 9 am.
City of Palm Coast Residents (10 per household, self service – please bring a shovel)
Indian Trails Sports Complex (5455 Belle Terre Pkwy)
Sunday: Noon to sunset, or while supplies last, Monday: Starting at 8am.
Schools
Flagler Schools is working closely with Flagler County Emergency Management to monitor this storm as it approaches Florida. Our top priority is leeping students, families, faculty and staff safe.
Emergency Management Citizens Information Line:
The Marion County Emergency Management Citizen’s Information Line will open Monday, October 7, 2024, from 8am - 8pm.
For non-emergency inquiries related to the weather event, please call 352-369-7500. For emergencies, always dial 911.
For continued updates about Tropical Storm Milton, visit the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
Shelters
The following locations will open as emergency shelters in preparation for Hurricane Milton. Citizens with special dietary needs should bring a supply of food with them.
Special Needs Shelter:
West Port High School, 3733 SW 80th Avenue, Ocala, will open at 5pm on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Small pets are also allowed into the shelter with proper documentation.
Pet-Friendly Shelter:
Vanguard High School, 7 NW 28th Street, Ocala, FL 34475, will open at 6pm on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
General Population Shelter:
Fort McCoy School, 16160 NE County Road 315, Fort McCoy, FL 32134, will open at 6pm on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
Schools
Based on the latest weather forecasts, MCPS will close Wednesday & Thursday due to Hurricane Milton. All after-school extracurricular activities on Tuesday are also canceled.
Information regarding a decision for Friday will be shared later this week.
Sandbags
Marion County Emergency Management is actively monitoring Tropical Storm Milton and has announced the opening of nine sandbag locations across Marion County.
The sandbag locations will begin operations at 12pm, Sunday, October. 6. On Monday, October 7, sandbag operations are OPEN at 7am.
These locations are self-serve, bags are provided, and a limited number of shovels will be available at the sites. However, citizens are encouraged to bring their own.
Officials request that each person limit their use to 10 bags per vehicle.
Tuscawilla Park (Reilly Arts Center), 800 NE Sanchez Ave, Ocala, FL
ED Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala, FL
Jervey Gantt Park- 2200 SE 36th Ave, Ocala, FL 34470
Dunnellon Public Works, 11924 Bostick St., Dunnellon, Florida 34431
Wrigley Field, 405 County Rd East 316, Citra, FL
John Van Fleet Sports Complex, 14445 NE 14th Street Road, Ocala, FL
Belleview Sports Complex, 6501 SE 107th St, Belleview FL
Martel Recycling Center, 296 SW 67th Ave Rd, Ocala, FL
Marion Oaks, 294 Marion Oaks Lane, Ocala, FL (Behind the Community Center)
We urge you to stay informed and stay safe as Hurricane Milton approaches Florida.
Closures & Updates: Discover the latest closures and updates in Central Florida.
School Closure: Find out the latest school closures across Central Florida.
Shelter Locations: Find your nearest shelter in Central Florida.
Sandbag Locations: Find out where you can collect sandbags in Central Florida.
Theme Parks & Attractions: Discover the latest updates from Central Florida's attractions.
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