The National Hurricane Center warns Milton poses a "extremely serious threat" to Florida with life-threatening impacts, and the City of Orlando is making preparations ahead of the monster storm.
Hurricane Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record, with the National Hurricane Center warning that Milton poses a "extremely serious threat" to Florida with life-threatening impacts.
The fear is that the storm could slam into the Tampa Bay area before tearing through the I-4 corridor with the potential to bring hurricane force winds and extreme flooding rain to the heavily populated Central Florida.
In Orlando, Mayor Buddy Dyer has declared a State of Emergency in the City of Orlando, and the city is working around the clock making preparations for the incoming storm.
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS:
The city’s Emergency Operations Center has moved to a Level 2 Activation this morming, Tuesday, October 8, at 10 a.m. and expects to move to a Level 1 Full Activation on Wednesday, October 9 at 12 p.m.
SANDBAGS:
The City of Orlando is offering sandbags at Camping World Stadium today from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Residents can enter through the gate located at Anderson Street and Rio Grande Avenue. Ten bags per household will be provided, please bring your own shovel. ID is required.
Confirm if your address is within the city limits by using the Information Locator.
SOLID WASTE UPDATE:
Today, residential and commercial trash, yard waste and recycling pick up is operating as normal.
The city will suspend residential and commercial garbage, recycling and yard waste pick up starting Wednesday at 12 p.m., this depends on the operations of the Orange County Landfill and weather conditions.
Following Hurricane Milton, depending on weather and road conditions, the city will work to pick up missed garbage and yard waste. We will continue to provide updates throughout the storm on garbage, yard and recycling schedules.
The city is asking residents to help us prevent flooding by not placing tree trimmings or any type of loose waste or yard debris at their curb. During a severe weather event, these items can clog storm drains which may result in flooding of property and/or the street. Residents should secure any yard waste or debris that has not been picked up by Wednesday morning.
STREETS AND STORMWATER UPDATE:
In preparation for impacts to the Orlando area as a result of Hurricane Milton, City of Orlando crews are checking inlets, lake outfalls, and drainage well intakes, as well as inspecting construction sites to ensure inlets are not blocked. Lakes have been lowered to the lowest possible level.
PARKING GARAGE FEES WAIVED:
The city will waive parking fees for the following parking garages beginning at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9, for any resident who would like to park a car in a covered garage.
Central Boulevard Garage, 53 West Central Boulevard
Jefferson Street Garage, 62 West Jefferson Street
Library Garage, 112 East Central Boulevard
Orange County Administration Garage, 300 Liberty Avenue
This is for passenger vehicles only and height restrictions must be adhered to. No oversized vehicles, campers, boats, trailers, watercraft, etc. will be permitted to enter.
All cars should be removed by 12 p.m. Friday, October. 11, dependent on weather and road conditions
CITY OPERATIONS:
The City of Orlando’s non-essential offices and services, including City Hall, will be closed on Wednesday, October 9 and Thursday, October 10.
RECREATION CENTER CLOSURES:
All City of Orlando neighborhood and recreation centers and pools will be closed Wednesday, October 9 and Thursday, October 10.
Additionally, all sports and event activities at our centers, parks and recreation facilities have been cancelled on Wednesday, October 9 and Thursday, October 10.
HELPING THE HOMELESS:
Persons experiencing homelessness in Central Florida are most vulnerable to the impact of a major hurricane. The Homeless Services Network is working with the homeless shelters in our area who will add service beyond their typical capacity to serve homeless individuals who are seeking refuge during Hurricane Milton.
The city’s Downtown Ambassadors and HOPE Team Outreach partners are out today on the streets providing weather information and directing people to shelters and will continue these efforts as long as it is safe to do so.
For more information, suggested supplies and things to consider while preparing for a storm, visit orlando.gov/storm.
In Central Florida people are continuing to prepare for a potential direct hit from Hurricane Milton, theme parks and attractions are closing, including Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, LEGOLAND Florida, The Orlando Eye, Gatorland and more.
Orlando International Airport is also closing, ceasing commercial operations at 9am on Wednesday, October 9.
Grocery stores are closing, including Publix with all Central Florida stores closing Tuesday, at 6pm, remaining closed until 6pm on Thursday.
As the situation becoming more dire, and Hurricane Milton continues to target Florida, state and local officials are warning residents that the time to prepare for the life-threatening storm is running out. Florida residents and visitors currently in the state should be finalizing preparations and action plans today,
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has already placed 51 of the state’s 67 counties under a State of Emergency, and on Monday, President Joe Biden approved the state’s pre-landfall emergency declaration request, which now authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate all disaster relief efforts and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures.
We urge you to stay informed and stay safe as Hurricane Milton targets Florida.
Closures & Updates:
Emergency Info:
School Closure:
Shelter Locations:
Sandbag Locations:
Theme Parks & Attractions:
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