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Where to get Sandbags in Central Florida ahead of Hurricane Helene

Updated: Sep 25

With Helene bearing down on Florida as a Major Hurricane, bringing severe weather to Central Florida, local counties have opened sandbag locations for people to collect sandbags. 

Gov DeSantis declares State of Emergency for 41 counties as potential Hurricane Helene targets Florida

As Florida faces the possibility of a major hurricane bringing significant disruption to large parts of the state, flooding could be a potential issue for many residents in Central Florida


Officials are urging residents to take action. and prepare for possible impacts from the storm. be prepared for hurricane-force winds, heavy rain, and flooding.


Everyone should be taking this time to check emergency kits and family plans, and to secure outdoor patio furniture, trim trees, and clean out gutters.


Here in Central Florida, flooding from heavy rain could be a real danger and sandbag locations are now open throughout the area.


In the event of a storm, residents can use sandbags to protect their home against flooding or water damage by strategically placing them around doorways, windows, and openings to divert or absorb water.



Here is the latest list of locations to collect sandbags in Central Florida. We will update this list as we receive new information.


Central Florida Sandbag Locations

Orange County, Florida 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 Tuesday, September 24 and Wednesday, September 25, from 9 am - 7 pm.


Residents can pick up 10 unfilled sandbags and will be directed to the on-site sand pile. You must bring your own shovel to fill the sandbags. Residents with special needs who require assistance can contact Orange County 311 by dialing 3-1-1 or 407-836-3111.


Barnett Park: 4801 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808

Downey Park: 10107 Flowers Avenue, Orlando, FL 32825

Meadow Woods Rec: 1751 Rhode Island Woods Circle, Orlando, FL 32824

Bithlo Community Park: 18501 Washington Avenue, Orlando, FL 32820

West Orange Rec: 309 S West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787

Clarcona Horse Park: 3535 Damon Road, Apopka, FL 32703



Seminole County sandbag operations are opening Tuesday, Sept. 24 and Wednesday, Sept. 25 for residents to prepare for potential heavy rainfall.


Seminole County and City sandbag operations are open for residents to prepare for potential heavy rainfall.


Empty bags and sand are available; residents should bring their own shovels and a partner to assist with filling and loading.


COUNTY LOCATION:

Boombah Sports Complex

3325 Cameron Ave., Sanford

10 a.m.–8 p.m., Tuesday, September 24 and Wednesday, September 25

Unstaffed


CITY LOCATIONS:

City of Altamonte - Eastmonte Park

830 Magnolia Drive, Altamonte Springs

8 a.m.–7 p.m., Tuesday, September 24 and Wednesday, September 25

Unstaffed


City of Altamonte Springs - Westmonte Recreation Center

624 Bills Lane, Altamonte Springs

8 a.m.–7 p.m., Tuesday, September 24 and Wednesday, September 25

Unstaffed


City of Lake Mary Municipality - Lake Mary Sports Complex

550 Rantoul Lane, Lake Mary

8 a.m.–6 p.m., Tuesday, September 24

Unstaffed


City of Longwood, FL - Candyland Sports Complex

599 Longdale Ave, Longwood

10 a.m.–6 p.m., Tuesday, September 24 and 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Wednesday, September 25

Unstaffed


City of Oviedo - City Administration - Public Works Maintenance Yard

1725 Evans Street, Oviedo

12 noon–7 p.m., Tuesday, September 24 and Wednesday, September 25

Crews on-site to assist


City of Sanford, FL Government - Public Works Complex

800 W Fulton Street, Sanford

8 a.m.–7 p.m., Tuesday, September 24

Unstaffed


City of Winter Springs - Central Winds Park

1000 Central Winds Drive, Winter Springs

8 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday, September 24 and Wednesday, September 25

Self-service; minimal staffing



In preparation for potential severe weather, residents can fill and make sandbags at Osceola Heritage Park starting at noon today - 7 pm, Septe. 24, and again Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 8 am - 4 pm. Each household is allowed up to 25 sandbags; please bring your own shovel.


Supplies are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.


Polk County is making sandbags available countywide this Tuesday, Sept. 24, and Wednesday, Sept. 25. The following locations will be open from 8 am - 5.30 pm. A maximum of 10 bags of sand will be provided per home, to help prevent water from entering the home. You need to carry a drivers license to show your local address.


Residents living in flood-prone areas are encouraged to place sandbags in their homes.


Mulberry/South Lakeland – Loyce E. Harpe Park, 500 W. Carter Road, Mulberry

Lakeland – 8970 N. Campbell Road, Lakeland

Fort Meade – 1061 NE 9th St., Fort Meade

Frostproof – 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


Eight sandbag locations will open Tuesday, 2 pm - 7 pm, and . Starting Wednesday, the sites will be open daily from 7 am - 7 pm. or until weather conditions become unsafe. Sand and bags will be available on-site. Residents should bring their own shovels and must fill their own bags.


Residents who need help filling their sandbags can visit one of the three locations marked with asterisks (**). Those locations will have assistance on-site.


East Lake Sports and Community Complex

24809 Wallick Rd, Sorrento


Frank Brown Sports Complex

1245 E Pine Ave, Mt Dora


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


Sumter County will have sand and sandbags available for Sumter County residents for self-service at the Lake Panasoffkee Regional Recreation Park, 1589 CR 459, Lake Panasoffkee, FL starting at 8:00 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. Sandbag operations will be available according to weather conditions.


To obtain the sand and sandbags, residents will need to provide proof of residence within Sumter County and should bring a shovel if they have one. Residents pick up sandbags, fill them, and place them in their vehicles. There is a 10-sandbag limit per vehicle.


Residents also can get valuable information to be prepared at www.sumterprepares.com.


In anticipation of the area receiving Tropical Storm Helene impacts, Volusia County will continue to provide sandbags at the Volusia County Branch Jail, 1300 Red John Drive, Daytona Beach, until 5 p.m. today. The site will reopen Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents must show proof of Volusia County residency and may receive up to 10 pre-filled sandbags per vehicle through the drive-thru line.


Several municipalities are also distributing sandbags. Most require proof of residency within their jurisdiction. Residents living in incorporated cities should contact their local government for eligibility guidelines.


No sandbag locations announced.


No sandbag locations announced.


County Sandbag Operations are OPEN today, Wednesday, September 25th starting from 7am - 7pm starting at the following locations.


In addition to those listed below, the City of Ocala Municipal Government have the following open 7am - 7pm:


Tuscawilla Park (Reilly Arts Center), 800 NE Sanchez Ave, Ocala, FL

Ed Crosky Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St., Ocala, FL


Sandbags are limited to 10 bags per vehicle. Shovels are provided but you are encouraged to bring your own to avoid waiting in line to use provided ones.



Ahead of possible severe weather slamming Florida, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings across the state.



Tropical Storm Helene is a massive storm and is expected to bring wind gusts up to 50 - 60 mph throughout Central Florida, this will be joined by up to 6" of rain leading to localized flooding.


Currently Central Florida is not within the storms cone, but remember, the cone of uncertainty only accounts for where the center of the storm is forecast. However, this will be a very large storm and effects are expected well outside of the cone, with Central Florida on the dirty side of the storm.



Ahead of severe weather rolling into Central Florida, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings across the state.


A Tropical Storm Warning now in effect for all of East Central Florida including Orange, Seminole, Lake, and Osceola Counties, which includes Greater Orlando, and all the major tourism areas including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort.



On the west coast, a Hurricane Warning has been issued from Anclote River to Mexico Beach, with a tropical storm warning issued for the Middle Florida Keys from the Seven Mile Bridge to the Channel 5 Bridge.  


A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the Gulf coast of Florida from Flamingo northward to Anclote River, including Tampa Bay, and west of Mexico Beach to the Walton/Bay County Line.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for Lake Okeechobee and Palm Beach/Martin County Line northward to the Savannah River. 


A Storm Surge Warning has been issued from Flamingo to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.


As this dangerous storm progresses we will keep you updated with the latest news, information, and updates throughout Central Florida. Stay safe!



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