With Hurricane Milton churning its way toward Central Florida, residents are bracing for possible flooding and storm damage. Among the preparatory measures is how to secure sandbags, crucial in preventing or mitigating water intrusion. Several counties and cities have opened their sandbagging locations to help residents get ready. Below is the full list of where to get sandbags across Central Florida.
Orange County sandbag locations
Sandbags are self-service sites for Orange County residents:
- Rollins Softball Field Parking Lot
- Address: 452 Harper Street, Winter Park
- Hours: Monday, October 7, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Limit: 8 bags per resident.
- Proof of residency is required.
- Barnett Park
- Address: 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando
- Hours: Monday, October 7, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Bithlo Community Park
- Address: 18501 Washington Avenue, Orlando
- Hours: Monday, October 7, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Clarcona Horse Park
- Address: 3535 Damon Road, Apopka
- Hours: Monday, October 7, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Downey Park
- Address: 10107 Flowers Avenue, Orlando
- Hours: Monday, October 7, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Meadow Woods Recreation Center
- Address: 1751 Rhode Island Woods Circle, Orlando
- Hours: Monday, October 7, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- West Orange Recreation Center
- Address: 309 S. West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden
- Hours: Monday, October 7, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Residents are encouraged to bring their own shovels for filling bags and can receive up to ten unfilled bags at these locations.
Seminole County sandbag locations
Seminole County is offering sandbags at the following sites:
- Central Winds Park
- Address: 1000 Central Winds Drive, Winter Springs
- Hours: Friday – Sunday, October 4-6, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Boombah Sports Complex
- Address: Overflow parking lot at 3325 Cameron Avenue, Sanford
- Hours: Sunday from 8 a.m. -8 p.m.
- Residents can take up to fifteen empty bags and must provide their own shovel and gloves 25.
Volusia County sandbag locations
Volusia County has established the following locations for residents who need sandbags:
- REC Center in Port Orange
- Address: 4655 City Center Circle
- Hours: Saturday, October 5 from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m, Sunday, October 6 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Supply Limit: Up to ten bags per person.
- New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex Football Stadium
- Address: 2335 Sunset Drive
- Hours: Sand piles and bags available around the clock.
- Limit: A maximum of fifteen bags per resident.
- Bethune Point Park in Daytona Beach
- Address: 11 Bellevue Avenue
- Hours: Sunday (October 6) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Residents are required to bring a shovel and may take up to ten bags.
Other locations and considerations
Other locations in Central Florida are offering sandbags:
- In Dunedin, residents can fill sandbags at the Jerry Lake Recreation Complex on Monday from 8 a.m. to closing.
- Edgewater has two locations available 24 hours per day for those residents requiring sandbags.
Preparation for Hurricane Milton
In preparation for Hurricane Milton heading toward Central Florida, securing sandbags is a precautionary measure that can help minimize flood damage. Check local government websites or news outlets for the latest information on when sandbags will be available and if the hours or locations have changed. Stockpiling of provisions and storm-proofing of homes are some precautionary measures that can be taken right now against the effects of this storm. Stay safe and informed while making these preparations.