FLORIDA — Sandbag locations are open ahead of Tropical Storm Milton, which took on its name Saturday. We will be posting more locations as they become available.

ORANGE COUNTY

In preparation for the inclement weather, Winter Park residents can pick up sandbags on Monday, October 7, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Rollins Softball Field parking lot, 452 Harper Street.

Limit of eight per resident or business owner within the city limits. Please bring a proof of residency: driver’s license, valid ID or utility bill statement. Please be prepared for a Fill-It-Yourself model with the city providing shovels, bags and sand on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are physically unable to fill your sandbags, city staff will be available to assist those in need.

Meanwhile, Orange County will open its free, self-service sandbag program at six park locations on Monday, October 7, and Tuesday, October 8, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The locations are: Barnett Park, Bithlo Park, Clarcona Horse Park, Downey Park, Meadow Woods Park, West Orange Recreation Center. For more information, visit the Orange County Public Works website.

SEMINOLE COUNTY

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.

LOCATIONS:
Boombah Sports Complex
Overflow Parking Lot, 3325 Cameron Avenue, Sanford
Open Saturday, October 5, 11am-8pm, and Sunday, October 6, 8am-8pm; weather conditions permitting
Unstaffed

CITY LOCATIONS:
Please check with cities for the latest updates.

City of Winter Springs - Central Winds Park
1000 Central Winds Dr, Winter Springs
Open Saturday, October 5, 8am-5pm, and Sunday, October 6, 8am-5pm; weather conditions permitting
Unstaffed

In Altamonte Springs, sandbags will be available Sunday, from 8 p.m. to 7 p.m. (while supplies last) at two locations: Eastmonte Park (830 Magnolia Drive) and Westmonte Recreation Center (624 Bills Lane). Shovels will not be provided.

VOLUSIA COUNTY

The City of Port Orange will open its sandbag distribution site on Saturday, October 5, from 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will reopen Sunday, October 6 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for Port Orange residents.

The location will be at City Center off of Herbert Street. This is a self-service site. There is a limit of 10 sandbags per person. Please bring your own shovel.

The city will have a citizens hotline available for residents at 386-506-5999 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. today and 7am to 7:00 p.m. tomorrow.

The city also has a severe weather information page available on its website www.port-orange.org

The City of Daytona Beach will provide sandbag materials to residents from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow (Sunday, Oct. 6) at Bethune Point Park, 11 Bellevue Ave. in Daytona Beach.

Residents are asked to bring shovels to fill sandbags. Sandbags are free, and there is a 10-bag limit per vehicle.

City personnel will be on hand to help residents needing assistance.

Other sandbag locations include: Osteen location at Fire Rescue Station 34; 24-hour location next to the sports complex football stadium in New Smyrna Beach.

OSCEOLA COUNTY

In preparation for potential severe weather conditions from Milton, through a joint effort among Osceola County, Kissimmee and St. Cloud, residents may fill and make sandbags at Osceola Heritage Park beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday, October 6, 2024.

Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas are urged to review their plans for heavy rainfall events. Based on observations, the County’s lakes and ponds have ample capacity to handle the expected rain.

Supplies will be provided including bags and sand. Residents are allowed 25 sandbags per household and will need to bring their own shovel or filling tool. Supplies are limited, and sandbags will be available for filling on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents are advised to re-use filled sandbags they have at home from distributions earlier this year.

Sandbag Distribution Location:

  • Osceola Heritage Park, (Shakerag Road): 1211 Shakerag Road, Kissimmee FL 34744
  • Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, October 6; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, October 7

Sandbag Safety and Disposal Recommendations:

  • Osceola County recommends that residents store uncontaminated sandbags for reuse during possible future storms. Sandbags that have not come into contact with water can be saved to be used in case of additional flooding.
  • Uncontaminated sand can be used for gardens or flower beds and bags can be thrown in the garbage.
  • Never use the sand from sandbags to fill children’s sandboxes or playgrounds.
  • Residents wishing to dispose of sandbags may take them to the Bass Road Yard Waste Disposal Site at 750 S. Bass Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746.

All residents should continue to prepare for severe weather by creating a family plan and disaster supply kit, securing personal property and having a place to go in the event of an evacuation. Learn more at readyosceola.org.

Residents should stay informed by monitoring weather reports and by receiving emergency phone alerts through Osceola’s free AlertOsceola service, by texting the word “alertosceola” to 888777.