FLORIDA — Ahead of Hurricane Milton's impact to Florida, Central Florida counties are making preparations to keep people safe, including closing bridges and boat ramps. 

VOLUSIA COUNTY

Volusia County began restricting access to the barrier islands at 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, because of the anticipated increase in sustained winds with hurricane-force gusts. The Volusia Sheriff’s Office is restricting eastbound traffic to the barrier islands, maintaining the closure until conditions improve and the bridges are deemed safe. Westbound traffic, limited to those deemed essential under the curfew, may continue until the curfew ends at 8 a.m. Thursday.

Volusia County has secured two Intracoastal Waterway low-rise drawbridges — Highbridge and Main Street — into the down position in preparation for Hurricane Milton.

Bridge operations for boat traffic are suspended until after the storm, and will resume after the bridges have been inspected and cleared for operation.

Find more information on emergency management operations in the county. 

OSCEOLA COUNTY

All county boat ramps are closed until further notice due to the approaching storm. Residents are urged to avoid using the ramps until they are officially reopened.