Gabrielle Russon
Several governments in Central Florida are once again giving out free sandbags to residents before Hurricane Milton strikes this week.
In a Saturday update, National Hurricane Center’s deputy director Jamie Rhome called Milton a “potentially very impactful hurricane over the Florida peninsula on Tuesday and Wednesday.”
Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties, along with multiple cities, including Winter Park, are helping residents prepare for the storm.
Orange County
Residents need to bring their own shovels but can get free sand and bags at six different sites in Orange County, which are open Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“Orange County Public Works Roads and Drainage Division is delivering sandbags and sand to select parks to meet demand. Residents will be provided with 10 unfilled sandbags and directed to the sand pile on site,” the county said in a news release.
The locations are:
— Barnett Park: 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
— Bithlo Community Park: 18501 Washington Avenue, Orlando, FL 32820
— Clarcona Horse Park: 3535 Damon Road, Apopka, FL 32703
— Downey Park: 10107 Flowers Avenue, Orlando, FL 32825
— Meadow Woods Recreation Center: 1751 Rhode Island Woods Circle, Orlando, FL 32824
— West Orange Recreation Center: 309 S. West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787
“Individuals with special needs who need sandbag assistance should contact Orange County 311 by dialing 3-1-1 or 407-836-3111,” the county said in a news release.
Osceola County
Osceola’s free sandbags will be given out until 5 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday at Osceola Heritage Park, 1211 Shakerag Road in Kissimmee.
“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,” the county said in a news release. “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.”
Seminole County
The county’s sandbag help is located in the Boombah Sports Complex’s overflow parking lot at 3325 Cameron Ave. in Sanford until 8 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday.
“Residents will be able to receive up to 15 empty sandbags at County sites. Dirt will be provided, but you will need to bring your own shovel and gloves,” the county said in a news release.
Additional sandbag sites are in the cities of Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary, Longwood, Oviedo, Sanford, and Winter Springs, but staff will not be available to assist residents. See the county’s website for additional details on locations and times.
Winter Park
Winter Park is offering free sandbags from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at Rollins Softball Field parking lot, 452 Harper St.
“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,” the city said in a news release.
