Governor Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency for multiple counties in Florida, and local cities have made sandbags available to residents as Subtropical Storm Nicole is expected to strengthen into a hurricane and make landfall in Florida this week.
On Monday, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 22-253, declaring a state of emergency for 34 counties in the potential path of Subtropical Storm Nicole.
According to the most recently released data by the National Hurricane Center, Subtropical Storm Nicole is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by Wednesday evening.
“While this storm does not, at this time, appear that it will become much stronger, I urge all Floridians to be prepared and to listen to announcements from local emergency management officials,” said DeSantis. “We will continue to monitor the trajectory and strength of this storm as it moves towards Florida.”
Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties, as well as all others in Central Florida, were included in the state of emergency.
Orange County officials announced on Monday afternoon that Downey Park, located at 10107 Flowers Avenue, is open as of 3 p.m. on November 7 with self-serve sandbag stations. Officials say they will open three additional locations on Tuesday.
In Orlando, residents may visit the Streets and Stormwater Division at 1010 Woods Avenue, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, November 8, or until supplies last, to fill up to 10 sandbags each.
City officials in Winter Park made sandbags available at Ward Park, which is located at 288 Perth Lane, on Monday, November 7, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and on Tuesday, November 8, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In Altamonte Springs, officials are offering bags from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, November 7, at Merrill Park, which is located at 985 Merrill Park Drive in Altamonte Springs.
The city of Winter Springs has opened a self-serve sandbag station at Central Winds Park, which is located at 1000 Central Winds Drive, from Monday, November 7, through Friday, November 11, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The city of Oviedo is offering sandbags at its Public Works Maintenance Yard, which is located at 1725 Evans Street.
Seminole County just recently opened the East Branch Library in Oviedo, which was the last branch to open in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.