Orange County government officials are offering sandbags to residents in anticipation of Tropical Storm Idalia.
On Monday, Orange County Public Works announced that it will have five sandbag sites open to residents.
Sites will operate on Monday, August 28, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Tuesday, August 29, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., pending severe weather. Locations are subject to close earlier than scheduled due to weather conditions.
The following sites will be operational:
- West Orange Recreation Center – 309 S West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden
- Clarcona Horse Park/Clarcona Outpost – 3535 Damon Road, Apopka
- Bithlo Community Park – 18501 Washington Avenue, Orlando
- Meadow Woods Recreation Center/Meadow Woods Park – 1751 Rhode Island Woods Circle, Orlando
- Downey Park – 10107 Flowers Avenue, Orlando
In addition to Orange County, various municipalities are also offering residents free sandbags.
That includes the city of Winter Garden, which has made sandbags available at its Public Services Complex (880 W. Bay Street). The city will operate its location from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, August 28, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 29.
It also includes Apopka, which has made sandbags available at Edwards Field, which is located behind Kit Land Nelson Park at 11 N Forest Avenue. Residents are limited to 10 bags per household, and shovels will be available for residents to fill sandbags.
For more information on storm preparedness in the county, or to receive alerts, visit the Orange County Emergency System website.