Multiple counties and cities will offer free sandbags in preparation for the heavy rainfall expected from Tropical Storm Ian next week.
Orange County officials have reopened the free, self-serve sandbag program at five parks across the community as of Saturday morning. Those include Barnett Park, Bithlo Community Park, Downey Park, Meadow Woods Park, and West Orange Recreational Complex. The sites will operate during normal park hours. For more information, visit the Orange County emergency information webpage.
The city of Apopka is hosting three separate sessions for sandbag collection, starting Sunday, September 25 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Edwards Field, which is located at E 1st Street in Apopka. Sandbags will also be available on Monday, September 26, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Tuesday, September 27, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Each household is limited to 10 bags. Shovels will be available for residents to fill bags.
The city of Longwood will host a similar event at Candyland Sports Complex, which is located at 599 Longdale Avenue, on Monday and Tuesday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bags and sand will be provided, but residents are required to bring their own shovels.
The city of Oviedo will offer sandbags on Monday and Tuesday as well, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. at 1725 Evans Street, in the Evans Street Public Works Compound. Each household will be limited to 15 bags. Residents are required to bring their own shovels.
Seminole County announced on Friday that it would also provide sandbags to its residents.