Governments, businesses and residents along Florida's Gulf Coast continued making plans Monday for the approach of Hurricane Milton.
Lines at gas stations had formed early Sunday and people were starting to filter in to stores to gather water and other supplies.
Meanwhile governments were starting to plan meetings to enact local state of emergency declarations. Sand bag locations were enhanced in some areas.
Scan the bold headings below for specific storm-related information.
Late Saturday, Governor Ron DeSantis issued the following Executive Order declaring a state of emergency in 35 Florida counties ahead of the storm, including Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia counties.
DeSantis amended the order Sunday, adding 16 more Florida counties.
Also, FEMA encouraged Floridians to prepare for a possible hurricane.
All FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Florida will cease operations temporarily at close of business Monday, Oct. 7, in preparation for severe weather. The centers will reopen when weather conditions improve and inspections are completed.
FEMA MONDAY: FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Florida to supplement response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Milton beginning Oct. 5 and continuing.
The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.
Emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75% federal funding for Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Desoto, Dixie, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia counties.
Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75% federal funding for Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Nassau, Suwannee, Taylor and Union counties.
Flood watch: A flood watch is in effect through Thursday morning for portions of Southwest Florida, including Charlotte, Lee, Manatee, Sarasota, and DeSoto counties.
Heavy rainfall is forecast this week as deep moisture streams across the area. Then, as a tropical system approaches late Tuesday into Wednesday, the threat for heavy rainfall will increase further.
Rainfall totals of 5 to 8 inches, with isolated totals up to 12 inches will be possible.
U.S. Coast Guard: The Coast Guard Captain of the Port for St. Petersburg set Port Condition Whiskey for the ports of Tampa, St. Petersburg, Seaport Manatee, and Ft. Myers, Saturday, at 1 p.m., due to the expectation of sustained winds greater than 39 mph generated from Tropical Storm Milton that may arrive within 72 hours.
Port condition terms:
- Whiskey: Set when gale force winds are expected to arrive at the port within 72 hours. Port remains open to all commercial traffic, but oceangoing ships and barges must report their intention to remain in port or depart. If they are departing, they must do so within 12 hours of gale-force winds.
- X-Ray: Gale force winds are expected within 48 hours. The rules are similar to port condition Whiskey.
- Yankee: Gale force winds predicted within 24 hours. Vessels seeking to depart must arrange immediate departure. Cargo operations must cease with 18 kilometre per hour (kph) winds. Transfer hoses must be disconnected with 22 kph winds. Ships seeking to arrive in port should seek an alternate destination.
- Zulu: Gale force winds within 12 hours. The port is closed.
OKEECHOBEE WATERWAY Lock Operations during Hurricane Milton:
1. Notice to Navigation
Notice is given that safe harbor lockages will begin on Monday, October 7, to allow safe passage for vessels before Hurricane Milton makes local landfall. Locks will be open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. supporting vessel safe harbor passage. Lock operations will stop eight hours prior to landfall, as railroad and drawbridges will be lowered or rotated and locked into a secure position. It's important that all vessels are at their intended destination before bridges are secured and passage across the waterway suspended. No mooring of vessels on Corps Structures during event.
For Lock Operator safety, the locks will:
- Stop locking vessels or working outdoors if lightning is observed within five miles of the lock, and operations will not resume until lightning has not been seen in the area for 30 minutes.
- Stop locking vessels when winds exceed 35 MPH.
After a storm, it could be days or weeks before the waterway is reopened, depending on damage to structures and how quickly debris creating navigation hazards can be removed. When locking is resumed, it will be at the site’s normal locking hours: Okeechobee Waterway Locks from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Canaveral Harbor Lock 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m..
School closings/meetings
Florida Gulf Coast University will shift to remote operations on Monday. In addition, based on the arrival time of tropical force winds to the greater Southwest Florida region, FGCU is closing campus to all activities and operations, including all events and classes through Friday.
The university will send further notifications through the FGCU Update email account, RAVE Guardian Eagle App, FGCU branded social media pages and the FGCU website.
Lee County: The District has made the decision to close all schools and suspend all before and after-school programs and extra-curricular activities from Monday, October 7, through Thursday, October 10. This includes all previously scheduled events. However, principals, additional administrators, building supervisors, and other critical personnel as outlined in the District’s Hurricane Preparedness Plan, are expected to report to their school location on Monday, October 7, 2024, to make the appropriate preparations for the incoming storm. School-based administrators will receive a follow-up communication later today.
While schools will be closed starting on Monday, the main District office and satellite locations will be open for regular business hours on Monday, October 7. These locations will then be closed on Tuesday, October 8, through Wednesday, October 9. Further information and instructions for District office employees will be sent out this afternoon to central office administrators. The Board Briefing and Action meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 8, 2024 are postponed and will be rescheduled as needed. Information about any potential re-opening of District and satellite offices for Thursday, October 10, 2024 will be shared by Wednesday evening.
Sarasota County: All traditional public schools are closed from Monday, October 7 through Wednesday, October 9. Visit www.sarasotacountyschools.net/hurricane for more information.
Glades County Schools: Due to the forecast of extremely dangerous conditions, the Glades County School District will not have school on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, we will proceed with school as scheduled tomorrow (Monday).
Collier County: Schools will be closed from Monday (October 7) through Thursday (October 10). A full update can be found at www.collierschools.com/weather.
The regular School Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 8, 2024, is canceled.
Charlotte County: In response to the approaching Tropical Storm Milton, all Charlotte County Public Schools will be closed starting Monday, October 7, and will remain closed through at least Thursday, October 10. We will provide updates as soon as possible after the storm to assess whether schools can safely reopen on Friday, October 11.
This decision was made in partnership with the Emergency Operations Center, as several schools will be used as shelters for our community. Charlotte County officials will determine and announce the locations of storm shelters available to the community.
An emergency meeting of the Charlotte County School Board will be held at Murdock County Office at 5:30 PM on Monday, October 7, 2024, to consider certain necessary agenda items from the School Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 8, 2024, which has been canceled due to Hurricane Milton.
Hendry County: No School Tuesday through Friday; In addition to the closing of schools on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, due to Hurricane Milton, the Hendry County School District will be making the following changes to our school calendar:
Friday, October 11, was originally scheduled for a half day for students and a Teacher Workday. It will now be a full day for teachers with no students. Therefore, students will not have school on Friday, October 11.
Originally, Monday, October 14, was a day off for students. Monday will now be a full day for students.
Buen día.
Anuncio del distrito:
Además del cierre de escuelas los martes, miércoles y jueves debido al huracán Milton, el Distrito Escolar del Condado de Hendry realizará los siguientes cambios en nuestro calendario escolar:
El viernes 11 de octubre de 2024 estaba originalmente programado para medio día para los estudiantes y un día de trabajo para los maestros. Ahora será un día completo para profesores sin estudiantes. Por lo tanto, los estudiantes no tendrán clases el viernes 11 de octubre de 2024.
Originalmente, el lunes 14 de octubre de 2024 era un día libre para los estudiantes. El lunes ahora será un día completo para los estudiantes.
Esperando que nuestros estudiantes, personal y familias estén a salvo durante la tormenta.
Manatee County: All School District of Manatee County Schools will be closed Monday, October 7 through Wednesday, October 9. All school activities, including athletics, are canceled Monday through Wednesday.
Information regarding the remainder of the week will be communicated after the storm passes, shelter operations conclude, and teams have had an opportunity to assess the condition of district campuses.
DeSoto County: Will close all schools for both students and staff from Monday, October 7 through Thursday, October 10. School administrators and custodial teams are required to report to their respective schools on Monday to prepare the buildings for the weather event. All buildings will close at noon on Tuesday, October 8 and remain closed through Thursday.
District offices will remain open on Monday but will close at noon on Tuesday, October 8, and remain closed through Thursday.
Highlands County: Will close all schools for both students and staff from Monday, October 7 through Thursday, October 10. School administrators and custodial teams are required to report to their respective schools on Monday to prepare the buildings for the weather event. All buildings will close at noon on Tuesday, October 8 and remain closed through Thursday.
District offices will remain open on Monday but will close at noon on Tuesday, October 8, and remain closed through Thursday.
An Emergency School Board Meeting has been scheduled for Monday, October 7, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.
Boat owners: Secure vessels
FWC urges vessel owners to secure their boats now.
“This storm has the potential to cause the kind of widespread damage we saw with Hurricane Ian,” said Col. Brian Smith, director of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement. “With Ian, we saw hundreds of boats on land and derelict in our waterways. We know how to prevent this from happening again and need boat owners to take this seriously. I cannot stress enough how imperative it is that you secure your boats now. Do not wait until it is too late.”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) gathered the following informational resources to help boaters prepare and recover from intense storms.
Move your vessel out of the water! If you cannot move your vessel, take extreme measures to secure it
- If your boat can be trailered, haul it out of the water and move it to a safe location as far from tidal waters as possible. This includes kayaks and other recreational watercraft.
- If your vessel must stay in a marina berth, double all lines and rig cross-spring lines fore and aft, and attach lines high on pilings to allow for tidal rise or surge.
- If your vessel is at anchor, move to the most protected area possible and set out multiple anchors with at least a 10:1 scope, remove canvas coverings if possible, and remove or secure any sails.
- If your vessel is to remain on a mooring, make sure it is designed to withstand the load that your vessel will place on it. Inspect chains and swivels connecting to the mooring buoy and double up on the pendant.
- Remember to remove Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), life rings, life jackets and loose items from the boat and store them in a safe, indoor location.
- Use the Florida Boat Ramp Finder to find a ramp near you.
Cover all lines to prevent chafing
- Wrap all lines where lines feed through chocks with tape, rags and rubber hoses or leather. Install fenders, fender boards or tires to protect the boat from rubbing against the pier, pilings or other boats.
Charge batteries and make sure they can run automatic bilge pumps throughout the storm
- Consider adding backup batteries and shut off all other devices that consume electricity.
Do NOT stay onboard and do NOT venture out into rough conditions
- If you’re onboard during a bad storm, you are risking your life and the lives of potential responders.
- Learn what Florida law says about mandatory marina evacuations. Chapter 327.59, F.S., Marina Evacuations.
After the storm, report issues to the FWC
- Check marina eligibility for disaster relief through Small Business Administration loans. SBA Disaster Assistance.
- Report missing and/or damaged waterway markers.
- Report storm-damaged boats that might be lost or abandoned to your local law enforcement agency (preferred) or the FWC Division of Law Enforcement at 888-404-3922.
- Call 911 or use VHF Marine Radio Channel 16 to report distress and other emergencies. Social media should not be used to report life-threatening distress due to limited resources to monitor the dozens of social media platforms during severe storm events.
For more storm preparation resources, visit MyFWC.com/boating and click on “Boater Education,” then click on “Storm Prep Resources.”
OTHER CLOSINGS
Alliance for the Arts will be closed through Thursday, Oct. 10
We are tracking Hurricane Milton and hoping that his impact will be minimal. Out of an abundance of caution, for the safety of our staff and visitors we have made the decision to close our building and campus through Thursday, Oct. 10. As of now, plans are tentative in regard to Friday, Oct. 11.
Bizarre Bazaar Night Market has been rescheduled to Wednesday, Oct. 16. As of now, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is still planned for Saturday, Oct. 12.
Please see below for more information on the gallery, classes, rehearsals and other events, please check our website.
LEE HEALTH
In preparation for the threats of Hurricane Milton, Lee Health has listed the follow:
- Lee Health hospitals remain open.
- Most Lee Health outpatient facilities are closed Tuesday through Thursday, except for the Complex Care Centers that will be open until Tuesday at 5 p.m. Call Centers will also be open to take calls on Tuesday.
- Lee Health staffing will transition to Code Brown beginning at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8 with Team A reporting to their assigned locations.
- Lyfts are being provided to all staff who would like to leave their cars off hospital property. Information for utilizing the service is available through Lee Health.
- Staff with questions about current response can call the Lee Health Storm Hotline at 239-468-7876.
- The Young Driver program on October 8 was rescheduled to Tuesday October 15 at AAA 2516 Colonial Blvd Fort Myers from 5pm to 7pm.
NCH
Facility Closures at NCH Due to Hurricane Milton
In light of the impending impact of Hurricane Milton, Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) is closely monitoring the storm’s trajectory to ensure the safety of our patients, staff, and the community. As of now, both NCH Baker and North Hospitals, and
freestanding emergency departments will remain open to provide essential medical services throughout the storm.
However, should the hurricane take a more direct path toward Southwest Florida and Collier County, we are prepared to implement contingency plans, including the potential closure of facilities if conditions pose a greater risk to public safety.
At this time, NCH announces the following closures/cancelations due to Hurricane Milton:
• All elective surgeries for Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10 are canceled. Physician offices will call patients to reschedule for a later time after the storm passes.
• Marco Urgent Care Center – Closed Wednesday, Oct. 9 only.
• NCH Wellness Centers - Closed Tuesday, Oct. 8-Thursday, Oct. 10.
• NCH Business Center (NBC) – Closed Tuesday, Oct. 8 and Wednesday, Oct. 9.
• NCH Medical Group offices - Open Tuesday morning but will be closing early. All
practices will be closed Wednesday, Oct. 9.
MOBILE FOOD PANTRIES
Opened: Harry Chapin Food Bank distribution centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at the following locations:
- Church of the Nazarene Immokalee, 1207 Carson Road in Immokalee
- San Raphael Church, 2514 Lee Blvd. in Lehigh Acres
- Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal, 151 NE Pine Island Road in Cape Coral
“We understand that this is a challenging time for our Southwest Florida community, particularly those who struggle with food insecurity on a daily basis,” said Richard LeBer, president and CEO of Harry Chapin Food Bank. “Deploying our mobile food pantries will ensure our neighbors in need have access to healthy food, easing some of their worries as we face this storm together.”
Harry Chapin Food Bank is monitoring Hurricane Milton’s track and is prepared to respond accordingly following the storm. The food bank’s team will work closely with agency partners to assess the greatest needs in impacted areas and will be on the ground distributing food and essential supplies as soon as it is safe to do so.
The mobile pantries distribute a variety of fresh produce, canned and dry goods, frozen meat, bread, grains and other food items.
POSTPONED: In response to Hurricane Milton and to ensure the safety of their clients and staff, Community Cooperative will be closing early on Tuesday, October 8, at 1 p.m. and will remain closed all day on Wednesday, October 9. Additionally, they have decided to postpone their mobile food pantries scheduled for Tuesday, October 8, Wednesday, October 9, Thursday, October 10, and Friday, October 11.
Mobile Food Pantries Postponed:
- Tuesday October 8, 2024 Location: Bonita Springs YMCA; 27200 Kent Road, Bonita Springs
- Wednesday, October 9, 2024 Location: Cape Coral Technical College; 360 Santa Barbara Blvd N, Cape Coral
- Thursday, October 10, 2024 Location: Immokalee High School; 702 Immokalee Drive, Immokalee
- Friday, October 11, 2024 Location: North Fort Myers Recreation Center; 2000 N Recreation Park Way, North Fort Myers
Statewide
NO TOLLS: Tolls have been suspended across Central Florida and West Florida, as well as Alligator Alley, in preparation for Hurricane Milton. By suspending tolls in the impacted area, Floridians and visitors will be better able to quickly and safely evacuate if and when directed by local officials. Tolls will be waived for seven days beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 7, 2024.
PRICE GOUGING: Attorney General Ashley Moody said Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline will be extended following a state of emergency declaration for areas of the state preparing for Tropical Storm Milton.
Florida’s price gouging law remains in effect for the counties already under the state of emergency order for Hurricane Helene and will remain active for the areas covered by Milton.
During a storm-related declared state of emergency, state law prohibits excessive increases in the price of essential commodities, such as equipment, food, gasoline, hotel rooms, ice, lumber and water needed as a direct result of the event.
Anyone who suspects price gouging can report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com.
Sarasota County
Evacuation zones: Check a link to Sarasota evacuation zones here.
5:05 a.m. Monday., Oct 7: Sarasota County is now under a Hurricane Watch. A Hurricane Watch means hurricane-force winds are possible within this area within the next 48 hours.
Sandbags
Self-service sandbags will be offered to Sarasota County residents today, Monday, Oct. 7, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., at the following locations:
Bags and sand will be available while supplies last, with a limit of 10 bags per vehicle. Residents are asked to bring their own shovels. There are no scheduled opening or closing hours.Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St.
Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota
South County Fleet Services, 4571 SR 776/Englewood Road, Venice
Residents are limited to 10 bags per vehicle. Bags will be provided; bring their own shovels.
North Port: The City of North Port is urging residents to prepare themselves and their families for impacts from Hurricane Milton.
Sarasota County will be calling for evacuations in Level A and potentially Levels A and B. This includes those in manufactured home communities or mobile or boat homes.
North Port residents who live in low-lying areas or who have experienced flooding of their homes in the past are urged to implement their preparedness plans.
North Port Fire Chief Scott Titus is reminding residents who live in these areas that this should be considered a “mandatory” evacuation and urges them to take it seriously.
"If you do not leave, there is a strong likelihood you would be inaccessible by emergency services for the duration of the storm and multiple days following," Titus said. "You will likely be without power and could have high levels of water and hazards in your home that have a likelihood of danger to life and health."
If you plan to leave the area, do so now. This is expected to be one of the largest evacuations along our state's west coast.
Visit scgov.net to view a list of Sarasota County evacuation centers or find your evacuation level.
All residents should take this time to prepare their properties and their disaster kits, including enough water, non-perishable food and medicine for a minimum of seven days for each member of their family.
Street ponding expected
For the past 10 days, Department of Public Works staff have been doing all they can to lower water levels throughout North Port's stormwater system in preparation of the anticipated rain.
However, because the ground is already saturated from our near record rainfall this year, there will still be ponding in the streets due to additional excessive rainfall. Never drive through standing water - turn around, don't drown.
Learn more about the City's stormwater system and how it is maintained at NorthPortFL.gov/Stormwater.
Emergency declaration
The City Commission will hold an emergency meeting at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at City Hall to declare a local state of emergency. This proactive measure is a procedural step to allow emergency funding for any necessary repairs.
Closures
Warm Mineral Springs Park will be closed Monday, Oct. 7, and until further notice.
For the latest status updates on Parks & Recreation facilities, visit NorthPortFL.gov/ParksAndRecreation.
Stay informed
Register for emergency notifications at AlertSarasotaCounty.com.
Text "NPStrong" to 888777 to receive City of North Port text alerts.
Bookmark NorthPortFL.gov/Alerts and check back for the latest info.
Venice: Out of caution in preparation for Hurricane Milton Venice Theatre will be closed Tuesday, Oct. 8 and Wednesday. Oct, 9. Classes are also canceled today, Monday, Oct. 7.
The box office is currently contacting ticket holders about rescheduling "The Torch Bearers" and "Agnes of God."
The theatre's website is available for ticket sales, class registrations, and information updates at www.venicetheatre.org.
Charlotte County
Charlotte County has declared a local state of emergency due to Tropical Storm Milton.
Charlotte County offices and facilities will close at noon Monday and remain closed Tuesday through Thursday in response to Tropical Storm Milton. Community Services Department offices, libraries, parks, recreation centers and pools will be closed Monday through Thursday.
The hours of operation for the Supervisor of Elections on Monday are subject to change. Please visit the Supervisor of Elections website for the latest information at www.soecharlottecountyfl.gov.
Charlotte County has scheduled a news conference with Emergency Management Director Patrick Fuller to discuss county preparations for potential impacts from Hurricane Milton at 2:15 p.m., Monday.
The news conference will be livestreamed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oemcharlottecounty.
Charlotte County is currently under a Flood Watch. Rapid strengthening of Hurricane Milton is still expected prior to landfall. Residents should be monitoring conditions closely as Milton approaches our coastline with potentially life-threatening conditions. Storm surge forecasts will determine evacuations. If evacuating from our county is part of your emergency plan, go now. Delaying evacuation plans may cause you to be stuck in traffic jams. All residents should know where they will evacuate if ordered. You do not have to wait for orders to evacuate. Storm Surge continues to be the biggest concern, though damaging winds and flooding rainfall remain likely impacts.
Key Points:
Charlotte County currently has a 77% chance of experiencing tropical storm-force winds. The earliest reasonable arrival is expected at 5 PM on Tuesday, with the most likely arrival around 3 AM on Wednesday.
Watches for storm surge, hurricane, and tropical storm conditions are expected to be issued later today.
Expect 5” to 8” of widespread rainfall through Thursday, with localized areas potentially receiving 12” or more.
Tornadoes are possible.
The current local state of emergency due to Hurricane Helene will be extended for seven days.
Charlotte County urges residents to stay vigilant, monitor the storm’s progress, review emergency plans, and ensure hurricane kits are ready. For more information, view the county’s disaster guide at www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/disasterguide.
Sheriff's Office: Due to the impending storm, the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office district and administrative offices will be closed beginning at NOON Monday, October 7, and will reopen on Friday, October 11. There will be an update if that changes due to any damages sustained.
Transit service: Due to the threat from Tropical Storm Milton, Charlotte County Transit service will be suspended Monday through Thursday. Customers with current reservations will be notified of the cancellations by phone.
The reservation phone number, 941-575-4000, is closed until further notice.
Waste collection Monday: Residential curbside collection will occur as scheduled Monday, Oct. 7.
Charlotte County transfer facilities will be open 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and the Charlotte County landfill will be open 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 7.
Contractors: Construction materials and debris can cause significant damage if unsecured during high winds and can cause blockage of the county’s drainage swales.
In preparation for the possible storm conditions, the Community Development Department is requesting contractors to begin securing their work sites as soon as possible with attention paid to the following:
- Identify vulnerable work in progress and determine how best to protect it, and others, from damage.
- Be prepared to remove, anchor, or restrain everything that could blow away such as trash, lumber, portable toilets, etc., that can become windblown hazards.
- Ensure that all construction debris is secured or placed in an on-site dumpster. If dumpsters are half or fuller, consider arranging to have them emptied before the weekend.
- Where possible, ensure your on-site dumpster is covered.
- If roofing materials are on site, or will be delivered, but won’t be installed before storm weather conditions arrive, be prepared to secure them as weather conditions may warrant.
- Remove the permit yard cardboard and job site signage if warranted by weather conditions.
- Ensure erosion control silt fencing is securely installed.
- Keep all swales clear.
Please keep in mind this time of year that our ground is already very saturated with rainwater, so it is imperative all swales are free of construction materials, so water can flow. Please repair silt fencing and remove any fill dirt that is blocking the swales and clean out culverts. Ensure anything that can be rain-proofed is protected and, wherever possible, move your construction equipment to a secure area.
Remember: Do not drive through floodwaters or go near downed power lines or near any other hazards. After an event, contractors will be notified by email and information will be posted to the Community Development pages on the county website for any special instructions relating to permitting.
Charlotte County urges residents to stay vigilant, monitor the storm’s progress, review emergency plans, and ensure hurricane kits are ready. For more information, view the county’s disaster guide at www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/disasterguide.
For information, call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Follow Charlotte County Emergency Management for important emergency information at www.charlottecountyfl.gov/em, www.facebook.com/oemcharlottecounty, and www.x.com/ccoem.
The comfort station offering laundry and shower services at Harold Avenue Regional Park is closed in preparation for Tropical Storm Milton.
Charlotte County urges residents to stay vigilant, monitor the storm’s progress, review emergency plans, and ensure hurricane kits are ready. For more information, view the county’s disaster guide at www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/disasterguide.
BABCOCK RANCH
The hurricane shelter at the Babcock Ranch School Field House at 43281 Cypress Parkway is open.
If you choose to go the shelter you will need to bring supplies for each family member and pets (all Charlotte County shelters are pet friendly).
- Sleeping bag, sleeping pad and/or blankets and pillow
- Personal flashlight & headlamps
- Disinfectant supplies, hand sanitizer, soap, cloth face coverings
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Soap – you may choose to purchase body wipes for quick wipe downs instead of soap
- Feminine hygiene products
- Cell phones chargers/backup battery
- Extra sets of clothes suitable for the season
- Extra socks and sturdy shoes
- Food or snacks (72+ hours worth)
- Books or magazine
- Prescription medications, eyeglasses
- Important documents
If you will have pets, be sure to bring:
- Pet care items
- Pet food and water (at least two weeks worth)
- Proper identification
- Medical records/microchip info/vaccination papers
- A carrier or cage
- Muzzle and leash
- Water and food bowls
- Medications
Charlotte County urges residents to stay vigilant, monitor the storm’s progress, review emergency plans, and ensure hurricane kits are ready. For more information, view the county’s disaster guide at www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/disasterguide.
For information, call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Follow Charlotte County Emergency Management for important emergency information at www.charlottecountyfl.gov/em, www.facebook.com/oemcharlottecounty, and www.x.com/ccoem.
Punta Gorda: In response to the recent impact of Hurricane Helene, the City of Punta Gorda is temporarily suspending regular sanitation services, effective immediately. This decision allows the City’s sanitation crews to prioritize the collection of debris caused by the storm.
What You Need to Know:
- Sanitation Service Suspension: Regular trash services will be paused until further notice.
- Focus on Debris Collection: Areas with the greatest flood impacts.
- Timeline: We anticipate resuming regular sanitation services after the incoming storm.
- Residents’ Role: We ask residents to avoid placing regular trash and recycling at the curb during this period. Please pile hurricane debris separately for pick-up.
Contact: City of Punta Gorda Public Works (941) 575-5050.
Lee County
LEE EVACUATIONS: Lee County emergency officials say Hurricane Milton is now a category 5 with high winds and a storm surge of five to 10 feet along our coastlines and rivers.
Those factors, director of public safety Benjamin Abes said, means a mandatory evacuation of zones A and B, effective today at noon.
Shelters
“We are beginning the process today of opening some emergency shelters. These shelters will open today at 3 p.m. to help support those that would like to move a little bit early, “ Abes said.
The three shelters are Island Coast High School at North Cape Coral, Dunbar High School in Fort Myers and the Estero Recreation Center on Corkscrew Road, all Lee County, shelters accept pets, but you must have them in a crate or on a leash.
Lee County’s update on Tropical Storm Milton is available for viewing on the county’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@LeeCountyFLBOC. You can view it by clicking here.
- Some general population shelters will open Monday afternoon, especially for those who are still recovering from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Ian. Additional shelters will open Tuesday. LeeTran will provide transportation to the shelters for those who need it. Remember to check www.leegov.com/storm to see which shelters open and when. The county is coordinating with the Florida Department of Health for its special needs sheltering operation.
- Emergency Operations Center is activated at a Level 2. That’s a partial activation. The EOC will go to a Level 1 full activation at 7 a.m. Monday, Oct. 7.
- Lee County has executed a State of Local Emergency for T.S. Milton.
- Public Safety is monitoring and preparing with partners, including
- National Weather Service
- National Hurricane Center
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Florida Division of Emergency Management
- Local partners such as the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and School District of Lee County.
- T.S. Milton is expected to become a hurricane later today. Even if the forecasted cone shifts north or south, impacts including life-threatening storm surge will be felt here in Lee County.
- County offices will open as scheduled at 8 a.m. Monday, but will close at noon. The county will be closed from Monday afternoon through Thursday. The county will announce information about Friday operations on Thursday, depending on the storm’s impact.
- The Lee Board of County Commissioners meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 8, has been canceled. It has not been rescheduled at this time.
- The county asks residents to take time today to:
- Revisit your family emergency plan.
- Know where you will go if you plan to leave.
- Check your emergency supply kit.
- Secure objects around your home.
- Be where you plan to be for the storm by Tuesday evening.
- Monitor local meteorologists’ reports.
- Sign up for AlertLee.
- Monitor www.leegov.com/storm and Lee County social media channels.
- You have time to prepare today but the window to prepare is closing. The time for action is today.
- Call the United Way’s Emergency Information Hotline with questions. Dial 2-1-1 or 239-433-3900.
- Sand and sand bags
- Consult your local fire department for availability of sand and sand bags.
- Each site may have varying levels of inventory.
- Emergency Operations is working with vendors to replenish sand at fire departments.
- Solid Waste / debris
- Helene debris collection continues to happen today. Debris will be collected Monday and will continue Tuesday as weather allows.
- Do not put out additional Hurricane Helene debris or bulky waste.
- This precaution will help minimize the dangers of debris becoming projectiles during T.S. Milton.
- It also allows the haulers to pick up what’s out there now
- Solid Waste / regular pickup
- Regular trash, recycling, yard waste that is scheduled for Monday will happen Monday.
- Do not place out trash, recycling or yard waste on Tuesday or Wednesday.
- All normal waste collection services are suspended for those days.
- Announcements will be forthcoming on when regular collections will resume.
- DOT and Natural Resources:
- Crews are out today clearing storm drains, adjusting weirs, monitoring creeks and streams.
- These activities have been ongoing since Hurricane Helene.
Department of Health offices: All Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) offices will be closed on Monday, October 7, 2024, in response to severe weather impacts. Offices will remain closed until Friday, October 11, 2024.
Additional Resources
The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) is a toll-free hotline activated at the time of an emergency to provide an additional resource for those in Florida to receive accurate and up-to-date information regarding an emergency or disaster situation impacting the State of Florida. SAIL hotline: 800-342-3557
County tax collector: To give our team time to prepare, and in an abundance of caution for the safety of our customers, we are closing all Tax Collector locations from Monday, October 7 - Thursday October 10. Those with appointments will receive communication from our office on next steps. Thank you and please be safe.
County supervisor of elections: The Lee County Supervisor of Elections Office will be closed from noon, Monday, Oct. 7 through Thursday, Oct. 10, due to Tropical Storm Milton.
All court hearings are suspended until further notice and will be rescheduled.
Lee Clerk online services are still available. You can continue to make payments, search records, and access many other services at www.leeclerk.org.
Announcements about reopening will be made later in the week, based on the impact of the storm.
The Logic and Accuracy Testing of voting equipment has been rescheduled for Monday, Oct. 14, at 9 a.m. Testing will take place at the Melvin Morgan Constitutional Complex, Third Floor, located at 2480 Thompson St. in Fort Myers.
All poll worker classes scheduled for Monday, Oct. 7, through Thursday, Oct. 10, have been canceled. Lee County Elections staff will contact poll workers to reschedule their training classes.
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We will continue to provide updates regarding the November general election on our website, WWW.LEE.VOTE.
Contact: Lauren Bernaldo
Chief Communications Officer
Phone: 239.533.6046
Email: communications@leetc.com or laurenb@leetc.com
Sanibel: Mayor Richard Johnson, with the support of City Council, has issued a proclamation ordering the evacuation of Sanibel by Tuesday, October 8, at 10 p.m. Sanibel residents and business owners are urged to prepare for impacts from this storm and evacuate the island as soon as possible.
A 24-hour curfew will be enacted at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8.
Sandbags are Available at the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District
The Sanibel Fire & Rescue District has received a delivery of sand and sandbags. The location of the pile is 2401 Library Way. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the District at 239-472-5525.
Island Water Association employees will be leaving the island in advance of Hurricane Milton’s landfall. IWA will temporarily shut down the treatment plant late Tuesday night and begin utilizing a limited amount of stored water to serve Sanibel and Captiva. The timeframe for IWA employees to return to island and operate treatment facilities is unknown.
IT IS CRITICAL THAT RESIDENTS TURN OFF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS BEFORE EVACUATING THE ISLAND. Irrigation systems left in operation can quickly deplete stored water, leaving no water available for drinking, cooking, and sanitation until IWA employees are able to restart and refill the system.
Residents are encouraged to turn water off to their properties before they evacuate. Water can be turned off at the meter or backflow device, if one is on the property.
Additional information in the National Hurricane Center advisory that residents and business owners should monitor:
- Rainfall on Sanibel, between Saturday, October 5 and Thursday, October 10 may be 4-6”. This forecast is subject to change with each update.
- Windspeeds for a Major Hurricane may exceed 110 mph.
Sanibel may see tropical storm force winds on Tuesday, October 8, by 8 pm.
- Rainfall on Sanibel, between Saturday, October 5 and Thursday, October 10 may be 4-6”. This forecast is subject to change with each update.
- Windspeeds for a Major Hurricane may exceed 110 mph.
Sanibel may see tropical storm force winds on Tuesday, October 8, by 8 pm.
- Rainfall on Sanibel, between Saturday, October 5 and Thursday, October 10 may be 4-6”. This forecast is subject to change with each update.
- Windspeeds for a Major Hurricane may exceed 110 mph.
Sanibel may see tropical storm force winds on Tuesday, October 8, by 8 pm.
Sanibel received more than 50” of rainfall prior to the storm surge flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. Residents and business owners should anticipate Tropical Storm or Hurricane Milton will likely bring flooding to Sanibel.
Residents and business owners who are in low-lying areas of Sanibel, or who may not feel safe in their structure during a storm, should consider finding alternative accommodations in advance of the storm’s arrival.
Fort Myers Beach: The Town of Fort Myers Beach has issued a mandatory evacuation for the entire Island. For the safety of you and your family, the Town urges residents to evacuate safely by 3 p.m. on Monday, October 7, 2024. Do not wait until it is too late. All trailers/recreation vehicles, dumpsters, porta-potties, and electric vehicles, such as golf carts, are required to be taken off Island.
The Town of Fort Myers Beach will be implementing the Hurricane Re-entry Pass Program following the storm. This means, only residents, Town staff, and emergency personnel will be allowed on Island once Hurricane Milton has passed. You will be required to show either your re-entry pass or parking sticker to enter the Island. Staff will be located at the base of the Matanzas Pass Bridge and the Big Carlos Pass Bridge to check for passes. If you do not have one, staff will be located at Target to assist residents: 15880 San Carlos Blvd Ste 101, Fort Myers, FL 33908.
If you are not a resident, please do not try to enter the Island before, during, or after the storm. This will only cause for traffic and backups for residents trying to get back to their homes.
The Town of Fort Myers Beach urges residents and business owners to implement their Hurricane Preparedness Plan immediately!
The Fort Myers Beach town hall will close at noon on Monday.
Bonita Springs: The city has declared a State of Local Emergency in response to the anticipated landfall of Hurricane Milton. Hurricane Milton is forecasted to become a major hurricane.
A State of Local Emergency (SOLE) helps municipalities and counties prepare for and respond to situations such as hurricanes. A SOLE will help with governmental procurement processes, help the community receive funds for recovery, and enable the ability of the government to make decisions in response to the emergency that can be subsequently ratified.
The City of Bonita Springs encourages the public to prepare for the potential impacts of the hurricane. For more information and resources preparing for a storm, please visit the Lee County Government Storm Update page Lee County Storm Updates
The city encourages residents living near the Imperial River and canals, to continue to monitor water levels. Please continue to be vigilant as sheet flow may impact water levels of rivers and canals. For more information regarding flood protection please visit the City of Bonita Springs webpage.
Residents can stay up to date with City information on the City’s Facebook page and website City of Bonita Springs.
Tune in to Bonita TV by streaming live on the city website or the following cable distribution systems:
- Comcast, channel 98.
- Hotwire, channel 398.
- Summit broadband, channel 96.
Cape Coral: As the City of Cape Coral continues to prepare for Hurricane Milton, the Water Conservation Town Hall originally scheduled for today at 5:30 p.m. has been cancelled.
Cape Coral Bike Night, originally scheduled for Saturday, October 12, is cancelled due to Hurricane Milton.
CLOSURES: Due to Tropical Storm Milton, which is forecast to become a hurricane later today, SCCF is closing the Native Landscapes & Garden Center for the week (Oct. 7-11) and Sanibel Sea School classes are closed through Wednesday, Oct. 9, with a decision about Thursday and Friday to be made later this week. Our public trails are also closed in advance of the storm.
Where landfall will occur on Wednesday remains uncertain within the forecast cone. Our area is expected to experience heavy rains and flooding, life-threatening storm surge, and strong winds.
SCCF enacted its Hurricane Plan early Saturday, and our staff are busy preparing our facilities, vehicles, vessels, and equipment.
We will continue to closely monitor the storm through the National Hurricane Center, the National Weather Service, and the SCCF River, Estuary, and Coastal Observing Network (RECON).
Manatee County
EVACUATIONS: Manatee County Emergency Managers have expanded their evacuation orders in advance of Hurricane Milton. In addition to evacuation of all persons in Level A and B – and all residents or visitors in RVs or Mobile Homes – ahead of Hurricane Milton beginning at 2 p.m. Monday Oct. 7, officials are now calling for anyone in Level C areas to evacuate as well.
“This is a serious storm,” said Manatee County Public Safety Manager Jodie Fiske. We need folks to take these evacuation orders seriously and get out of harm’s way.”
If you haven’t done so, learn your evacuation level at mymanatee.org/storm. As you and your family make your final preparations in advance of this storm, please take a moment to check on your neighbors… especially those who are elderly or have mobility issues. Make sure they have a plan for riding out the storm safely. Assist them if you can. If not, please call 311 to arrange transit to a shelter.
The following locations will be opening emergency shelters Monday afternoon:
- Virgil Mills Elementary School (7200 69th St. E., Palmetto)
- Jessie P. Miller Elementary School (601 43rd St. W., Bradenton)
- Myakka Elementary School (37205 Manatee Ave., Myakka City)
- W D Sugg Middle School (5602 38th Ave. W., Bradenton)
- Barbara A. Harvey Elementary School (8610 115th Ave. E., Parrish)
- B D Gullett Elementary School (12125 44th Ave. E., Bradenton)
- Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School (6325 Lorraine Rd., Lakewood Ranch)
- Dr. Mona Jain Middle School (12205 44th Ave. E., Bradenton)
A special needs shelter will also be opening for those who have pre-registered. If you haven’t registered yet, please do so at mymanatee.org/needs.
Extra debris collection vehicles are being pressed into service to speed Helene clean-up to completion. These debris crews will work as long as conditions allow to safely remove and dispose of this debris. Please note that it is very important that you do NOT put any additional debris at the roadside once the debris has been picked up in your area. Any debris left near the curb as Milton comes through can clog drain or become a projectile during high winds.
Garbage and recycling will not be picked up tomorrow (Tuesday Oct. 8) and Wednesday (Oct. 9) to focus on debris pick up. Manatee County contracted haulers will be joining the debris disposal efforts. They are out today for regular pickup and will transition after close of business Monday to debris duty.
Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) will continue to operate as normal through Monday night. Beginning Tuesday, MCAT will operate emergency transfers to Shelters as long as they can. Transport from the islands to shelters will start at 2 p.m. today and occur on the hour until nightfall at the CVS (611 Manatee Ave., Holmes Beach)
Manatee County Government will be closing its offices and facilities today at the close of business today and will remain closed Tuesday (Oct. 8) through Friday (Oct. 11). As of today, all Parks are closed until further notice. The G.T. Bray Recreation Center and the Walton Racquet Center will be closed starting Tuesday October 8. Our facilities will be reopened once conditions have been deemed safe.
With a potential storm surge of 8-12 feet expected along coastal parts of the county, Manatee County Utilities Department will schedule the shut-off of potable water service and sanitary sewer service to the island cities of Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, and the Town of Longboat Key tomorrow (Oct. 8) at 10am. This necessary interruption of service will happen earlier to best ensure the utility infrastructure remains intact and to salvage the sewer lift stations. Also, the water will be completely shut off. There will not be residual pressure or flow that some may have experienced during Hurricane Helene.
Utilities staff continues to watch the lake level at the Manatee Dam. At 10 a.m. the level was at 37’ with inflow and outflow monitored minute-by-minute. Crews are also checking lift station operations throughout the county – including those that have been protected with tiger-dams. Up-to-date dam levels and stream elevation levels can be tracked at manatee.org/storm.
Collier County
SHELTERS OPENING TUESDAY:
Emergency Shelters - Remember, there are very limited services. Those who plan to use emergency shelters should bring any necessary medications, cell phone chargers, toiletries, food, water, flashlights, bedding, and anything else they need to be comfortable. Learn more about Emergency Shelters.
A Special Needs-Only Shelter will open at Palmetto Ridge High School for electrically dependent or bedridden pre-registered clients who require nursing care. A family member or caregiver is asked to accompany the special needs person to the shelter.
Special Needs Shelter – Opening time 2 p.m. Tuesday
- Palmetto Ridge H.S. - Registered Special Needs Clients and their caregiver. (Pet-Friendly) 1655 Victory Lane
General Population Shelters- Opening Time 4 p.m. Tuesday
Please note only the Special Needs Shelter above and the middle schools listed are pet-friendly. Owners are responsible for the care of their pets. Please bring appropriate supplies. The pets must remain crated. The pets will not be permitted in the shelter area but will be housed in another location in the school.
- Gulf Coast H.S. 7878 Shark Way
- Immokalee H.S. 701 Immokalee Drive
- Golden Gate H.S. 2925 Titan Way
- Corkscrew M.S. (Pet-Friendly) 1165 Oil Well Road
- Cypress Palm M.S. (Pet-Friendly) 4255 18th Ave N.E.
- Golden Gate M.S. (Pet-Friendly) 2701 48th Terrace S.W.
- Immokalee M.S. (Pet-Friendly) 401 9th Street
- Oakridge M.S. (Pet-Friendly) 14975 Collier Blvd
Notice is hereby given that the Collier County Board of County Commissioners will hold an Emergency Special Meeting on Monday, October 7, at 11:30 a.m. in the Board of County Commissioners chambers, third floor, Collier County Government Center, 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, Florida. The meeting will be broadcast live and close captioned on Collier Television and colliercountyfl.gov.
The Collier County Board of County Commissioners held a Hurricane Milton Special Meeting today (Monday, Oct. 7) to help prepare residents.
Director of Emergency Services Dan Summers recommends that zones A and B in Collier County evacuate. To check your evacuation zone, go to Floridadisaster.org.
Officials can’t mandate evacuations, but they stress that during an evacuation event, they will have limited ability to get to you with help.
Emergency operations will officially start tomorrow (Tuesday). Here’s Summers:
“We plan on activating the County’s Emergency Operations Center and going 24 hours tomorrow morning at 6 a.m.”
Kari Hodgson, solid waste director for the County, added some advice about bulk waste:
“As of right now, we’re asking residents not to put out any further Helene debris. We’re working as late as possible to remove the remaining piles that are out.”
She added that waste collection later in the week will probably be postponed.
The 20th Judicial Circuit has shut down and will not reopen until Monday, according to Clerk of Court Crystal Kinzel, although many services may still be available online.
The 211 free helpline is available as always.
Evacuations:
- A Voluntary Precautionary Evacuation is effective immediately for all residents in Collier County in Zones A and B (west of Airport Pulling Road and south of US-41 Tamiami Trail E). This includes mobile home residents and locations with a history of storm flooding. If you have a plan and resources to get to an inland destination, now is the time to review your checklist, mobilize, and have ample time to get there. This Voluntary Precautionary Evacuation includes the City of Marco Island, Everglades City, Goodland, Chokoloskee, and the City of Naples. Know Your Zone
- A Mandatory Evacuation for all of Zones A and B (west of Airport Pulling Road and south of US-41 Tamiami Trail E), effective 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 8. Know Your Zone
Collier County Sandbags Availability Update
- North Collier Regional Park/Sun-N-Fun Lagoon is OUT of sand and will not receive any more today;
- 60 tons of sand is en route to Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, and once it’s gone, that location will not receive any more today;
- Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park still has approximately 30 tons of sand available. It will not receive any more deliveries today once that is gone;
- Sandbag supplies are starting to run low at all locations. Should they have them, residents are encouraged to bring empty sandbags and shovels;
- 150 tons of sand is scheduled to be delivered, 50 tons per location, tomorrow (Monday) at 10 a.m.;
- Hurricane season is not over. Residents are encouraged to keep their sandbags stacked and out of the sun in case they are needed again this season.
- There are 51 counties under the Governor’s State of Emergency. All are in the market for sand! We appreciate your patience!
Sandbag Locations:
Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park, 810 39th Ave. NE, Naples, FL 34120, by the pickleball courts
North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road, Naples, FL 34109, in the Sun-N-Fun Lagoon parking lot
Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34113, in the grassy area between the parking lots
Sandbags, when properly filled and placed, may divert water around instead of through buildings. Sandbag construction does not guarantee a watertight seal but is satisfactory for use in most situations. Burlap sacks and plastic sandbags (polypropylene) are standard types to use. Garbage bags are not recommended since they are too slick to stack.
For additional information on sand and sandbag availability or sandbag assistance for those with special needs, please contact the Collier County Road, Bridge & Stormwater Maintenance Division at (239) 252-8924.
Marco Island: Due to the rapid intensification and heavy rainfall and flooding expected with Hurricane Milton, the City of Marco Island is issuing a mandatory evacuation for residents of Marco Island and Goodland as of 3 p.m. Monday. The rainfall over the next few days combined with tides and storm surge from Hurricane Milton present a serious flood risk to our area. While Collier County has not yet announced shelter openings, residents in low-lying areas are urged to prepare their homes and move to higher ground by Tuesday afternoon.
The City of Marco Island will close City facilities on Tuesday, October 8 through Thursday, October 10 due to the anticipated impacts from Hurricane Milton. Collier County,
including Marco Island, is now under a Hurricane Watch and a Storm Surge Watch. Life threatening storm surge, flooded roads and power outages are expected.
While city buildings and parks are closed, the city will operate a call center and first responders are on duty and ready to clear debris, clear storm drains, and respond to emergencies. In cases of emergency call 9-1-1. General questions or concerns can be directed to 239-389-5000. Also, visit the City of Marco Island website and see the Hurricane Milton page for updates, or follow updates on Marco Island City Hall Facebook and Nextdoor. If you are experiencing a water or sewer emergency after hours, call 239-394-3168. If you want to report an issue with storm drains, traffic signals, or traffic signs, call Public Works at 239-825-0571. The non-emergency line for police is 239-389-5050.
The city will resume normal operations on Friday, October 11.
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Glades County
School cancelled: Due to the forecast of extremely dangerous conditions, the Glades County School District will not have school on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, we will proceed with school as scheduled tomorrow (Monday).
Our primary concern during this time is the safety and well-being of our students and staff. As we prepare for this weather event, we must remember that many of our students come from vulnerable backgrounds. In our county, where resources are limited, not all students have safe or stable places to stay during extreme weather conditions. For some, school provides a crucial sense of security and support. Our goal is that all students have any additional support that is needed and that no student feels isolated or without help.
Hendry County
Sandbagging will be available beginning at 3PM until dark on Sunday, October 6.
Sandbags will be available at the following locations:
- Clewiston Public Works Division - 1300 S Olympia St. Clewiston, FL 33440
- Hendry County Emergency Operations Center - 4425 West SR80, LaBelle, FL 33935
Sandbags will be available at both locations daily from 9am - 5pm beginning Monday, October 7.
There will not be anyone available to help fill the sandbags, however there are sand funnels that will assist in making the job easier. Residents must bring their own shovel.
The following information should be considered:
- Have a minimum of 2 people to fill the sandbags.
- Sandbags are only effective in water that is no more than 15-inches deep.
- Bring your own shovel and bags if you have them, however bags will be available at both sites.
- There will be a maximum of 10 bags per vehicle/visit.
- Sandbag operations will run from 9am until 5pm daily. This will continue year-round so that you may prepare early outside of hurricane season to have the sandbags in place
Central County Water Control District (CCWCD) will have sandbagging available at the Montura Clubhouse - 255 N. Hacienda St, Clewiston, FL 33440 beginning Monday, October 7.
Residents should contact CCWCD for information on availability and times.
Residents are also encouraged to sign up for Hendry County related emergency alerts by texting “HENDRYFLA” to 888777.
Please stay tuned to local media outlets for the latest weather information and check the Hendry County Emergency Management webpage www.preparehendry.com or follow on Facebook www.facebook.com/hendrycountyemergencymanagement for updates.
Areal flood watch
Flooding Caused by Excessive Rainfall Continues to Be
Possible in Portions of Southeast, Southern, and Southwest Florida,
Including Glades and Hendry, Collier and mainland Monroe counties through Thursday morning.
Excessive Runoff May Result in Flooding of Rivers, Creeks, Streams, and Other Low - Lying and Flood - Prone Locations. Additional Details: Periods of Heavy Rainfall likely today through the Mid-Week Period for a Widespread 4 to 8 Inches of Rainfall possible Through Thursday with Localized Amounts in excess Of 10 Inches Possible in Glades; Hendry; and Collier County;
DeSoto County
We’re opening a special needs shelter and a general population shelter on Tuesday, 10/8/24, starting at 12 PM Noon. The location for the special needs shelter is South Florida State College at 2251 NE Turner Ave #2700, Arcadia, FL 34266, and the general population shelter will be at the Turner Center: 2250 NE Roan St, Arcadia, FL 34266. Make sure to follow our page for updates!
If you or someone you love is electrically dependent, please register for the special needs shelter ASAP at snr.flhealthresponse.com or in person at 2200 NE Roan St, Arcadia, FL 34266.
If you plan to utilize a shelter, be prepared! Here’s what to bring:
Your full emergency supply kit
Any necessary medical supplies
Special dietary items
ID or passport
Comfort items like pillows, blankets, or bed rolls
While shelters provide a safe space during emergencies, they’re not meant for entertainment. Pack some items to help pass the time, such as playing cards, board games, or laptops for movies.
Important Reminder: No weapons, alcohol, or illegal drugs are allowed.
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