As Hurricane Milton continues to barrel across the Gulf of Mexico, Florida residents and city officials have started preparations to brace for the storm's landfall this week.
The National Hurricane Center reported that Hurricane Milton has strengthened to a Category 5 storm Monday morning, with max sustained winds estimated to be around 160 mph with higher gusts.
The storm is projected to make landfall on Florida's west coast Wednesday evening, but weather conditions could intensify across the state as early as Tuesday and last throughout Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
To assist residents in preparing for the storm, several county agencies and community organizations have opened sandbag pickup locations across Central Florida Monday, with a few remaining open on Tuesday.
Orange County
Orange County Public Works and several other community centers will provide sandbags to county residents. All residents are encouraged to bring a shovel to receive and fill up to 10 sandbags provided at these locations.
The following locations are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7.
Barnett Park
4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando
Bithlo Community Park
18501 Washington Ave., Orlando
Clarcona Horse Park
3535 Damon Road, Apopka
Downey Park
10107 Flowers Ave., Orlando
Edwards Field
Corner of Forest and First streets, Orlando
Meadow Woods Recreation
Center 1751 Rhode Island Woods Circle, Orlando
West Orange Recreation Center
309 S. West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden
Winter Garden Public Services Complex
880 W. Bay St., Winter Garden
Rollins Softball Field
452 Harper St., Winter Park
Winter Park Pines Golf Club
950 S. Ranger Blvd., Winter Park
Winter Park residents are advised to bring proof of residency, and note: There will be a limit of eight sandbags per recipient within city limits. The city will provide shovels and the sandbags are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Seminole County
Residents are able to receive up to 15 empty sandbags and are asked to bring their own gloves and shovel to these self-fill stations. The following locations are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7, unless noted otherwise.
Residents are also encouraged to check with the cities for the latest updates and changes about sandbag provisions.
Boombah Sports Complex
Overflow Parking Lot, 3325 Cameron Ave., Sanford
8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday; 8 a.m.-noon Tuesday
Eastmonte Park
830 Magnolia Drive, Altamonte Springs
Westmonte Recreation Center
624 Bills Lane, Altamonte Springs
Lake Mary Sports Complex
550 Rantoul Lane, Lake Mary
8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday; 8 a.m.-noon Tuesday
Candyland Sports Complex
599 Longdale Ave., Longwood
City of Oviedo Public Works
1725 Evans St., Oviedo
10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday; 7 a.m.-noonTuesday
Staff assistance available. 10 bag maximum.
Shane Kelly Park
488 Waggin Trail, Oviedo
10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday; 7 a.m.-noonTuesday
18th Street Park *New Location*
430 W. 18th St., Sanford
Open 24 hours
Central Winds Park
1000 Central Winds Drive, Winter Springs
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday; 8 a.m.-noon Tuesday
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