Central Florida counties start offering sandbags ahead of expected surge of tropical rain

October 5, 2024

Central Florida counties start offering sandbags ahead of expected surge of tropical rain thumbnail

Weather

Heavy rain, flooding possible in Orlando area

ORLANDO, Fla. – With heavy rain and flooding possible in Central Florida, some counties are offering free sandbags to residents who want to prepare.

A surge of tropical moisture is forecast to drench Florida, but the exact location of the worst-hit spots is not yet known.

Below is a list of locations where sandbags are being offered. This list will be updated as more cities or counties announce their locations.

SEMINOLE COUNTY

WINTER SPRINGS

The city of Winter Springs is offering self-serve sandbag operations at Central Winds Park.

Empty bags and sand will be available to all residents of Seminole County on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8a.m. to 5 p.m. or while supplies last.

Residents are limited to 15 sandbags per household. They should bring their own shovels and gloves and be prepared to fill and load the bags themselves.

Drivers should enter Central Winds Park via SR-434 and Central Winds Drive. Once inside the park, continue on to the roundabout to the left and then straight to the parking area at the rear of the park.

SANFORD

Boombah Sports Complex

Overflow Parking Lot, 3325 Cameron Avenue, Sanford

Open Saturday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 6, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; weather conditions permitting

Unstaffed

VOLUSIA COUNTY

Residents can pick up sand and sandbags from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the following locations:

Volusia County Fire Rescue Station 23, Turnbull Station, 1850 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach
Volusia County Fire Rescue Station 34, Indian Mound Station, 1700 Enterprise-Osteen Road, Osteen

Residents may fill their sandbags at both fire station locations and should bring a shovel. There is a limit of 10 sandbags per household.

Additionally, the Volusia County Corrections Division will distribute pre-filled sandbags through a drive-thru service from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Volusia County Branch Jail at 1300 Red John Drive in Daytona Beach. Each vehicle is eligible to receive up to 10 pre-filled sandbags.

Proof of Volusia County residency is required at all three locations.

Daytona Beach

The City of Daytona Beach will provide sandbag materials to residents from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, at Bethune Point Park, 11 Bellevue Ave. in Daytona Beach.

Residents are asked to bring shovels to fill sandbags. Sandbags are free, and there is a 10-bag limit per vehicle.

City personnel will be on hand to help residents needing assistance.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for city-generated emergency notifications via text and/or email. Visit www.DaytonaBeach.gov/Alerts to sign up.

For storm preparation and recovery tips, visit www.DaytonaBeach.gov/EmergencyManagement

New Smyrna Beach

New Smyrna Beach residents will have access to sand and bags 24 hours a day until further notice at a self-service distribution site located next to the Sports Complex football stadium at 2335 Sunset Drive. You’re encouraged to bring a shovel and reminded that there is a 15-bag limit per resident.

Edgewater

The City of Edgewater has stocked two locations with sand piles.

Hibiscus Drive and 26th Street (in parking lot of Edgewater Fire Rescue Association Fire Hall)
Mango Tree Lake (901 Mango Tree Drive)

Both locations are accessible 24 hours a day. Residents should bring their own shovels and bags outside of staffed hours at the Mango Tree Lake location. The Hibiscus location will not be staffed so residents must bring their own bags and shovels. Bags may also be purchased at local home supply centers or double-bagged, heavy-duty garbage bags may be used.

The Mango Tree Lake location will be staffed for sand bag distribution on: