Hurricane Helene: Important Updates for Lake County Residents

As Hurricane Helene approaches Florida, Lake County officials have provided important updates on closures, shelters, sandbag locations, and emergency resources. Here’s what you need to know.

Evacuations in Lake County

• No Evacuations Announced: Currently, there are no evacuation orders in place for Lake County.

County Closures

• Lake County Board of County Commissioners: All offices will be closed on Thursday, September 27, and will reopen on Friday, September 28.
• Trash Collection: Suspended on Thursday, September 27.
• Boat Ramps: St. Johns River and Pearl Street boat ramps are closed until further notice.

Shelter Information

• Leesburg Elementary School: Opening as a public shelter on Thursday, September 26, at 8 a.m. This shelter is pet-friendly and accommodates individuals with special needs.
  • Location: 2229 South Street, Leesburg.

Sandbag Locations

Sandbag stations will be open on Thursday, September 26, from 7 a.m. until noon. Residents need to bring their own shovels and fill their own bags.

• County Sandbag Locations:
  • East Lake Sports and Community Complex: 24809 Wallick Rd, Sorrento
  • North Lake Regional Park: 40730 Roger Giles Rd, Umatilla
  • Astor Fire Station 102: 23023 State Road 40, Astor
  • Minneola Athletic Complex: 1300 Fosgate Road (13930 Education Ave), Minneola
  • PEAR Gateway Park (Front Entrance): 26701 US Hwy 27, Leesburg
  • Four Corners Fire Station 112: 16240 CR 474, Clermont
  • Hickory Point Recreation Complex: 27315 SR 19, Tavares
• Municipal Sandbag Locations:
  • City of Mount Dora (Limit: 10 sandbags): Frank Brown Sports Complex, 1245 E. Pine Ave, Mount Dora. Open on September 24 until 7 p.m. and on September 25 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • City of Tavares (Limit: 10 sandbags): Tavares OLD Fire Station, 424 East Alfred St, Tavares. Open 24 hours.

School Closures

• Lake County Schools: Closed on Thursday, September 26. Schools and district offices will reopen on Friday, September 27.

Emergency Resources

• Citizens Information Line: 352-253-9999 (Open Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Wednesday from 7 a.m.)
• Emergencies: Call 911 for immediate assistance.
• More Information: Visit Lake County Storm Information or Lake County Emergency Management for the latest updates.

Residents are encouraged to prepare, stay informed, and follow local advisories as Hurricane Helene approaches.