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.