As the winds pick up and the rain clouds gather, Florida residents are bracing for potential flooding in the wake of Hurricane Milton. With rivers like the St. Johns and the Little Wekiva swelling to alarming levels, it’s time for those living in flood-prone areas to take action. If you’re in Seminole County, you’ll want to know where to grab your sandbags to protect your home.
Sandbag distribution sites have been set up across the region, ready for residents to take advantage of. The Old Geneva Volunteer Fire Station at 217 Second St. in Geneva is one of the primary locations. But that’s not all—there are other spots where you can pick up sandbags too!
Where to Get Sandbags
In Seminole County, you can also head to Lake Monroe Wayside Park at 4150 NW U.S. 17-92 in Sanford or Sylvan Lake Park at 845 Lake Markham Road, also in Sanford. These locations are unstaffed and open 24 hours a day, making it easy for you to grab what you need at your convenience. It’s crucial to stay vigilant, especially since the St. Johns River and Lake Harney have already reached action levels, as noted by Bill Bibb, a resident who’s been filling sandbags himself. He lives at the bottom of a hill where water tends to flow into his driveway.
And it’s not just the sandbags; the situation is being monitored closely by the Emergency Management Department, which is keeping an eye on rising water levels. The National Water Prediction Service models indicate that the river is expected to stay at action stage, thanks in part to strong onshore winds that hinder drainage. This combination of factors means that more rain is expected later this week, likely adding to the already precarious situation.
Volusia County’s Preparedness
Meanwhile, over in Volusia County, residents near Lake Harney and along the St. Johns River are also gearing up for the river to crest between October 22 and 25. Officials are advising people to consider alternative shelter arrangements and stock up on supplies, just in case. Sandbags are available here too—both self-fill and pre-filled—at several locations, including the Volusia County Road and Bridge at 2560 W. State Road 44 in DeLand. They’re open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., so you can swing by and grab up to 10 sandbags per household.
For those who prefer pre-filled sandbags, you can find them daily at the same location or at Mariners Cove, 1199 Enterprise-Osteen Road in Enterprise, where they’re available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s a community effort, folks—everyone’s encouraged to take the necessary steps to safeguard against flooding.
As the storm approaches, staying informed is vital. Residents should monitor updates from their respective counties to stay on top of any changes or additional resources that may become available. This is a time for solidarity and preparedness, as the weather can be unpredictable and dangerous.
So, if you’re in Seminole or Volusia County, don’t wait—head out to those sandbag sites and get ready. It’s better to be safe than sorry when Mother Nature throws a tantrum! For more details on locations and updates, check out the full coverage here. Stay safe, everyone!