The Marion Emergency Management Operations Center has announced several emergency preparedness measures in Marion County as officials continue to monitor Tropical Storm Nicole.
A Tropical Storm Watch was issued for Marion County earlier today, which means that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour) will be possible within the next 48 hours.
Sandbag Locations
According to Emergency Management officials, sandbags will be available at the following locations in Marion County:
- On Wednesday, November 9, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Tuscawilla Park (800 NE Sanchez Avenue in Ocala).
- On Wednesday, November 9, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Belleview Sports Complex (6501 SE 107th Street in Belleview).
- On Wednesday, November 9, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Dunnellon City Complex (11808 N Ohio Street in Dunnellon).
These sandbag locations will be self-serve, and officials are asking that residents limit their consumption to 10 bags per vehicle.
Special Needs Shelter
On Wednesday, November 9, beginning at 11 a.m., the MCSO Multipurpose Room located at 3300 NW 10th Street in Ocala will be open as a special needs shelter.
Citizen Information Line
The Marion County Emergency Management Citizen’s Information Line will be operational on Wednesday, November 9, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Thursday, November 10, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For questions about Tropical Storm Nicole, Marion County residents can call the Citizen’s Information Line at 352-369-7500.
This information line is for non-emergency inquiries only. For emergencies, call 911.
Marion County Public Schools
Due to the approaching storm, Marion County Public Schools has canceled all classes on Thursday, November 10, and all extra-curricular activities are also canceled starting on Wednesday afternoon except for Marion Afterschool Programs.
MCPS’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony, which was originally scheduled for this Friday at 11 a.m., has also been canceled. The event will not be rescheduled.
City of Ocala Sanitation Collection
The City of Ocala will not have residential sanitation collection on Thursday, November 10. Sanitation collection will experience a one-day delay and will resume on Friday, November 11.
Alert Marion
Emergency Management officials are encouraging all residents to sign up for the emergency notification system ‘Alert Marion.’ Those who sign up will receive text message alerts, emails, and phone calls regarding severe weather in the area.
For more information, visit the Marion County Sheriff’s Office website or Facebook page.