Due to the threat of potential severe weather and flooding in the area, the City of Ocala and Marion County have opened sandbag stations for local residents.
The sandbag stations will be open on Wednesday, June 21 (noon to 6 p.m.) and Thursday, June 22 (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) at the following locations:
- E.D. Croskey Recreation Center (1510 NW 4th Street in Ocala).
- Jervey Gantt Park (2200 SE 36th Avenue in Ocala).
- Martel Recycling Center (296 SW 67th Avenue in Ocala).
- Belleview Sportsplex (6501 SE 107th Street in Belleview).
Sand, bags, and shovels will be provided at each station free of charge. They are self-serve, but assistance is available if needed. There is a limit of 10 sandbags per resident.
Sandbags can be used to prevent water intrusion during storms and severe weather. They can be placed in doorways, as well as driveway aprons, garage doors, and other areas around the home.
A flood watch has been issued for Marion County through 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 22. The sandbag station locations and hours of operation are subject to change as weather conditions change.
Marion County Emergency Management officials are encouraging all residents to sign up for Alert Marion, the county’s emergency notification system. Those who sign up will receive text message alerts, emails, and phone calls regarding severe storms, tornadoes, and other life-endangering events that may occur in Marion County.