Marion County, in partnership with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management and the City of Ocala, have announced the extended opening of locations for sandbags due to the threat of potential severe weather and flooding.
The following sandbag stations will remain open until 6 p.m. today:
- 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.
Marion County encourages residents to avoid discarding the sandbags after the flooding subsides. Instead, residents should keep the sandbags intact throughout hurricane season as a precaution.
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.
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.