(Update: The City of Ocala has announced that its two sandbag stations, which are located at Jervey Gantt Park (2200 SE 36th Avenue) and the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center (1510 NW 4th Street), will also remain open until noon on Saturday, June 24.)
Marion County, in partnership with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management, is offering free sandbags at two locations on Saturday, June 24.
According to the county, the following sandbag stations will remain open until noon:
- Martel Recycling Center (296 SW 67th Avenue in Ocala).
- Belleview Sportsplex (6501 SE 107th Street in Belleview).
Sand, bags, and shovels are provided at both stations 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.