The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management has announced the opening of multiple sandbag locations across Marion County as officials closely monitor the development of Tropical Storm Idalia.
As of 10 a.m. on Monday, Idalia was located around 80 miles south-southwest of the western tip of Cuba. The tropical storm is heading north at a speed of 8 miles per hour with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph, according to an update from the National Hurricane Center.
Sandbags
The following sandbag locations will be open on Monday, August 28 (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.) and Tuesday, August 29 (7 a.m. until weather conditions prohibit operation):
- Belleview Sports Complex (6501 SE 107th Street in Belleview).
- Dunnellon Public Works (11924 Bostick Street in Dunnellon).
- 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).
- Tuscawilla Park – Reilly Arts Center (800 NE Sanchez Avenue in Ocala).
These sandbag locations are self-service, and bags will be provided.
Citizen Information Line
The Citizen Information Line is now open, and Marion County residents with questions related to Tropical Storm Idalia can call 352-369-7500.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management asks that citizens use this line for non-emergency inquiries only. In the event of an emergency, call 911.
Shelter Information
At 5 p.m. on Monday, August 28, a special needs shelter will open at West Port High School (3733 SW 80th Avenue in Ocala).
The below-listed general population shelters will open to the public at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, August 29:
- Forest High School (5000 SE Maricamp Road in Ocala).
- Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks (365 Marion Oaks Drive in Ocala).
- Lake Weir High School (10351 SE Maricamp Road in Ocala). This location is pet friendly.
- North Marion Middle School (2085 W County Road 329 in Citra).
- Vanguard High School (7 NW 28th Street in Ocala). This location is pet friendly.
School Closures
Marion County Public Schools has announced that all public schools will be closed on Tuesday, August 29 and Wednesday, August 30.
Evacuation Recommendation
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management recommends evacuation to citizens west of Interstate 75 who live in a mobile home, RV, or other substandard housing.
Additional Information
According to Emergency Management officials, all indicators are currently predicting that residents in the Dunnellon area will have an 82% chance of experiencing tropical storm conditions. Forecasters are expecting Hurricane Idalia to potentially reach Category 1 and possibly Category 2 by landfall.
Officials urge all residents to prepare now for an expected impact on Tuesday afternoon through early Wednesday morning.
More information will be released regarding government office closures once those details are confirmed.