Due to the potential impact of Hurricane Idalia, multiple locations across Marion County are currently providing free sandbags to citizens, including two new locations.
As of 11 a.m. on Tuesday, the center of Idalia was located approximately 120 miles to the west of the Dry Tortugas and around 275 miles to the south-southwest of Tampa, according to an update from the National Hurricane Center.
Idalia’s maximum sustained winds have increased to near 85 miles per hour with higher gusts. The National Hurricane Center states that Idalia is forecast to become a major hurricane when it reaches the Gulf coast of Florida on Wednesday morning.
Sandbags
The following sandbag locations opened at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, and they will remain open 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).
- Marion Oaks Community Center (294 Marion Oaks Lane in Ocala).
- Tuscawilla Park – Reilly Arts Center (800 NE Sanchez Avenue in Ocala).
- Wrigley Fields (405 County Road E 316 in Citra).
These sandbag locations are self-service. Citizens should bring their own shovels, and bags will be provided.
Citizen Information Line
The Citizen Information Line is now available 24/7 until Hurricane Idalia has passed and the line is no longer needed. Marion County residents with questions related to the storm 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
A special needs shelter is open at West Port High School (3733 SW 80th Avenue in Ocala).
The below-listed general population shelters are now open to the public:
- 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 on Monday 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
Tropical storm and hurricane warnings are in effect across northeast Florida, and wind conditions will deteriorate beginning on Tuesday evening. The National Hurricane Center states that heavy rain is expected into Thursday (4 to 8 inches), and up to 12 inches of rain is possible, primarily near landfall in northern Florida.
Marion County Emergency Management officials urge all residents to prepare now for an expected impact on Tuesday afternoon through early Wednesday morning.
In addition, officials encourage Marion County residents to sign up for Alert Marion. Those who sign up for this emergency notification system will receive text message alerts, emails, and phone calls regarding severe weather in the area.