Email: PIO@ocfl.net
Be Storm Ready with Free Sandbags: Orange County Residents Encouraged to “Dig-In”
NOTE: Distribution has been extended to August 1, 2020.
WHAT: In an effort to prepare for the peak of hurricane season, Orange County Government is hosting a free self-serve sandbag program for residents at five Orange County Park locations starting July 16 through July 30, 2020.
Media availability will on Friday July 10, at 9 a.m. to kick off the program. A Spanish spokesperson will also be available for interviews.
The program is free and open to all Orange County residents. Households will receive free PPE at each location.
SAFETY MEASURES
In Orange County, individuals who visit the park locations for the sandbag program will be required to wear a facial covering consistent with CDC guidelines and the county’s Executive Order. Orange County is requesting voluntary compliance to help keep all of the community safe and protected. Visit Orange County’s web page to read the full Executive Order.
WHO
- Newly appointed Division Chief Lauraleigh Avery, Orange County Emergency Manager, Fire Rescue Department
- Ralphetta Aker, Orange County Manager, Orange County’s Fiscal & Operational Support, Public Works Department
Both will be available to talk about the Orange County Sandbag Program and provide important hurricane preparedness information.
Media Preview Event
July 10, 2020 – 9 a.m.
Orange County Public Works Division – Building B7
4200 S. John Young Parkway, Orlando
PROGRAM DETAILS
- All supplies will be provided (e.g., bags, tools, sand); filling tools will be available however; citizens are encouraged to bring their own shovel/spade to fill the sand bags.
- Limit 10 sandbags per household.
- A “how-to” instructional sheet will be provided with information on how to fill, store and dispose of sandbags.
- Must present valid ID with Orange County address.
- Sandbags available for filling on a first come, first serve basis. Supplies are limited.
WHEN
Self-Serve Sandbag Program begins July 16 – August 1, 2020
WHERE
Most sites are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Sunday
- Barnett Park – 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
- Downey Park – 10107 Flowers Avenue, Orlando, FL 32825
- Bithlo Community Park – 18501 Washington Avenue, Orlando, FL 32820
- Meadow Woods Recreation Center/Meadow Woods Park – 1751 Rhode Island Woods Circle, Orlando, FL 32824
- West Orange Recreational Complex – 309 S. West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787 – This complex has limited hours on Sundays 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
RESOURCES
If residents have questions or need additional information, please call 3-1-1.
Visit Orange TV’s YouTube channel for a tutorial demonstration on how to use sandbags: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdYj_pWRYs0&t=18s.
For more any questions, contact Orange County Public Works at 407-836-7900 or email Ralphetta.Aker@ocfl.net. Visit www.ocfl.net/Storm for additional information.
About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.