Where can I find information from the County about Hurricane Milton?

This page will continue to be updated with information like sandbag locations, shelters, road closures, and other storm related questions as the information becomes available.

Also, the Eye on Milton page on the County's news site will be updated as needed to provide a summary of what is happening around the County as we continue to monitor this storm.

Where can I get sandbags before the storm arrives?

From 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 8, weather permitting, sandbags and sand will be available at the following Orange County Park locations:

• Barnett Park (4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808)
• Bithlo Community Park (18501 Washington Avenue, Orlando, FL 32820)
• Clarcona Horse Park (3535 Damon Road, Apopka, FL 32703)
• Downey Park (10107 Flowers Avenue, Orlando, FL 32825)
• Meadow Woods Park (1751 Rhode Island Woods Circle, Orlando, FL 32824)
• West Orange Recreation Center (309 S West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787)

What assistance is provided at the sandbag locations?

Orange County Public Works Roads and Drainage Division is delivering sandbags and sand to the above locations to meet demand. Residents will be provided with 10 unfilled sandbags and directed to the sand pile on site.
All residents will need to bring their own shovel to fill their sandbags. Individuals with special needs who need sandbag assistance should contact Orange County 311 by dialing 3-1-1 or 407-836-3111.

Can I receive a tarp from the county before the hurricane?

Tarps are given out to residents post storm based on damage assessments performed by Orange County and are provided by Fire Rescue. Tarps are not given out prior to storms.

Where can I drop off waste before the storm?

This information has not been determined at this time.

At this time, the Orange County Landfill and transfer stations will be open regular hours on Wednesday, November 9 and closed on Thursday, November 10. This schedule may change if conditions deteriorate sooner and become unsafe. Operating schedules will be updated here and on social media.
For more information regarding storm preparation, please visit www.ocfl.net/UtilitiesStormInfo for more information.

On Tuesday, Oct. 8, residents can bring excess yard waste from Hurricane Helene to the Orange County Landfill during regular operating hours. Residential yard waste fees will be waived. For more information, visit http://www.ocfl.net/WasteSites.

The Orange County Landfill and Transfer Stations will be closed to the public today, Friday, September 30 with the goal to reopen on Saturday, or Monday at the latest. An updated schedule for operations will be posted on ocfl.net/Ian later today

Is Orange County providing sandbags for citizens?

The Orange County Emergency Information Page has a full list of Self-Service Sandbag locations. Sites opened on October 7, 2022 and will operate during normal park hours.

Due to preparations for Hurricane Milton, Orange County's self-serve sandbag program closed on Tuesday, October 08, 2022, at 7 p.m. For questions or additional information, please dial 3-1-1.

• Barnett Park (4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808)
• Bithlo Community Park (18501 Washington Avenue, Orlando, FL 32820)
• Clarcona Horse Park (3535 Damon Road, Apopka, FL 32703)
• Downey Park (10107 Flowers Avenue, Orlando, FL 32825)
• Meadow Woods Park (1751 Rhode Island Woods Circle, Orlando, FL 32824)
• West Orange Recreation Center (309 S West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787)

Residents will need to provide proof of residency within Orange County to be provided 10 unfilled sandbags and directed to the sand pile.

For citizens to determine the closest location to them they may view the link to our interactive sandbag map.

Orange County Public Works Roads and Drainage Division will deliver sandbags and sand to meet demand. Residents will be provided with 10 unfilled sandbags and directed to the sand pile on site. All residents will need to bring their own shovel to fill their sandbags.

For individuals needing special assistance, please call 311 or 407-836-3111 and detailed information will be provided on securing sandbags.

For detailed information and exact locations, visit the following sandbag site. https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/339edbdbcaaa475a9f45d307c6962fa5

Will Orange County Government provide Shelters for citizens?

The Econ Park Shelter is closed.

This information has not been determined at this time.

“As of 10:30 a.m. this morning, Orange County’s general population shelters are now closed. A total of 151 individuals utilized Orange County’s shelters at Barnett Park and South Econ Recreation Center.”

The following Orange County general population shelters will open Tuesday, Oct. 8, by 6p.m. for individuals seeking shelter from the effects of Hurricane Milton.

Please Note: Lynx does not drop you off at the shelter, they drop you off at a bus stop as close to the shelter as possible. Residents may still need to walk up to a ½ mile from the bus stop to the shelter.

Orange County will be opening general population shelters for Central Floridians seeking shelter from Hurricane Helene, for those who live in low-lying areas, and for others seeking shelter from the storm. Shelters are alcohol, drug and weapon free. Individuals should come prepared with supplies. ID cards are not required to enter shelters.

Sexual Predator Shelter is located at the Wickham Facility at 3761 S John Young Pkwy, Orlando FL 32839 on Sunday, October 8^st @ 6:00 p.m.

The Sexual Predator Shelter is now closed and no longer accepting new arrivals.

Homeless Shelters
During an anticipated storm/hurricane event, Orange County works with many local homeless service provides and they are the boots on the ground to reach out to the homeless population with fliers, transportation, etc. –
Lynx will provide free service along regularly scheduled routes, currently expected to run until 11 p.m. Tuesday. Tell the driver you want to go to the nearest emergency weather shelter. Please seek safe shelter as soon as possible Tuesday afternoon, as LYNX bus service will not operate in winds exceeding 35 mph.

• Coalition for the Homeless, 18 N. Terry Ave., Orlando, 32801
• Orlando Union Rescue Mission family home, 1521 W. Washington St., Orlando, 32805 (for women, families and couples)
• Orlando Union Rescue Mission men's center, 3300 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, 32808 (single men only)
• The Salvation Army Orlando, 624 Lexington Ave, Orlando, 32801
• Rescue Outreach Mission, 1701 W. 13th St., Sanford, 32771

Please visit our Emergency Shelter page for more details on the program.

Will Orange County Government provide PSN Shelters for citizens?

Residents and visitors who have no other alternative and/or require transportation assistance to evacuate their homes and/or have a health/medical condition that requires medical attention by a skilled medical professional should prepare to go to a shelter before the storm's arrival. Shelter registration is available by dialing 3-1-1 or (407) 836-3111. You can also visit our People with Special Needs Registry page for more information or you may sign up online here.

This information has not been determined at this time.

Orange County opened three Special Needs Evacuation Centers on Tuesday, October 8^th, by 10 a.m., please do not arrive early.

The Special Needs Evacuation Center(s) are available by calling 311

Sheltering should be considered your last resort; you will be sleeping on a cot. If you need sheltering, please remember to bring the following.

1. A two-week supply of all your medication.
2. If you are on oxygen, please contact your oxygen provider to make sure you have enough on hand for when you return home.
3. Bring your concentrator to the shelter with you and any portable tanks you may have.
4. We encourage you to bring a caregiver or family member to assist you during your stay.
5. Bring snacks; food is served three times a day at the shelter.
6. Have important phone numbers with you should you need to call someone. Charger for your cell phone if needed.
7. Lastly, if you need transportation to a People with Special Needs Shelter you will need to call the Orange County Message Center at 407-836-3111. Please be patient with transportation issues, we have many people to move in a very short timeline. Please note, if you are on the People with Special Needs Registry you will need to contact us at 407-836-3111 to schedule a ride to the shelter. We do not automatically come get you.

If you have any other means of transportation to and from the Special Needs Evacuation Center it is always better to use it, than to wait for a pick up or delivery to and from your home.

Residents and visitors who have no other alternative and/or require transportation assistance to evacuate their homes and/or have a health/medical condition that requires medical attention by a skilled medical professional should prepare to go to a shelter before the storm's arrival. Shelter registration is available by dialing 3-1-1. You can also visit our People with Special Needs Registry page for more information or you may sign up online here.

Will Orange County Government Offices be closed?

This information has not been determined at this time.

Orange County Government will suspend normal operations on Wednesday, October 9^th through Friday, October 11^th.

Orange County Government returned to normal operations on Saturday, Oct. 12^th.

What do I do if I need supplies like food and water?

Orange County Community and Family Services are working with community support centers and volunteers to provide food and water distribution stations in the hardest hit areas of the County. The distribution locations will focus on the flood-stricken areas to assist residents in this difficult time.

Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 to find out what resources are available in the community. Information provided may include:

• Food pantries that are open
• Locations with water
• Repair supplies like tarps
• Emotional support

Where can I get assistance if I have damage to my home or property?

Orange County has been added to the FEMA Disaster Declaration and as such individuals should apply at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. More information is available on the FEMA website at the Hurricane Milton specific page.

Starting Tuesday, October 22, 2024, FEMA will help applicants register for assistance at two locations in Orange County. Each site will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the following locations:

• Bithlo Community Center
  18501 Washington Avenue
  Orlando, FL 32820
• Apopka City Hall
  120 E. Main Street
  Apopka, Florida 328030

Individuals seeking to apply for FEMA assistance will need to provide:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted.
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
• Your Social Security number.
• A general list of damage and losses.
• Banking information is you choose to direct deposit.
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

The Red Cross is providing assistance to those individuals who need shelter or basic supplies. Please reach out to them if you find yourself or family in need of help. More information is available at www.redcross.org/get-help.html.

Will Orange County Public Schools be closed?

This information has not been determined at this time.

After-school activities are canceled on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Schools are closed on Wednesday, Oct. 9, through Friday, Oct. 11.

Orange County Public Schools are closely monitoring the storm with the National Weather Service and the Orange County Office of Emergency Management.

Orange County Public Schools will resume normal operations on Monday, October 14 with students returning Tuesday, October 15. Football games origially scheduled for Thursday have been moved to Monday. The bad weather make-up day is set for October 25.

At this time, no decision has been made to cancel school or extracurricular activities.

Will Orange County Government provide tarps for citizens with roof damage?

This information has not been determined at this time.

Please contact the Orange County Fire Rescue Department non-emergency line at 407-737-2444.

Is there a mandatory curfew in effect?

No mandatory curfew has been issued by Orange County Government.

Orange County instituted a curfew starting on Sep. 10 at 7:00 a.m. and ending on Sep. 10 at 12:00 p.m.

Orange County lifted the curfew starting on Sep. 10 at 7:00 a.m.

What should I do if I have floodwaters in my area?

Avoid floodwaters as they may contain raw sewage, sharp objects, and/or downed power lines. For wastewater emergencies such as sewage back-up, please contact Orange County Utilities Emergency Dispatch at 407-836-2777 or call 311.

The National Hurricane Center forecasts that Orange County will experience 6 to 12 inches of rain from Wednesday through Thursday, with the northern and western parts of Orange County receiving the heavier rainfall. Due to the risk of heavy rains and potential flooding, residents in the following flood-prone areas are advised to stay updated on weather alerts and have evacuation plans if necessary.

• Locations that experienced flooding during Hurricane Irma or Hurricane Ian
• Any area within a FEMA 100-year floodplain
• Areas with historic flooding from tropical systems, including:
  • Orlo Vista / Westside Manor
  • Bonnie Brook neighborhood
  • Rio Pinar neighborhood and surrounding areas
  • Near the intersection of Rouse Road and Buck Road
  • Four Corners area (Avalon Road/Arrowhead Boulevard)
  • Lower areas in northern and western Orange County

Is there a boil water advisory in my area?

A Precautionary Boil Water Advisory has ended for Old Cheney Highway, Lake Pickett and the Chuluota area in east Orange County.

Is there access to the Orange County waterways and lakes?

The Orange County lake advisory has been lifted for recreational use. However, please continue to use caution and reduce wakes as there are waterbodies still experiencing high water levels and may have submerged structures and docks or floating debris.

Orange County Environmental Protection Division has issued an alert for all lakes and rivers in Orange County until further notice.

Please refrain from recreation and contact in and around waterbodies. Many of these systems may have been adversely impacted by Hurricane Milton and are experiencing high water levels, potential for contamination, displaced and disoriented wildlife and submerged structures.

If you have any questions about your lake, please email Lakes@ocfl.net.

Due to the high water in our lakes, all county-operated boat ramps are closed. This includes the following:

• Rd Keene
• Lake Down
• Magnolia park
• Moss park
• Bywater
• Woodsmere
• Randolph
• Fern creek
• Hwy 50
• Barnett Park
• Trimble

Are the tolls suspended in Orange County?

This information has not been determined at this time.

Tolls resumed on Central Florida toll roads on Oct. 15 at 6 a.m.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has suspended tolls on all Central Florida toll roads until further notice.

• Florida Turnpike
• Beachline (SR 528)
• SR 417
• SR 408
• SR 414 (*Does not apply to Poinciana Pkwy or Osceola Pkwy)
• SR 429

It is undetermined at this time on when being charged normal toll fees will resume.

Will UCF be closed?

This information has not been determined at this time.

The UCF campus is closed Thursday Sep. 26. Check the UCF.edu website for further details.

The UCF campus will resume classes on Friday Sep. 26. Check the UCF.edu website for further details.

How can I report a power outage in my area?

Customers who experience an outage during the storm can report it by:

Duke Energy

• Visiting duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device.
• Texting OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).
• Using the Duke Energy mobile app – Download the Duke Energy App from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play
• Calling the automated outage-reporting system at 800.228.8485

For storm or power restoration updates, follow Duke Energy on Twitter (@DukeEnergy) and Facebook (Duke Energy).

Orlando Utilities Commission

• Visiting https://ouc.com/ on a desktop computer or mobile device.
• OUC's Storm Center.
• Sign up for alerts.
• Report issues: https://ouc.com/customer-support/outages-and-problems
• Use our 24-hour outage reporting line by calling 407-423-9018 in Orlando & Orange County or 407-957-7373 in St. Cloud & Osceola County

Winter Park Utility

• Use our 24-hour outage reporting line by calling 877-811-8700.

Can I still make camping reservations with Orange County Parks and Recreation?

This information has not been determined at this time.

The following parks, boat ramps, and trails are CLOSED to the public on Saturday:

• Cypress Grove Park (events in buildings will still take place)
• Trimble Park
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• West Orange Trail (portions)
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• Little Econ Greenway (portions)
• Moss Park
• Kelly Park
• Magnolia Park
• RD Keene Boat Ramp
• Lake Down Boat Ramp

Individual sites and facilities will re-open sometime on Thursday, August 31, after each location is assessed for storm damage and deemed safe for the public.

What should I do if a traffic signal is out?

Treat non-working traffic signals as 4-way stop signs. Remember First to stop, First to go. You may also contact Orange County 311 at (407)836-3111 to report a traffic signal malfunction.

Who do I call if I have questions about insurance?

Please contact the Insurance Helpline: at 877-693-5236 if you have any questions regarding insurance.

How do I report price gouging/fixing?

Report gas price gouging to local law enforcement. You can report price gouging or get more information by calling the Florida Attorney General Price Gouging Hotline at 1-866-966-7226. You can report price gouging to Orange County 311 by phone at (407)836-3111 or online at www.ocfl.net/311.

Will Solid Waste collect the garbage and recycling?

Due to expected strong winds curbside garbage, recycling, large item, and yard waste collections in unincorporated Orange County have been cancelled for Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10. Residents should remove empty roll carts and any materials remaining at the curb and bring them back into the house or a secure location.

Garbage collection will resume Friday, Oct. 11, and Saturday, Oct. 12. At that time, only residential garbage in the green lid carts will be collected. Other regular collection services will resume on Monday, Oct. 14. Any customers who have items out at the end of today should secure those items inside or near a structure until after the storm passes.

For more information regarding storm preparation, please visit www.ocfl.net/UtilitiesStormInfo.

The Orange County Landfill and transfer stations should reopen at 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11.

Beginning Monday, October 14, 2024, designated drop-off sites will accept non-commercial yard waste, including leaves, branches, and other natural debris. The sites will be open Monday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sites will not be accessible to the public before Monday. Sites include:

• Conway Water Treatment Plant – 3590 Manatee Street, Orlando, FL 32822
• Harrell Road – 8503 Trevarthon Road, Orlando, FL 32817
• Zellwood Maintenance Unit – 3500 Golden Gem Road, Apopka, FL 32712

The sites will accept only loose vegetative debris—no bags or containers. White goods (large household appliances) and other household items will not be accepted. Contractors, lawn care, or commercial companies are prohibited from using these drop-off sites. Upon arrival, residents must present a valid driver’s license, utility bill, or other official document verifying Orange County residency. Residents can use the County’s interactive map to find their nearest drop-off site.

Will Orange County be providing a curbside debris removal service?

Orange County Government expects to begin its storm curbside debris removal for unincorporated Orange County by Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. Two debris contractors and one debris monitor will be deployed with heavy-duty equipment to consolidate and remove storm-related debris. Contractors will collect piles at the curb that are too large to be picked up through the County’s residential curbside collection program. Residents are encouraged to separate debris by type—vegetative, white goods, household items, etc.—and place it at the curb for collection as soon as possible.

What should I do about the debris caused by the storm?

This information has not been determined at this time.

Residential curbside collection in unincorporated Orange County resumes on Friday, Sep. 27. There will be delays expected with yard waste collection during this extremely busy time. We appreciate everyone’s patience as our crews work hard to get everything back to normal.

Residents are asked if they still have debris in their yards to try and keep it from washing down the storm drains. Please get debris off the streets and onto the front yards, away from the street.

What are Walt Disney World's hours of operation?

This information has not been determined at this time.

On Wednesday, October 9, our theme parks and Disney Springs will be closed in phases beginning at 1:00 PM.

• Magic Kingdom: Close at 2:00 p.m.
• Epcot: Close at 1:00 p.m.
• Disney's Hollywood Studios: Close at 1:00 p.m.
• Disney's Animal Kingdom: Close at 1:00 p.m.
• Disney Springs: Close at 1:00 p.m.
• ESPN Wild World of Sports: Closed
• Disney's Blizzard Beach: Closed
• Disney's Typhoon Lagoon: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Winter Summerland Miniature Golf: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It is likely the theme parks will remain closed on Thursday, October 10. We will consider opening Disney Springs on Thursday in the late afternoon, with limited offerings.

This includes the cancellation of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom park on Thursday, October 10. Event tickets will be refunded.

What are Universal Studios' hours of operation?

Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure will close at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday Oct. 09 and remain closed on Thursday Oct. 10. Visit Universal's Severe Weather page for more detailed information.

What are Sea World's hours of operation?

SeaWorld Orlando is closed on Wednesday, Oct. 9^th and will remain closed through Thursday Oct. 10. Stay tuned for any additional updates. Aquatica Orlando will be closed on Wednesday Oct. 9 and remain closed through Thursday, Oct. 10.

Will Orange County Courthouse be closed?

This information has not been determined at this time.

The courts will be closed on Wednesday, October 9 through Friday, October 11. (ninthcircuit.org) (myorangeclerk.com)

The courts will be reopen for normal business on October 14. (ninthcircuit.org) (myorangeclerk.com)

When will Lynx service return to normal.

Regular LYNX transportation services were discontinued as of 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9. Starting 12 hours before winds are expected to reach 35 mph, ACCESS LYNX will only provide life-sustaining medical trips. Please visit the golynx.com website for more information.

Regular bus and NeighborLink service resumed starting Friday, Oct. 11. ACCESS LYNX will provide life-sustaining trips only through Friday, Oct. 11. Normal service will resume Saturday, Oct. 12. Customers are encouraged to call 407-423-8747 and book their trip.

What areas are under an evacuation order?

This information has not been determined at this time

Currently there is a voluntary evacuation reccomendation for all mobile home parks, low lying, and flood prone areas. Orange County is advising residents in these areas to evacuate.

When will Orlando International Airport return to normal service?

This information has not been determined at this time.

Orlando International Airport has suspended all flight operations at this time. Please contact your airline for specific information.

Orlando International Airport hase resumed normal operations as of Friday, Oct. 10 at 6:00 a.m. Travelers should reach out to their specific airlines for information regarding flights.

What is being done to help the homeless population during the storm?

This information has not been determined at this time.

Orange County is working closely with the local homeless shelters to ensure that our homeless individuals are housed.

What is the current status of the hotels in the county?

This information has not been determined at this time

Currently our local hotels are estimated to be at an occupancy rate.

What should I do if I think there is an issue with my Natural Gas system?

As Central Florida recovers, Lake Apopka Natural Gas District is accepting all calls regarding potential natural gas emergencies and outages. If you smell gas, don’t hesitate; call the District at 407-656-2734. Again, that is 407-656-2734. And, remember to call 8-1-1 before you begin any storm clean up that involves digging or disturbing the ground. Your safety is our priority.

Will I still be able to go vote today?

Today is Election Day. Elections Supervisor Bill Cowles has prepared all the voting sites. The impending storm will not impact your decision to exercise your right to vote.

Executive Orders

Where can I find out more information about Orange County's response to the Coronavirus situation?
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) page has the most recent information regarding Orange County's response.

What information do you have about testing sites and what are the criteria for getting myself and my family tested?
The Testing webpage has all of the information about getting tested for COVID-19.

What Orange County services and facilities are currently open?
The County Services and Facilities Listing has a full breakdown of available County Services and Facilities throughout this time.