Sandbags available in Orange County, Oakland, Ocoee, Winter Garden

Self-serve sandbags are available for local residents ahead of potential impacts from a weather system, which is expected to turn into a named storm.

The storm, to be named Helene, is forecasted to make its way into the Gulf of Mexico in the next 48 hours.

Currently, sandbag locations have been announced in Orange County, the town of Oakland, the city of Ocoee and the city of Winter Garden.

ORANGE COUNTY

In Orange County, the Public Works Roads and Drainage Division is delivering sandbags and sand to meet the 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.

One of the six locations Orange County is offering is located in West Orange County, at the West Orange Recreation Center, which is located at 309 S. West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden.

The location will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, and Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Orange County officials said the locations are subject to close earlier than scheduled due to weather conditions.

Individuals with special needs who need sandbag assistance should contact Orange County by dialing 311 or (407) 836-3111.

For additional storm preparedness information and to sign up for OC Alert, the county's emergency alert system, click here.

OAKLAND

Sandbags also are available for Oakland residents.

Sandbags are limited to 10 per household, and residents must bring a photo ID.

Sandbags can be picked up from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Oakland Town Hall, which is located at 230 N. Tubb St., Oakland. The fill location will be at the northeast corner of South Walker Street and West Hull Avenue. 

OCOEE

Sandbags also are available for Ocoee residents. 

Sandbags are limited to 10 per household, and residents must bring a valid ID or city utility bill for proof of residency.

Sand will be available to fill the bags at the Public Works Department facility, which is located at 301 Maguire Road, Ocoee. Staff will provide tools to fill sandbags. However, residents are encouraged to bring their own shovel or trowel.

The location will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25.

WINTER GARDEN

Winter Garden also has free, ready-made sandbags in limited quantities.

The sandbags are available for easy pickup and are exclusively for residents and business owners within the city limits.

The maximum number of bags allowed per household is 10. Those interested must bring an ID or proof of Winter Garden residency or business ownership.

Sandbag distribution began Monday, Sept. 23, and will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, as well as from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday, Sept. 26.

The bags will be located at the city's Public Services Complex, 880 W. Bay St., Winter Garden.

This is a drive-up location, and preassembled bags will be placed in residents' vehicles.

For further information concerning sandbags, call (407) 656-2256.

This is a developing story. Please check back fore more updates.