News4JAX will update this list as we learn more from our local counties about locations for free sandbags.
The system in the Gulf became Tropical Storm Helene at 11 a.m. Tuesday and is expected to rapidly intensify as it moves north through the Gulf of Mexico.
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The current track has it becoming a major hurricane before making landfall along Florida’s Panhandle, likely sometime Thursday.
Duval County
The county does not offer free sandbags, but a local business has stepped up to help Jacksonville residents.
Residents can visit Woerner Turf & Landscaping Supply at 8900 Philips Highway on Wednesday to get the sandbags.
There is no need to bring any shovels. They have all the supplies needed to fill the bags on site.
Sandbags will be available until supplies run out.
St. Johns County
St. Johns County will provide free sandbags from 12-5 p.m. Tuesday and from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, as long as weather permits at the following six locations:
- Windswept Acres Park – 5335 SR A1A South, St. Augustine
- Solomon Calhoun Center – 1300 Duval Street, St. Augustine
- St. Johns County Equestrian Center – 8200 Smith Road, Hastings
- Mills Field – 1805 Racetrack Road, St. Augustine
- North Beach Park – 3721 Coastal Highway, Vilano Beach
- Palm Valley Bridge – East Side of Intracoastal Waterway
The sand and bags will be provided free of charge. The public must provide their own transportation and shovels and will be responsible for filling their own bags.
There is a maximum allocation of 20 bags per person. A sandbag typically weighs about 30 to 40 pounds.
Columbia County
Beginning at 7:30 a.m., September 25th, sandbags (limited to 15 bags per vehicle) will be available at:
- Columbia County Public Works, 607 NW Quinten Street, Lake City
- Fort White Community Center, 17579 SW State Road 47, Fort White
- Southside Sports Complex, 1963 SW Bascom Norris Drive, Lake City
Glynn County
Agencies from both Glynn County and Brunswick are mobilizing; while all are asked to bring their own sandbags and shovels, to assist citizens of each, free sand and sandbags will be available beginning Wednesday morning at three locations:
- Fire Station #3 at 3129 4th Street, Brunswick
- North end of parking lot of Harold Pate Building, 1735 Reynolds Street, Brunswick
- St. Simons Island Fire/Police/Public Works Substation near the airport
Nassau County
Pre-filled sandbags (limit of 15 per person) are available at Yulee Road Department from 2 - 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. located at 86200 Gene Lasserre Boulevard.
Workers will be on-site to assist with loading and you must bring proof of Nassau County residency.
There are two other locations for sandbags as well:
Fernandina Beach, Central Park at South 11th St and Beech St. Sand is outside the gate and accessible at all times.
Yulee Ballpark (self-fill), 86142 Goodbread Road, Yulee. Sand is outside the gate and accessible at all times.
Yulee Road Department, 86200 Gene Lasserre Blvd. Residents can get full-service by County personnel from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Hilliard Road Department (self-fill), 37356 Pea Farm Road, Hilliard. Sand is behind the gate and will be accessible from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Alachua County
Alachua County staff will distribute sandbags (10 bags per vehicle).
- Alachua County’s Wayside Park (11855 NW U.S. 441) distribution begins on Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will continue Wednesday at 9 a.m., weather permitting, until 3 p.m.
After staffed hours, sand, bags and shovels will be available for self-service.
Directions to Wayside Park
- Northbound on U.S. 441 (from Gainesville): Turn right onto County Road 237 (at Dollar General), then right onto Northwest 126th Avenue, and right again onto Northwest 59th Terrace to access Wayside Park (located at the Mobile convenience store).
- Southbound on U.S. 441 (from Alachua): Turn left onto County Road 237 (at Dollar General), then right onto Northwest 126th Avenue, and right again onto Northwest 59th Terrace to access Wayside Park (located at the Mobile convenience store).
The City of Hawthorne has sand and bags available at the City of Hawthorne Wastewater Treatment Plant, 23016 SE 65th Lane. Be prepared to fill your own bags.
The City of Newberry has sand and bags available at the public works compound (120 NW 260th Street). Bring your own shovel.