Officials from Northeast Florida’s inland counties are preparing for what will become Hurricane Helene before it hits the Florida Panhandle on Thursday.
RELATED: Storm expected to strengthen to Category 3 Hurricane Helene before hitting Florida Panhandle
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Alachua County
Alachua County has activated the 311 Emergency Information Line (352-264-6557 if 311 is unavailable in your area) for questions and rumor control. Call 911 for actual emergencies.
Animal Resources will be closed tomorrow, September 25 to prepare for the possible need for a pet-friendly shelter.
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.
Sign up for text alerts by texting the word ALACHUA to 888-777 to stay fully informed of any disaster-related information related specifically to Alachua County.
Columbia County
Columbia County Board of County Commissioners said Public Works started pumping problematic ponds to aid in possible flooding.
All necessary contractors for disaster relief efforts are being reached out to.
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
Elderly or special needs residents should go to Columbia County Public Works for assistance in getting sandbags.
If citizens have an emergency, they should call 911 to request City, County, or EMS first responders.