Watch the full October 7 news conference on YouTube or Vimeo.
Orange County is currently under a local state of emergency, and also a state and federal state of emergency. The county is also under a Hurricane Watch. Impacts from Hurricane Milton are expected to begin mid-day Wednesday. All storm preparation should be completed by Tuesday night.
Potential Weather Threats:
- Hurricane Force Winds 74-110 mph
- 3-6” of rain in Central Florida, some areas 10-12”
The National Weather Service will provide more details on the storm’s timing and path tomorrow.
Shelters
The following locations are open for individuals looking to shelter from the effects of Hurricane Milton. Locations include:
General Population Shelters
Open Tuesday evening, Oct. 8, by 6 p.m.
- Apopka High School*: 555 Martin St, Apopka, FL 32712
- Carver Middle School *: 4500 W. Columbia Street, Orlando, FL32811-4052
- Colonial High School*: 6100 Oleander Dr, Orlando, FL 32807
- Lake Buena Vista High School: 11305 Daryl Carter Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32836
- Lake Nona High School*: 12500 Narcoossee Rd, Orlando, FL 32832
- Oak Ridge High School: 700 W. Oak Ridge Rd, Orlando, FL 32809
- Ocoee High School: 1925 Ocoee Crown Point Pkwy, Ocoee, FL 34761
- Odyssey Middle School*: 9290 Lee Vista Blvd, Orlando, FL 32829
- Timber Springs Middle School: 16001 Timber Park Ln, Orlando, FL 32828
- Union Park Middle School*: 1844 Westfall Dr, Orlando, FL 32817
- Wedgefield K-8: 3835 Bancroft Blvd, Orlando, FL 32833
*Denotes Pet-Friendly Shelter
Persons with Special Needs (PSN) Shelters
Open Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 8, by 10 a.m.
- Goldenrod Rec.: 4863 N. Goldenrod Road, Winter Park, FL 32792
- Silver Star Rec.: 2801 N. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32818
- South Econ Park: 3850 S. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, FL 32829
Orange County residents requiring a PSN Shelter please dial 3-1-1 or 407-836-3111. LYNX will provide free service to shelter locations. For important information on what to bring to a shelter, visit ocfl.net/shelters.
Garbage and landfill
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 ocfl.net/WasteSites.
Any changes to operational hours for the Orange County Landfill, transfer stations, or curbside collections will be communicated to residents on Tuesday, Oct. 8.
Boil water
A Precautionary Boil Water Advisory is still in effect for Old Cheney Highway, Lake Pickett and the Chuluota area in east Orange County. Boil water for at least one minute prior to consumption. If collecting water for use during or after Hurricane Milton, boil water prior to storage and use. An update will be issued on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
Power outages
Utility companies are out securing the service area. Residents are asked to be prepared for prolonged power outages. When possible, report outages to your electric provider in Orange County.
- Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC): 407-423-9018
- Duke Energy: 800-228-8485
- Winter Park Utility: 877-811-8700
Sandbags
Free self-service sandbags are available tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at six locations across the county. Individuals with special needs who need sandbag assistance should contact Orange County 311 by dialing 3-1-1 or 407-836-3111.
Closures
Orange County Government: County offices are closed on Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 10.
Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida: Courthouses are closed on Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 10.
Orange County Public Schools: After-school activities are canceled on Tuesday, Oct. 8.Schools are closed on Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 10.
LYNX: Regular LYNX transportation services will continue as scheduled until sustained winds reach 35 mph or flooding occurs. Starting 12 hours before winds are expected to reach 35 mph, ACCESS LYNX will only provide life-sustaining medical trips.
The Apopka Chief and The Planter are weekly community newspapers, independently owned and family operated, that have served the greater Apopka area in Central Florida since 1923 and 1965 respectively.
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