Hurricane Helene: Marion County updates & information

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Updated  September 25, 2024 4:18pm EDT
FOX 35 Orlando
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As Hurricane Helene, the eighth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, makes its way towards Florida, here is what people in Marion County need to know about evacuations, school closings, shelters, and sandbag locations.

Marion County Evacuations

None announced.

Marion Closings

  • Marion County offices will close at noon on Thursday, Sept. 26. Offices are expected to reopen for regular business hours on Friday, Sept. 27.
  • The following offices are closed on Thursday, Sept. 26: Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s OfficeMarion County CourthouseMarion County Clerk of Court and ComptrollerMarion County Tax Collector’s OfficeMarion County Property Appraiser’s OfficeMarion County Health Department
  • Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office
  • Marion County Courthouse
  • Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller
  • Marion County Tax Collector’s Office
  • Marion County Property Appraiser’s Office
  • Marion County Health Department

Note: Waste Management has also announced the suspension of collection services in Marion County on Thursday, Sept. 26.

Marion County Shelters

A shelter will open at West Port High School on Wednesday at 2 p.m. for special-needs residents. At 4 p.m. it will open for general sheltering. Those seeking shelter can bring small pets with them.

Marion County Sandbags

Sandbag locations will be open Tuesday, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All locations are self-serve. Limit of 10 bags.

  • Tuscawilla Park (Reilly Arts Center) – 800 NE Sanchez Ave, Ocala, FL
  • Ed Crosky Recreation Center – 1510 NW Fourth St., Ocala, FL
  • Dunnellon Public Works – 11924 Bostick St., Dunnellon, FL 34431
  • Wrigley Field – 405 County Rd East 316, Citra, FL
  • John Van Fleet Sports Complex – 14445 NE 14th Street Road, Ocala, FL
  • Belleview Sports Complex – 6501 SE 107th St, Belleview, FL
  • Martel Recycling Center – 296 SW 67th Ave Rd, Ocala, FL
  • Marion Oaks (Behind the Community Center) – 294 Marion Oaks Lane, Ocala, FL

Marion County School Closings

  • Marion County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26. After-school activities also canceled.
  • Decision for Friday, Sept. 27, TBD.

Marion County Emergency Resources

Hurricane Helene: County-by-County emergency resources

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