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Hurricane Helene: Orange County updates & information

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Updated  September 25, 2024 6:11pm EDT
Hurricanes
FOX 35 Orlando

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Press play above to watch the latest news, weather, and storm coverage from FOX 35 Orlando


 

As Hurricane Helene, the eighth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, makes its way towards Florida, here is what people in Orange County need to know about evacuations, school closings, shelters, and sandbag locations.

Orange County Evacuations

No evacuations have been announced.

Orange County Closings

  • Orange County Government offices are closed on Thursday, Sept. 26.
  • All courthouses in the Ninth Judicial Circuit are closed on Thursday, Sept. 26.
  • Orange County Landfill and transfer stations will be closed to the public on Thursday, Sept. 26.
  • SunRail is closed on Thursday, Sept. 26.

Orange County Shelters

Shelters will open Thursday, Sept. 26, at 7:30 a.m., for individuals needing to evacuate or seek shelter from Helene. ID cards are not required to enter shelters. Shelters are pet friendly.

  • General Population ShelterBarnett Park: 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
  • Barnett Park: 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
  • Shelters for Individuals with Special/Medical NeedsOrange County residents that need a special needs/medical shelter are asked to dial 311 or 407-836-3111.
  • Orange County residents that need a special needs/medical shelter are asked to dial 311 or 407-836-3111.

LYNX will provide free service to shelter locations, officials said. 

Orange County Sandbags

Sandbags will be available at six locations in Orange County on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 24 & 25, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is a maximum of 10 bags. Residents need to bring their own shovel and fill their bags.

  • Barnett Park: 4801 W. Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32808
  • Bithlo Community Park: 18501 Washington Avenue, Orlando, FL 32820
  • Clarcona Horse Park: 3535 Damon Road, Apopka, FL 32703
  • Downey Park:10107 Flowers Avenue, Orlando, FL 32825
  • Meadow Woods Recreation Center: 1751 Rhode Island Woods Circle, Orlando, FL 32824
  • West Orange Recreation Center: 309 S West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787

Individuals with special needs who need sandbag assistance should contact Orange County 311 by dialing 3-1-1 or 407-836-3111.

Orange County School Closings

  • After-school activities will end by 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25. Orange County schools will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26. A decision has not yet been made for Friday, Sept. 27.
  • The University of Central Florida (UCF) will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26.

Orange County Emergency Resources

Hurricane Helene: County-by-County emergency resources

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