Floridians should prepare for Ian, which is expected to hit the state later this week

Emergency officials are urging residents to prepare for Hurricane Ian. It's unclear where Ian will make landfall but Central Florida will see an impact. VoxPopuli has listed a number of things residents should to prepare and resources they can tap to find more information.

Orange County Shelter Information

In anticipation of Hurricane Ian, ​​Orange County 's Emergency Operations Center announced that the following shelters for the general population will be open and fully staffed on Wednesday. Times show when the shelter will be open and if it allows pets.  For residents who require a Special Needs/Medical Shelter please call 311.  Visit the county's shelter page for information about what you can bring with you and about more shelter openings.
 

• Apopka High School opens at 8 a.m.  (pet friendly)

• Ocoee High School opens at 12 p.m. (no pets)

• Dr. Phillips High School opens at 12 p.m. (no pets)

• Oak Ridge High School opens at 12 p.m. (pet friendly)

• Timber Creek High School opens at 12 p.m. (pet friendly)

Ocoee Sandbag Information

Ocoee will open a self-serve sandbag distribution site on Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at its Public Works Department, 301 North Maguire Road.  People must show a valid ID or  city utility bill for proof of residency. Each household will be provided 10 empty sandbags that residents must fill themselves. Tools can be provided but residents are encouraged to bring their own shovel or trowel. Household trash, yard waste and recycle collection services will continue as normal for the time being.

The commissioner is in

"Having communications face-to-face in real time with real people, it feels so much more connected than being downtown," said District 1 County Commissioner Nicole Wilson about her first go at office hours, Sept. 22, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Winter Garden where constituents signed up for 30-minute meetings. She hopes to expand the initiative to other cities.

Calendar

Notable Quote

"Even if you’re not necessarily right in the eye of the path of the storm, there’s going to be pretty broad impacts throughout the state." 
—  Gov. Ron DeSantis on Sunday urging Floridians to expect the worst as Tropical Storm Ian intensifies to a hurricane and to heed its shifts.

"Tax Payer Protest"

A Cartoon by Stephen Withers,  September 25, 2022