Florida prepares for Hurricane Dorian

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{{tncms-inline content=”<p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><strong>Central Fla.</strong> – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has suspended interstate and state road lane closures in the Central Florida area due to the expected arrival of Hurricane Dorian. Lane closures may become necessary if needed for emergency work or continued hurricane prep.</p> <p class="m_-3004375174646969846m_-2864326553323681594m_-7314075344338449736MsoPlainText" style="text-align: left;">Contractors on all construction projects are securing work sites, clearing traffic control devices that are not actively being used to direct traffic, and checking drainage systems.  All available lanes will remain open on the interstate system in Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties. </p> <p class="m_-3004375174646969846m_-2864326553323681594m_-7314075344338449736MsoPlainText" style="text-align: left;">When a hurricane is approaching, FDOT directs all road and bridge contractors to temporarily suspend all operations on construction projects. </p> <p class="m_-3004375174646969846m_-2864326553323681594m_-7314075344338449736MsoPlainText" style="text-align: left;">Florida’s 511 Traveler Information System is one of the most effective ways drivers can keep informed about the state’s roadways during severe weather. Visit<a href="https://fl511.com/" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://fl511.com/&source=gmail&ust=1567269543332000&usg=AFQjCNHhodAs_grUs56x973O45IXjXVkzQ">FL511.com</a> or call 511 for real-time traveler information.</p> <p class="m_-3004375174646969846m_-2864326553323681594m_-7314075344338449736MsoPlainText" style="text-align: left;">The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) urges all motorists to use caution when driving during storm conditions.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p>” id=”cacf2ce5-0b5e-47c3-8ad7-ee35d18953ad” style-type=”update” title=”UPDATE: AUG 30 12:41 p.m. – FDOT Preparations for Hurricane Arrival in Central Florida” type=”relcontent”}}

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{{tncms-inline content=”<p>In advance of Hurricane Dorian, all courthouses in the 7th Judicial Circuit will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 3 and Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019.</p> <p class="m_6782731001846634845m_281837923445391116MsoNoSpacing">The 7th Circuit includes Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia counties. This closure affects the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center in Bunnell, the Putnam County Courthouse in Palatka, the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center in St. Augustine, the Volusia County Courthouse in DeLand, the S. James Foxman Justice Center in Daytona Beach and the Volusia County Courthouse Annex at City Island in Daytona Beach.</p> <p class="m_6782731001846634845m_281837923445391116MsoNoSpacing">First appearance hearings will continue as scheduled, pending further determination on a county-by-county basis.</p> <p class="m_6782731001846634845m_281837923445391116MsoNoSpacing">Updates will also be posted on <a href="http://www.circuit7.org/" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.circuit7.org/&source=gmail&ust=1567269128689000&usg=AFQjCNH1-ul-xQa9-9K4r8JVnJIG3aQJWQ">our website</a>, <a href="http://www.circuit7.org/" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.circuit7.org&source=gmail&ust=1567269128689000&usg=AFQjCNF61hxniIZXz8CanRfzSZ5Bt7xarw">www.circuit7.org</a> and via our Twitter account @7thCircuitFL.</p> <p class="m_6782731001846634845m_281837923445391116MsoNoSpacing">Information on court closures and openings for all Florida courts will be posted on <a href="https://www.floridasupremecourt.org/Emergency" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.floridasupremecourt.org/Emergency&source=gmail&ust=1567269128689000&usg=AFQjCNGUVrjnuwiVDlpuTgnYuwLUxJVX6w">the Florida Supreme Court website</a>, <a href="https://www.floridasupremecourt.org/Emergency" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.floridasupremecourt.org/Emergency&source=gmail&ust=1567269128689000&usg=AFQjCNGUVrjnuwiVDlpuTgnYuwLUxJVX6w">https://www.floridasupremecourt.org/Emergency</a>.</p>” id=”81d0fdc0-a8b7-45d2-b7df-147d814a2b19″ style-type=”update” title=”UPDATE: AUG 30 12:34 p.m. – Notice of Court Closure” type=”relcontent”}}

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{{tncms-inline content=”<p>As weather conditions deteriorate, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office will coordinate with municipalities to close bridges to eastbound traffic. Westbound traffic will not be affected. The bridges will reopen when the Florida Department of Transportation inspects them and determines that they are structurally safe.</p>” id=”191eebb1-87b1-43cd-9c3e-aaca01c9c7ff” style-type=”update” title=”UPDATE: AUG 29 7:30 p.m. – Eastbound bridges to close” type=”relcontent”}}

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{{tncms-inline content=”<p>The Volusia County Council has declared a local state of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane Dorian making landfall late Sunday or early Monday. This means the county manager and emergency management director can waive everyday procedures and do what is necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the community.</p> <p>“Volusia County is prepared,” County Manager George Recktenwald said at today’s news conference. “We have more than 50 representatives from our cities and other agencies in the Emergency Operations Center and several hundred around the county working together to coordinate public safety measures.”</p> <p>Volusia County Chair Ed Kelley added: “We urge residents to heed the warnings, pay attention to the weather, take shelter before the tropical storm winds begin to approach, and hunker down until the all-clear is given. We are asking people to not go to the beach to watch the storm as it approaches and passes.”</p> <p><strong>Safety tips</strong></p> <p>Sheriff Mike Chitwood offered these safety tips:<br />· Don’t go outside after the tropical storm force winds begin.<br />· Don’t drive around after the storm. There may be downed trees and powerlines, which can kill.<br />· If you run a generator, make sure it’s away from windows and door openings. </p> <p><strong>Evacuation order</strong></p> <p>An evacuation order will most likely be issued on Friday, depending on<br />the storm’s track and intensity. The order will be for residents who<br />live on the beachside and in low-lying areas, recreational vehicles and<br />mobile homes throughout Volusia County.</p> <p><strong>Shelters</strong></p> <p>Several shelters will open in Volusia County beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday. The shelter list will be posted at www.volusia.org/pin on Friday.</p> <p><strong>Bridge closures</strong></p> <p>As weather conditions deteriorate, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office will coordinate with municipalities to close bridges to eastbound traffic. Westbound traffic will not be affected. The bridges will reopen when the Florida Department of Transportation inspects them and determines that they are structurally safe.</p> <p><strong>Closures</strong><br />· All county offices will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. <br />· County libraries will be closed on Sunday and Monday.<br />· All coastal parks and beach vehicle access ramps will close Friday night until further notice.<br />· Other county parks will be closed on a case-by-case basis.</p> <p><strong>Curfews</strong></p> <p>When the storm approaches, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office may institute a curfew to discourage loitering and prevent looting. Law enforcement officers will use discretion and common sense in enforcing the curfew.</p> <p><strong>Sandbags</strong></p> <p>Sandbags are available at several locations throughout the county. The complete list is posted at www.volusia.org/pin.</p> <p><strong>Citizens Information Center</strong></p> <p>Residents can call the Citizens Information Center at 866-345-0345 with questions and concerns. The call center, which is staffed by county employees, will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. Beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday, the call center will be open 24 hours until further notice.</p> <p>For the latest information and live updates, follow Volusia County Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter.</p>” id=”bf7cf8a0-b3b4-436b-b7b6-64a78939b3c9″ style-type=”update” title=”UPDATE: AUG 29 6:17 p.m. – County Council declares local state of emergency” type=”relcontent”}}

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{{tncms-inline content=”<p class="p1"><strong>DELAND</strong> — Volusia County Schools is closely monitoring Hurricane Dorian with our Emergency Management partners. We will continue to monitor this hurricane and provide updates daily.</p> <p class="p1">Here are some important updates:</p> <ul class="ul1"> <li class="li1">Friday, August 30, 2019 is a normal school day including scheduled athletic competitions and extended day programs.</li> <li class="li1">However, all other school activities that take place on our campuses must be completed by 6pm Friday so shelter preparations can be made.</li> <li class="li1">All activities are cancelled for Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.</li> <li class="li1">SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2019.</li> <li class="li1">Volusia County Schools plans on opening shelters on Saturday morning starting at 10am. Our pet friendly, special needs and general shelter locations will be on <a href="https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vcsedu.org%2Fnews%2Fhurricane-dorian-updates&data=02%7C01%7Ckjschulz%40volusia.k12.fl.us%7Cd8182969b1fe444ae4fd08d72ca25fa9%7C93e9784b350740ffbc0159ea8a1a7b71%7C0%7C0%7C637026948203089238&sdata=YP1ddsPpRFfUHLpqpUZ6p%2FcFS2WEEGoEn%2Fgv4F9ndvA%3D&reserved=0">our district website</a> and social media: <a href="https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FVolusiaCountySchools%2F&data=02%7C01%7Ckjschulz%40volusia.k12.fl.us%7Cd8182969b1fe444ae4fd08d72ca25fa9%7C93e9784b350740ffbc0159ea8a1a7b71%7C0%7C0%7C637026948203089238&sdata=XA8ksZrqxl3eI1osIbfEOueRbhdyHg%2FpcSDMVOBg3fI%3D&reserved=0">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fvolusiaschools&data=02%7C01%7Ckjschulz%40volusia.k12.fl.us%7Cd8182969b1fe444ae4fd08d72ca25fa9%7C93e9784b350740ffbc0159ea8a1a7b71%7C0%7C0%7C637026948203099233&sdata=ee5UojSMJHyPyeDieCyxSxB2zyZ4iJv%2FejuHgR%2FgyX8%3D&reserved=0">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fvolusiaschools%2F&data=02%7C01%7Ckjschulz%40volusia.k12.fl.us%7Cd8182969b1fe444ae4fd08d72ca25fa9%7C93e9784b350740ffbc0159ea8a1a7b71%7C0%7C0%7C637026948203109227&sdata=apzYlMziKuFPLmxCWVfGzMpiNf7AvaGCD5bsGbLxhAI%3D&reserved=0">Instagram</a> released on Friday.</li> <li class="li1">Volusia County has information here: <a href="https://www.volusia.org/">https://www.volusia.org/</a></li> <li class="li1">The Florida Department of Education has up-to-date statewide information here: <a href="http://www.fldoe.org/hurricaneinfo/index.stml">http://www.fldoe.org/hurricaneinfo/index.stml</a></li> </ul>” id=”55bac76b-f239-4353-aca9-27a4a0760ab0″ style-type=”update” title=”UPDATE: AUG 29 4:30 p.m. – Volusia County Schools Prepares for Hurricane Dorian” type=”relcontent”}}

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{{tncms-inline content=”<p>According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Dorian is becoming increasingly dangerous and life-threatening. Volusia and Flagler county residents can expect tropical storm force winds beginning mid-day Sunday.</p> <p>Dorian is expected to make landfall in east central Florida late Sunday as a Category 3 or 4 hurricane, bringing destructive winds, a life-threatening storm surge, and flooding rains. The most significant i<span class="text_exposed_show">mpact is expected to occur from Sunday through Tuesday.</span></p> <div class="text_exposed_show"> <p>Volusia County’s Emergency Operations Center is working under a Level II activation, which means emergency response personnel are monitoring the storm, disseminating information, making preparations, and coordinating efforts with cities and agencies.</p> <p>Residents may call the Citizens Operations Center at 866-345-0345 with questions and concerns. The call center, which is staffed by county employees, will be open until 7 p.m. today. It will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. Beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday, the call center will be open 24 hours until further notice.</p> </div>” id=”570accf6-76aa-4850-8c6a-5c08ebc75b2e” style-type=”update” title=”UPDATE: AUG 29 1:27 p.m. – From the Volusia County Community Information Office” type=”relcontent”}}

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{{tncms-inline content=”<p>Residents living in the unincorporated areas of Volusia County can obtain sandbags at the Volusia County Corrections building, 1354 Indian Lake Road, Daytona Beach. Sandbags will be available noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29 and Friday, Aug. 30. </p> <p>Additional sites for unincorporated areas will provide sandbags from <strong>noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30.</strong>  </p> <ul> <li> <p>Oak Hill Fire Station, 213 N. U.S. 1, Oak Hill</p> </li> <li> <p>Volusia County Road and Bridge, 200 N. State Road 415, Osteen </p> </li> <li> <p>Pierson Fire Station, 132 N. Fountain Drive, Pierson</p> </li> <li> <p>Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3150 E. State Road 44, DeLand</p> </li> <li> <p>Volusia County Correctional Facility, 1354 Indian Lake Road, Daytona Beach</p> </li> <li> <p>Hiles Blvd Off-Beach Parking Lot, 4516 S Atlantic Ave, New Smyrna Beach</p> </li> <li> <p>Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park, 1800 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond-by-the-Sea</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>DAYTONA BEACH SHORES</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p>Public Safety Building, 3050 South Atlantic Avenue- 24/7</p> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <p>City Hall, 2990 South Atlantic Avenue- Monday- Friday 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.</p> </li> <li> <p>Shores Community Center, 3000 Bellemead Drive- Monday- Friday 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.</p> </li> </ul> <p>You must bring proof of residency. Only Daytona Beach Shores residents and business owners will be given sandbags.</p> <p> There is a 12-bag limit per residence/ business. Residents should bring shovels and prepare to fill their own bags. Once you have your bags, sand is available in the north parking lot of the Daytona Beach Shores Community Center– 3000 Bellemead Drive. If you have your own bags, you can go straight to the community center.</p> <p>Sand is available 24-hours until gone.</p> <p><strong>Deltona</strong></p> <p>Sandbags and sand will be available to Deltona residents beginning at noon, Thursday (Aug. 29) at the Dewey O. Boster Sports Complex, 1200 Saxon Blvd.; Festival Park, 191 Howland Blvd., and the Lake Butler Recreation Complex (skate park), 301 Courtland Blvd. Distribution will be until 8 p.m. on Thursday and then also from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Residents must have identification verifying their residency in Deltona and they are encouraged to bring a shovel. There will be a limit of ten sandbags per residence.</p> <p><strong>NEW SMYRNA BEACH</strong></p> <p>The City of New Smyrna Beach is providing sand and sand bags to help residents and businesses fortify against local flooding during Hurricane Dorian at Maintenance Operations Headquarters, 124 Industrial Park Ave., starting today from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Additional sand bag distribution times and locations to follow.</p> <p>Sand bags will only be provided to residents and businesses living and operating within city limits. Residents not annexed into the city may visit <a href="https://www.volusia.org/services/public-protection/emergency-management/pin/sandbags" target="_blank">https://www.volusia.org/services/public-protection/emergency-management/pin/sandbags</a> for county sand bag information.</p> <p>Valid photo identification is required.  In addition, residents must present proof of residency (e.g., property tax bill, utility bill, rental agreement) and business owners must present proof of ownership (e.g., property tax bill, business license, tax receipt, utility bill, lease agreement).  Residents are also asked to bring own shovels.</p> <p>Each residence and business are eligible to receive up to ten (10) free sand bags from the city and may bring additional personal sand bags.</p> <p>Please call Maintenance Operations at (386) 424-2205 for further information. </p>” id=”5342192b-aa88-4718-9704-7b8d00a30aeb” style-type=”info” title=”UPDATE: AUG 29 12:30 p.m. – Updated Sandbag Information” type=”relcontent”}}

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{{tncms-inline content=”<p><strong>Hurricane Dorian Update<br /></strong></p> <p>According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Hurricane Dorian is better organized since the last update and is now past Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. It is expected to strengthen over the next three days and become a major hurricane (Category 3 or greater) by Saturday.</p> <p><strong>Stetson University is canceling classes at its DeLand campus after 12 p.m., Friday, Aug. 30. Classes are cancelled for all four campuses — DeLand, Celebration, the Tampa Center and College of Law in Gulfport — Saturday, Aug. 31 through Tuesday, Sept. 3. </strong></p>” id=”846779f6-b5ba-4e50-9420-7930ac307ba8″ style-type=”update” title=”UPDATE: AUG. 29 10 a.m. – Stetson University cancels classes through Tuesday, Sept. 3″ type=”relcontent”}}

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{{tncms-inline content=”<div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Media contact: Kevin Captain</span></div> <div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></div> <div> <p><strong>Sandbag Information</strong></p> <p>In preparation for the possible threat of Hurricane Dorian, sandbags are available to residents. </p> <p><strong>Unincorporated areas of Volusia County </strong></p> <p>Residents living in the unincorporated areas of Volusia County can obtain sandbags at the Volusia County Corrections building, 1354 Indian Lake Road, Daytona Beach. Sandbags will be available noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29 and 30. Additional sites for unincorporated areas will be identified Friday, Aug. 30.</p> <p><strong>Daytona Beach</strong></p> <p>Sandbag supplies will be available from noon to 7 p.m. Aug. 29 and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 30 and 31 in the parking lot off of Jean Street, east of the police department’s Midtown Precinct at 995 Orange Ave. Residents are asked to bring their own shovels to fill bags and there is a limit of 10 bags per person. </p> <p><strong>DeLand</strong></p> <p>The City of DeLand will provide sand and bags to residents beginning from noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 29 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug 30, while supplies last, in the parking lot south of Melching Field, 601 South Woodland Boulevard. Shovels will be available on site. There is a limit of 10 bags per residence. People are asked to bring their ID.</p> <p><strong>DeBary</strong></p> <p>The City of DeBary will hold sandbag operations from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 29 and 30 in the parking lot of Town Hall, 16 Colomba Road. Sand and bags will be available, but residents should bring a shovel and be prepared to fill their own bags. There is a limit of 10 bags per household and a valid ID with verification of DeBary address is required. </p> <p><strong>Deltona</strong></p> <p>Sandbags and sand will be available to Deltona residents from noon to 8 p.m. Aug. 29, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 30 and 31, at the Dewey O. Boster Sports Complex, 1200 Saxon Blvd. and the Public Works Department at 201 Howland Blvd. Residents must have identification verifying their residency in Deltona and they are encouraged to bring a shovel. There will be a limit of ten sandbags per residence.</p> <p><strong>Edgewater</strong></p> <p>The city is providing sandbags (limit of 10 per vehicle, while supplies last) from 7 a.m. to 3:30 pm. Aug. 29 at the Environmental Services office, 409 Mango Tree Drive. Residents must show a valid ID proving residence within the city limits of Edgewater. Bags may also be purchased at local home supply centers or double bagged, heavy duty garbage bags may be used. Sand piles are staged for resident access 24 hours a day at the following locations, but residents must bring their own shovels and bags:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Fire Station 57, 2628 Hibiscus Drive</p> </li> <li> <p>Menard May Park, 413 South Riverside Drive</p> </li> <li> <p>Mango Tree Lake, 901 Mango Tree Drive</p> </li> <li> <p>Airpark staging area, 1898 Airpark Road</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Orange City<br /></strong>Orange City residents may pick up sandbags 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 29 and 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Waggin’ Trail Dog Park, 1201 South Leavitt Ave. Sand and bags will be provided. Residents must bring their own shovel and fill their own bags. There is a limit of 10 sandbags per household. ID is required. If necessary, distribution times will be extended.</p> <p><strong>Ormond Beach<br /></strong>The City of Ormond Beach will begin sandbag distribution from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 29 and 30 at the Nova Community Center site located at 440 N Nova Road. Cars must enter the site from Main Trail off Nova Road and will exit directly back on to Nova Road. The Nova Community Center will be closed on Thursday and Friday due to the sandbag distribution. Sandbags are limited to 10 bags per vehicle, and a photo ID proving residence of Ormond Beach must be presented. </p> <p><strong>Town of Ponce Inlet</strong></p> <p>The Town of Ponce Inlet will be providing sandbags beginning at 9 a.m. Aug. 29 at the Ponce Inlet Fire Department, 4680 S. Peninsula Drive. Sand will be available at the Ponce Inlet Community Center at 4670 S. Peninsula Drive. Residents should bring their own shovel and be prepared to fill their own bags. There is a limit of 10 bags per resident, and ID is required. For questions, contact Ponce Inlet Town Hall at 386-236-2150.</p> </div>” id=”24c435b6-7533-44e7-8d4d-bb38c53dca79″ style-type=”update” title=”UPDATE: AUG 28 5:04 p.m. – Volusia County Community Information ” type=”relcontent”}}

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{{tncms-inline content=”<p>Good afternoon, Sandbags will be available at Lake Helen City Hall on Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.</p> <p>Sand is available at the Equestrian Center. Please bring your own shovel.</p> <p>Questions please call City Hall at 386-228-2121.</p> <div class="text_exposed_show"> <p>Our city is preparing I hope that you folks do the same.</p> <p>Public Works is taking down the banners, Chief Mike Walker is getting with all crew and teams and officers if needed.</p> <p>Our City Administrator Becky Witte is also in contact with the Emergency Management team to keep us all updated on any news.</p> <p>For now, let’s look out for each other and keep in prayer that this will blow over, may God keep us all safe.</p> </div>” id=”74e8483e-2527-4c69-b6b0-38a701b60af2″ style-type=”update” title=”UPDATE: AUG 28 4:19 p.m. – From the Facebook page of Mayor Daisy Raisler, City of Lake Helen (edited)” type=”relcontent”}}

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{{tncms-inline content=”<p dir="ltr">In preparation of possible effects from Hurricane Dorian, the City of DeLand will provide sand and bags to residents beginning at noon Thursday.</p> <p>Beginning at noon Thursday, August 29, sandbag supplies will be made available to residents in the parking lot south of Melching Field, 601 South Woodland Boulevard.</p> <p>Sand and bags will be available from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, while supplies last.</p> <p>Shovels will be available on site. There will be a limit of 10 bags per residence. People are asked to bring their ID.</p>” id=”fe5804af-1d8c-426a-8756-7c6753a156fa” style-type=”update” title=”UPDATE: AUG 28 4:04 p.m. – From the City of DeLand:” type=”relcontent”}}

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  <img class="wp-image-2307 size-large" src="https://www.beacononlinenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/9e746456cc71bbb39588226d30d21040-scaled.jpg" alt="

JUST IN CASE — Dana Williams stocks up on bottled water after reports that Tropical Storm Dorian could intensify to a Category 3 hurricane. ” width=”696″ height=”928″ />

JUST IN CASE — Dana Williams stocks up on bottled water after reports that Tropical Storm Dorian could intensify to a Category 3 hurricane.

ORIGINAL STORY

West Volusia cities are rallying together in preparation for Tropical Storm Dorian, which has the potential to become a Category 3 hurricane when it hits Florida later this weekend. 

As the tropical storm edges closer to Puerto Rico and other islands in the eastern Caribbean, National Weather Station’s hurricane center issued the following statement:

“The risk of dangerous storm surge and hurricane-force winds is increasing in central and northwestern Bahamas and along the Florida east coast, although it is too soon to determine where these hazards will occur.”

“Residents in these areas should ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place and not focus on the exact forecast track of Dorian’s center,” the statement reads.

At this point, it’s still possible that Dorian could shift in a northward direction. But, everyone should expect heavy rains later this week and early next week, even in the case of a change in direction.

With the news of Dorian potentially becoming a Category 3 hurricane, many in West Volusia aren’t procrastinating.  

The cities of Deltona, Orange City and DeBary have already announced through social media that they will be distributing sandbags and sand to residents in the area. 

In DeLand, officials are currently in pre-preparation meetings.

“We’re still before the 72-hour mark,” Public Works Director Demetris Pressley said. 

Once closer, or if the city manager authorizes an emergency operation center, Pressley said, staff will distribute sandbags, check and double-check city facilities, and focus on preparing locals. 

Already, the City of DeLand has shared a disaster-supply checklist on social media. 

Regardless of all the unknowns, some are already taking to Lowe’s and Publix, where they hope to stock up on supplies. 

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