News Update for 10/8/24
Hurricane Milton is heading toward Florida. In the latest update from the National Hurricane Center, Milton was classified as a Category 4 storm, with maximum winds of 155 miles per hour. That’s just shy of being a Category 5 which it was earlier Monday with winds clocked at 180 miles per hour. Counties along Florida’s west coast have been ordered to evacuate and Highlands County is under a state and local state of emergency. Alert Highlands has been activated. To sign up for emergency alerts, text HCMILTON to 888777 to receive local alerts regarding shelters, closures, and more.
A Flood watch is in effect for Highlands County through Thursday morning. Sandbags are being handed out today starting at 8:00am. Empty bags are being provided and there is a limit of 10 bags per person. Sandbags are available at the Road and Bridge office in Sebring at 4344 George Blvd, the Road and Bridge office in Avon Park on East Winthrop Street, and the Road and Bride Office in Lake Placid on County Road 621. When you arrive at your sandbag location make sure to stay in your vehicle and bags will be brought to your car. Sand for your sandbags is available on South George Blvd. just north of the emergency operations center in Sebring, The intersection of Old Bombing Range Road, County Road 17A and Isabelle Lake Road in Avon Park, and the intersection of County Rd. 621, and County Road 619 and Highland Lake Drive in Lake Placid.
Highlands County is under a state and local state of emergency due to Hurricane Milton. A flood watch is in effect for Highlands county until Thursday morning and a Hurricane warning has also been issued. Alert Highlands has been activated. To sign up for emergency alerts, text HCMILTON to 888777 to receive local alerts regarding shelters, closures, and more. In addition, storm updates can be found at www.highlandsfl.gov. Highlands Radio Group listeners can also join us on oj991.com to access our Hurricane center with storm preparation and emergency contact information.
Two general population shelters and a special needs shelter will be open in Highlands County starting at 12:00 noon Wednesday. The AP shelter will be pet friendly. The two general shelter locations are the Alan Jay Arena located at 781 Magnolia Avenue in Sebring. at the Highlands County Fairgrounds and the Avon Park Rec Center at 207 E. State Street in Avon Park. The only pets accepted at the AP shelter will be cats and dogs. Pets must be crated, up to date on their shots, and a pet shelter application must be printed and filled out before arrival with a copy of vaccination records. Pet owners must also remember to bring leashes, food, water and sanitary supplies. The special needs shelter will be located at the Bert J. Harris Ag Center at 4509 George Blvd. in Sebring. To access the special needs shelter you must register as soon as possible by calling 863-386-6040 or by going online to www.highlandsfl.gov.
In preparation for Hurricane Milton, there are several closures throughout Highlands County. All HC government offices, Highlands County Tax collector’s offices, and all Florida Department of Health in Highlands county will be closed today through Friday. Highlands County schools and South Florida State College will also be closed starting today through Friday. County Trash collection will operate as normal today but is slated to be closed Wednesday and Thursday at least. A revised schedule will be provided based on the aftermath of Milton, but tentatively, Wednesday pickups are scheduled to begin Friday, October 11th. Residents are urged to contact the State Assistance Information Line or SAIL for more information. The free hotline is active and can be reached at 800-342-3557.