Orange County giving out free sandbags to residents this week

Florida is a month and a half into the 2020 hurricane season. Although none of the six named storms that have formed have strengthened into hurricanes, it’s always good to be prepared.

Orange County Government is hosting a free self-serve sandbag program for residents at five Orange County Park locations starting Thursday, July 16 through July 30.

Most sites are open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

RELATED: New hurricane season forecast predicts 20 named storms, the most since 2005

The program is open to Orange County residents only and you must show a valid I.D. Sandbags are first-come, first-served. Residents are encouraged to bring their own shovels. You will be provided with 10 unfilled sandbags.

Residents will also be given one free package of face masks and travel-size hand sanitizers at the site. Those who come to get the sandbags must wear face masks while doing so.

The sandbag locations are below:

  • Barnett Park: 4801 W. Colonial Drive
  • Bithlo Community Park: 18501 Washington Ave.
  • Downey Park: 10107 Flowers Ave.
  • Meadow Woods Park: 1751 Rhode Island Woods Cir.
  • West Orange Recreational Complex: 309 Southwest West Crown Point Road. (this site has limited hours on Sunday, 1-8 p.m. )

TRACK THE TROPICS: Visit the FOX 35 Orlando Hurricane Center for the latest in the tropics, including daily updates, live radar, and severe weather alerts.

Hurricane season runs through November 30.