OCALA, Fla. – As Tropical Storm Helene gets closer to the state, counties across Central Florida are preparing their emergency response.
On Tuesday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order increasing the number of counties under a state of emergency to 61 ahead of the storm.
In Marion County, Emergency Management is a division of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Our News 6 team talked to spokesman Zachary Moore right after the county call with the state Tuesday afternoon.
“Just providing some updates about what other counties in the state might need and different orders they might be putting in with the Florida Division of Emergency Management,” said Moore.
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Marion County’s Emergency Operations Center is currently at a “Level 3″ activation, which involves constant monitoring and is typical for emergency operations on a daily basis.
“We are prepared tomorrow at some time to go to a level 2,” said Moore. “So, we have a skeleton crew staffed.”
Moore says people should prepare for the possibility of heavy rain and localized flooding.
“Let your past history be a good guide in this case,” said Moore. “If you know the area around your home floods, go ahead and prepare now.”
There are maps on Marion County’s website that show designated flood zones and areas that are known to have localized flooding.
Sandbag locations began operations at 12 p.m. at the following sites across Marion County:
- Tuscawilla Park (Reilly Arts Center), 800 NE Sanchez Ave, Ocala
- Ed Crosky Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St., Ocala
- Dunnellon Public Works, 11924 Bostick St., Dunnellon
- Wrigley Field, 405 County Rd East 316, Citra
- John Van Fleet Sports Complex, 14445 NE 14th Street Road, Ocala
- Belleview Sports Complex, 6501 SE 107th St, Belleview
- Martel Recycling Center, 296 SW 67th Ave Rd, Ocala
- Marion Oaks, 294 Marion Oaks Lane, Ocala (Behind the Community Center)
These locations are self-serve, shovels will be available at the sites, but citizens are encouraged to bring their own. Officials request that citizens limit their use to 10 bags per vehicle.
Donald William filled up bags Tuesday at Ed Crosky Recreation Center to protect his property near a retention pond.
“You never know how much rain you’re going to receive. So, you do this in advance just in case,” said William.
An emergency shelter will open at Westport High School, 3733 SW 80th Ave, Ocala, at 2 p.m. Wednesday for individuals with special needs. It will open to the public starting at 4 p.m.
In Sumter County, a special meeting will convene at 5:30 p.m. to issue a local declaration of emergency in advance of Tropical Storm Helene.
The county serves as the lead for emergency management, operating sandbag facilities and emergency shelters for cities within Sumter County.
Wildwood’s City Commission planned on meeting Wednesday at 9 a.m. following the county’s local declaration.
A spokesperson for the city tells News 6 that personnel are preparing for the storm as they coordinate with the county’s emergency operations center.
“We are positioning ourselves in a state of preparedness, should a worst-case scenario develop,” said Jason McHugh, Wildwood’s city manager. “We hope for the best at times like these but need to take every step possible to protect the safety and wellbeing of our residents. Every storm brings unique challenges. We learn from each one and look to improve how we plan for and respond to the next.”
The city’s public works team is monitoring stormwater ponds and pumping them down as needed in areas that have experienced flooding. After Tropical Storm Debby earlier this year, they acquired additional pumps and generators, and they plan on using these resources to mitigate any flooding from Helene.
“We maintain an excellent working relationship with Sumter County officials and will remain in close contact as we monitor this weather system,” McHugh added. “If severe wind, rain, and/or flooding conditions develop in this area, we will work together to provide updates and resources.”
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