Preparing for Hurricane Milton: Crucial Information for Orange County  

As Hurricane Milton approaches, Orange County is currently under a local, state, and federal state of emergency, and residents are urged to prepare for severe weather conditions. Mayra Uribe, Orange County District 3 Commissioner is committed to providing residents with vital information to ensure safety and preparedness ahead of the impending storm. With impacts expected to begin mid-day Wednesday, all storm preparations need to be completed by Tuesday night. 

Understanding the Threat 

Residents of Central Florida should brace for potential hurricane-force winds ranging from 74 to 110 mph, accompanied by rainfall amounts between 3 to 6 inches, and in some areas, potentially reaching 10 to 12 inches. The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the situation, providing updates on the storm’s timing and path. In light of these threats, residents are encouraged to stay informed and vigilant. 

Shelters for General Population 

To ensure safety, several shelters will open Tuesday evening, Oct, 8, at 6 p.m. for residents seeking refuge from the storm. The following locations will be available: 

• *Apopka High School: 555 Martin St, Apopka, FL 32712 

• *Carver Middle School: 4500 W. Columbia Street, Orlando, FL 32811-4052 

• *Colonial High School: 6100 Oleander Dr, Orlando, FL 32807 

• Lake Buena Vista High School: 11305 Daryl Carter Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32836 

• *Lake Nona High School: 12500 Narcoossee Rd, Orlando, FL 32832 

• Oak Ridge High School: 700 W. Oak Ridge Rd, Orlando, FL 32809 

• Ocoee High School: 1925 Ocoee Crown Point Pkwy, Ocoee, FL 34761 

• *Odyssey Middle School: 9290 Lee Vista Blvd, Orlando, FL 32829 

• Timber Springs Middle School: 16001 Timber Park Ln, Orlando, FL 32828 

• *Union Park Middle School: 1844 Westfall Dr, Orlando, FL 32817 

• Wedgefield K-8: 3835 Bancroft Blvd, Orlando, FL 32833 

Notably, several of these shelters are pet-friendly, indicated by an asterisk next to their names. This allows families to keep their pets close during this stressful time. 

Special Needs Shelters 

For residents with special needs, dedicated shelters will open on Tuesday morning, Oct. 8, at 10 a.m. These locations include: 

• Goldenrod Recreation Center: 4863 N. Goldenrod Road, Winter Park, FL 32792 

• Silver Star Recreation Center: 2801 N. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32818 

• South Econ Park: 3850 S. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, FL 32829 

Residents requiring access to these shelters should contact Orange County by dialing 3-1-1 or 407-836-3111. Free transportation to these locations will be provided by LYNX, ensuring that everyone can reach safety. 

Waste Management and Safety Advisories 

As part of storm preparations, residents can bring excess yard waste from Hurricane Helene to the Orange County Landfill on Tuesday, Oct. 8, during regular operating hours. Residential yard waste fees will be waived, making it easier for residents to clear debris before the storm. 

In addition, a Precautionary Boil Water Advisory is currently in effect for the Old Cheney Highway, Lake Pickett, and Chuluota areas in east Orange County. Residents in these regions are advised to boil water for at least one minute before consumption. If you are collecting water for use during or after the hurricane, ensure it is boiled prior to storage and use. There will be an update on Oct. 9. 

Preparing for Power Outages 

Utility companies are actively securing service areas in anticipation of the storm. In the meantime, residents should prepare for prolonged power outages with generators and other resources and are encouraged to report any outages to their electric provider. Here are the contact numbers for local utility companies: 

• Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC): 407-423-9018 

• Duke Energy: 800-228-8485 

• Winter Park Utility: 877-811-8700 

Sandbags for Flood Prevention 

To help mitigate flooding, free self-service sandbags will be available on Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at six designated locations across the county. Residents with special needs requiring assistance with sandbags should contact Orange County 311 by dialing 3-1-1 or 407-836-3111. 

Important Closures 

In light of the storm, several government offices and public institutions will close temporarily. The Orange County Government offices and the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 10. Orange County Public Schools will also be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, and after-school activities will be canceled on Tuesday, Oct. 8. 

LYNX transportation services will remain operational until sustained winds reach 35 mph or flooding occurs. However, ACCESS LYNX will only provide life-sustaining medical trips starting 12 hours before winds are expected to reach dangerous levels. 

As Hurricane Milton approaches, it is vital for Orange County residents to stay informed and prepared. Commissioner Mayra Uribe emphasizes the importance of completing all preparations by Tuesday night and urges the community to utilize available resources, including shelters, transportation, and waste management services.