Lake County, FL – Lake County Emergency Management is in the process of evaluating impacts from Hurricane Helene and is releasing the information below to keep the community up to date. The Office will continue to work with local, state, and weather partners to ensure resources are placed, if needed, in the appropriate areas

The Lake County Emergency Operations Center is currently activated to a Level 1 status. The Office of Emergency Management has released new details to help residents prepare for the anticipated storm. Please see below for official details.

County Operations

• The storm is predicted to bring heavy rain and winds to the area. The County encourages residents to prepare their properties and families for deteriorating weather conditions over the coming days.
• Tropical Storm Helene was upgraded to a Category 1 Hurricane this morning (Sept. 25) and expected to make landfall late tomorrow.
• Lake County is included in the State of Florida’s Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency. The County has also enacted a Local State of Emergency.
• The Citizens Information Line (CIL) began operation at 12:30 p.m., yesterday, September 24th, and will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today. The CIL will begin 24-hour operations tomorrow, Sept. 26, at 7 a.m.
• Lake County Schools, County offices, and the Clerk of Courts will be closed on Thursday.
• Lake County will be opening a shelter for those who need accommodations during the storm. The shelter will be at Leesburg Elementary School (2229 South St, Leesburg) and will open at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow, Sept. 26. As of now, the shelter is anticipated to close at 7 a.m. on Friday so that students can resume classes. However, Lake County Schools and the Lake County Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor conditions and may reassess that schedule. If shelter and school hours change, that information will be released as soon as possible. This is a general-population, pet-friendly, and special needs shelter. Be sure to bring all necessary supplies, including food, water, medication, bedding, and a pet carrier or crate.

Parks and Boat Ramps

• The Pearl Street Boat Ramp (25140 E. Pearl Street, Astor) and Butler Street Boat Ramp (55400 Butler Street, Astor) will be closed starting Sept. 25, 2024, at 5 a.m. due to impacts from Tropical Storm Helene. For more information, please call the Office of Parks and Trails at (352)-253-4950.
• If patrons need use of the boat ramps to load their boat out of the water prior to the storm, please contact the Office of Parks and Water Resources by 5 p.m. Loading will be available at the ramps until 7 p.m. tonight but must be scheduled in advance with staff.
• All Parks and Water Resources properties will be closed Thursday, Sept. 26, and will reopen on Friday, Sept. 27, at normal operating hours.

Sandbags

Twelve (12) sandbag locations opened yesterday (9/24) from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. The sites will be open until 12 p.m. tomorrow (9/26). Sand and bags will be available on-site. Residents should bring their own shovels and must fill their own bags.

Residents who need help filling their sandbags can visit one of the three locations marked with asterisks (**). Those locations will have assistance on-site.

• East Lake Sports and Community Complex
• 24809 Wallick Rd, Sorrento

• Frank Brown Sports Complex
• 1245 E Pine Ave, Mt Dora

• North Lake Regional Park
• 40730 Roger Giles Rd, Umatilla

• Astor Fire Station 10**
• 23023 State Road 40, Astor

• Minneola Athletic Complex**
• 1300 Fosgate Road (13930 Education Ave) Minneola

• PEAR Gateway Park (Front Entrance) **
• 26701 US Hwy 27, Leesburg

• Four Corners Fire Station 112
• 16240 CR474, Clermont

• Hickory Point Recreation Complex
• 27315 SR 19, Tavares

• Tavares OLD Fire Station
• 424 East Alfred St Tavares

• Clermont Public Works Facility
• 400 12th Street, Clermont

• Susan Street Recreational Complex (9/25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• 940 Susan Street, Leesburg

• 310 Crittenden St., Groveland (9/25 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

• Former Public Services Facilities (9/25 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
• 400 12th Street, Clermont