Tropical Storm Helene Update 5 – County Offices Closed at Noon Tomorrow/Helene Actualización 5 - Oficinas del Condado cerrarán mañana a mediodía

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County offices will close tomorrow, September 25, 2024, at noon in order for employees to prepare their families and homes for the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Helene.

The exception to the above is the Levada Brown Transfer Station, which will remain open for regular hours on Wednesday.

All county offices will be closed on Thursday, September 26.

To aid our residents as the storm approaches, Alachua County has activated the 311 Emergency Information Line (352-264-6557 if 311 is unavailable in your area). This is for questions and rumor control. If you have an actual emergency, call 911.

Animal Resources will be closed tomorrow, September 25, to prepare for the possible need for a pet-friendly shelter.

In preparation for Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, Alachua County staff will distribute sandbags (10 bags per vehicle).

• Alachua County's Wayside Park (11855 NW U.S. 441) distribution begins on Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will continue Wednesday at 9 a.m., weather permitting, until 3 p.m.

After staffed hours, sand, bags and shovels will be available for self-service.

Directions to Wayside Park

• Northbound on U.S. 441 (from Gainesville): Turn right onto County Road 237 (at Dollar General), then right onto Northwest 126th Avenue, and right again onto Northwest 59th Terrace to access Parque Wayside (located at the Mobile convenience store).
• Southbound on U.S. 441 (from Alachua): Turn left onto County Road 237 (at Dollar General), then right onto Northwest 126th Avenue, and right again onto Northwest 59th Terrace to access Parque Wayside (located at the Mobile convenience store).

The City of Hawthorne has sand and bags available at the City of Hawthorne Wastewater Treatment Plant, 23016 SE 65th Lane. Be prepared to fill your own bags.

The City of Newberry has sand and bags available at the public works compound (120 NW 260th Street). Bring your own shovel.

Preparing for the storm

Stay updated on real-time weather developments by texting "Alachua" to 888-777 and following the Alachua County Facebook page. The Alachua County Ready website is also a valuable resource for storm information.

Alachua County residents are urged not to underestimate the potential impact of this storm. Take precautions now to ensure the safety of your family and property. Make sure your hurricane kits and emergency plans are ready.

Important actions to take include:

• Secure loose items around your home that could be carried by strong winds.
• Protect properties in flood-prone areas.
• Trim tree limbs around windows and clear debris.
• Move vehicles away from trees.
• Ensure all family members are familiar with your emergency plan.
• Prepare for possible extended power outages.
• Refill essential prescription medications.
• Create a plan for pets.
• Check-in on neighbors, particularly those with special needs.

For the latest storm track and updates, click here.

Sign up for text alerts by texting the word ALACHUA to 888-777 to stay fully informed of any disaster-related information related specifically to Alachua County.

For more information, contact Alachua County Communications Director Mark Sexton at 352-264-6979 or [email protected].

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