Orlando, Florida is preparing for the potential impact of Hurricane Milton, prompting Mayor Buddy Dyer to declare a State of Emergency for the city. During a press conference held on October 7, 2024, Mayor Dyer, along with city officials and emergency response teams, addressed the community to share critical updates and preparation measures as Hurricane Milton approaches. This proactive response aims to ensure the safety and well-being of Orlando residents as the storm develops.
City Activates Emergency Operations to Level 2
The City of Orlando is escalating its emergency response protocols. Starting Tuesday, October 8th, at 10:00 a.m., the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will move to Level 2 Activation. This signifies an increased level of readiness and coordination among city departments and partner agencies. Further intensifying preparations, the EOC is expected to reach Level 1 Full Activation by Wednesday, October 9th, at 12:00 p.m. Level 1 Activation indicates full-scale emergency operations, with all essential personnel and resources mobilized to manage the hurricane’s impact.
Sandbag Distribution for Residents
To help residents protect their properties from potential flooding, the City of Orlando is providing sandbags at Camping World Stadium. Distribution began today, October 7th, at 2:00 p.m. and will continue until 6:00 p.m. Sandbags will also be available tomorrow, Tuesday, October 8th, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Residents can access the distribution point through the gate located at Anderson Street and Rio Grande Avenue. To ensure fair distribution, there is a limit of ten sandbags per household, and residents are required to bring their own shovels. Proof of residency, such as an ID, is necessary to confirm address eligibility within city limits. Residents can verify their address using the Information Locator provided by the city.
Solid Waste Services Update
Current schedules for solid waste services remain unchanged for today and tomorrow. Residential and commercial trash, yard waste, and recycling pick-up will operate on their regular schedules. However, residents should be aware of impending changes.
Anticipating the arrival of Hurricane Milton, the City of Orlando will suspend residential and commercial garbage, recycling, and yard waste pick-up starting at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday. This service suspension is contingent upon the operational status of the Orange County Landfill and prevailing weather conditions. Following the hurricane, the city has committed to resuming collection services as quickly as possible, depending on weather and road conditions, to address any missed garbage and yard waste pick-ups. The city will continue to issue updates regarding garbage, yard waste, and recycling schedules throughout the storm event.
Crucially, residents are urged to assist in flood prevention efforts. It is imperative that tree trimmings, loose waste, and yard debris are not placed at curbsides. During severe weather events like Hurricane Milton, these materials can block storm drains, significantly increasing the risk of property and street flooding. Residents are advised to secure any yard waste or debris that has not been collected by Wednesday morning to mitigate potential hazards.
Streets and Stormwater Infrastructure Prepared
The City of Orlando is actively working to mitigate flood risks associated with Hurricane Milton. City crews are diligently inspecting and clearing critical stormwater infrastructure. This includes checking inlets, lake outfalls, and drainage well intakes to ensure they are free from obstructions. Construction sites are also being inspected to prevent any blockages to drainage systems. Furthermore, proactive measures have been taken to lower lake levels to their lowest possible capacity, providing additional stormwater storage and reducing the potential for overflow.
Waived Parking Garage Fees for Residents
To provide secure parking options during the storm, the City of Orlando will waive parking fees at designated parking garages starting at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9th. This service is available to residents who wish to park their passenger vehicles in covered garages, protecting them from potential storm damage. The participating parking garages are:
- Central Boulevard Garage, located at 53 West Central Boulevard
- Jefferson Street Garage, situated at 62 West Jefferson Street
- Library Garage, accessible at 112 East Central Boulevard
- Orange County Administration Garage, found at 300 Liberty Avenue
These garages are designated for passenger vehicles only, and all posted height restrictions must be observed. Oversized vehicles, campers, boats, trailers, watercraft, and similar items are not permitted to enter. Residents utilizing these garages should plan to remove their vehicles by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 11th, depending on weather and road conditions.
City Operations and Recreation Center Closures
In anticipation of the storm’s impact, the City of Orlando will close non-essential offices and services on Wednesday, October 9th, and Thursday, October 10th. This includes City Hall and other administrative facilities.
Similarly, all City of Orlando neighborhood and recreation centers and pools will be closed on Wednesday, October 9th, and Thursday, October 10th. All sports and event activities scheduled at city centers, parks, and recreation facilities are also cancelled for these two days. These closures are precautionary measures to ensure public safety and allow city resources to focus on storm response.
Support for the Homeless Community
Recognizing the heightened vulnerability of individuals experiencing homelessness during major hurricanes, the City of Orlando is working to provide support and shelter. The Homeless Services Network is collaborating with local homeless shelters to expand their service capacity beyond normal levels. This will ensure that homeless individuals seeking refuge during Hurricane Milton have access to safe shelter.
The city’s Downtown Ambassadors and HOPE Team Outreach partners are actively engaging with individuals on the streets. They are disseminating weather information and directing people to available shelters. These outreach efforts will continue as long as conditions remain safe, ensuring that vulnerable populations are informed and have access to resources.
Stay Informed Through Official Channels
Residents are strongly encouraged to stay informed about Hurricane Milton and city updates through official channels. The City of Orlando will be providing ongoing information and alerts through its social media platforms. Residents can follow the city’s social media accounts for the latest news and instructions.
For more comprehensive information, including suggested emergency supplies and crucial storm preparation considerations, residents are directed to visit orlando.gov/storm. This website serves as a central hub for hurricane-related resources and guidance from the City of Orlando.
