Hurricane Milton, which rapidly intensified to a monstrous Category 5 storm, is forecast to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast this Wednesday. There’s no better time than now to prepare for the potential heavy rainfall, flooding and other impacts.
All across South Florida, there are several free sand distribution centers, many of which will require proof of residency and limit bags per household or vehicle. Find them below:
Miami
Miami-Dade County will be distributing sandbags to residents at nine regional parks beginning Monday at 7 a.m., until bags run out. Residents can receive up to 4 bags per household:
- Amelia Earhart Park, 401 E 65 Street
- Oak Grove Park, 690 NE 159 Street
- Gwen Cherry Park, 7090 NW 22 Avenue
- Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40 Street
- Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park, 12451 SW 184th Street
- Homestead Air Reserve Park, 27401 SW 127 Avenue
- Tamiami Park, 11201 SW 24 Street
- Greynolds Park, 17530 Dixie Highway
- Ives Estate Park, 20901 NE 16 Avenue
Additionally, the City of Miami is distributing sandbags to residents on Tuesday, October 8, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at four city parks:
- Grapeland Park, 1550 NW 37th Avenue
- Jose Marti Park Gym, 434 SW 3rd Avenue
- Little Haiti Park, 315 NE 62nd Street
- Douglas Park, 2755 SW 37th Avenue
Doral
In anticipation of the storm, the City of Doral will distribute sand and bags on Tuesday, starting at 7 a.m. in the empty lot at 8301 NW 53rd Street, between the UHealth Building and the Cordoba Rental Apartments. Access to the lot is through NW 53rd Street. While supplies last.
Miami Springs
The City of Miami Springs will provide free sand distribution on at the Miami Springs Community Center parking lot (1401 Westward Drive) on Tuesday, starting at 12:30 p.m. Sandbags will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and there is a limit of 5 sandbags per household.
North Miami Beach
The City of North Miami Beach will be distributing sandbags on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the City of North Miami Beach Fleet Maintenance Building (1965 NE 151st Street). Upon arrival, residents must show a valid ID upon arrival to collect up to 4 sandbags per household.
Opa-locka
On both Monday, October 7 and Tuesday, October 8, the City of Opa-locka will distribute sandbags at the Public Works and Utilities Department, located at 12950 NW 42nd Ave. Distributions to residents will take place between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Homestead
The City of Homestead will be hosting a sandbag distribution for residents on Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A photo ID or utility bill are required and there is a limit of 5 sandbags per vehicle. Below are the locations:
- Roby George Park, 201 SW 11th Avenue
- Homestead Regional Park (Homestead Sports Complex), 1601 SE 28th Avenue
Sunny Isles Beach
Sandbags will be available Tuesday for Sunny Isles Beach residents with a resident ID card or driver’s license under the William Lehman Causeway (19160 Collins Avenue) from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Limited 4 sandbags per household.
Fort Lauderdale
The City of Fort Lauderdale will be distributing sand bags at the following two locations on Monday, between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Residents are required to bring their own shovels and empty bags:
- Floyd Hull Stadium, 2800 SW 8th Avenue
- Mills Pond Park, 2201 NW 9th Avenue
Davie
Davie will provide self-service sandbags to residents at 6591 Orange Drive (the old Town Hall site) beginning at 8 a.m. You must enter from SW 42nd Street, and each vehicle will receive 10 bags of sand. Proof of residency is required.
Pompano Beach
The City of Pompano Beach will be re-opening sandbag distributions on Tuesday, October 8th, at 9 a.m. The distribution area is located at 1660 NE 10th Street across from the Pompano Airpark. Proof of residency is required and sandbags will be limited to a maximum of 10 bags per household.
Miramar
Miramar residents will be able to get sandbags from the city on Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at three locations. Bags and shovels will be provided, but must come prepared to fill your own bags. There is a limit of four bags per household and proof of residency is required.
- Sunset Lakes Community Center, 2801 SW 186th Avenue
- Lakeshore Park, 8501 Sherman Circle
- Multi-Service Complex, 6700 Miramar Parkway