October 8, 2024

Message from Chairman Jay Zembower

Dear Seminole County Residents,

As Hurricane Milton approaches, I want to reassure you that we are fully prepared. Through the coordinated efforts of Seminole County, our seven municipalities, the Sheriff’s Office, and our local, state, and federal partners, we are taking every step to safeguard our community.

Each storm presents unique challenges, so I urge you to take necessary precautions to protect your family and stay informed through our County’s communication channels. Together, we will weather this storm.

Thank you for your cooperation and compassion during this time. Stay safe.

Jay Zembower
Chairman, Seminole County Board of County Commissioners

Preparing for Hurricane Milton: What You Need to Know

It is critical for Seminole County residents to take immediate action. Secure outdoor items that could become projectiles. Bring in furniture, planters, and any loose objects from your yard. Ensure your family has enough food, water, and medication for several days, especially if power outages occur.

Remove any yard waste or trash from the curb and secure it until after the storm. Curbside collection is canceled for Wednesday. Also, ensure storm drains are clear to reduce the risk of flooding.

Follow generator safety guidelines: never operate it inside or near open windows, and keep it at least 20 feet from your home. If you don’t already have a carbon monoxide detector, install one now.

Visit PrepareSeminole.org for checklists and updates. Finally, don’t forget your pets — ensure they have food and supplies, and plan to bring them with you if evacuations are necessary.

Preparedness is key. Plan for the worst, hope for the best, and stay safe.

Emergency Shelters Open Wednesday

Seminole County shelters will open 8 a.m. Wednesday, October 8.

Please ensure the shelter you choose is pet friendly before bringing along animals. All animals need to be in carriers, and we ask that you please provide your own crate/carrier.

Shelters for persons with special needs (PSN) are open as well. If you or a loved one are a person with special needs who requires transportation assistance to a shelter, please contact the Citizens Information Line at 407-665-0000 for more information. When coming to a shelter, bring water, important papers and medications, along with pillows and blankets for your comfort. Cots are not provided.

We encourage you to visit PrepareSeminole.org for the most up-to-date shelter information.

SPECIAL NEEDS

• 1. Bentley Elementary School - 2190 S Oregon Ave., Sanford     *Pet-Friendly*
• 2. Layer Elementary School - 4201 S.R. 419, Winter Springs
• 3. Highlands Elementary School - 1600 Shepard Road, Winter Springs

GENERAL POPULATION

• 4. Crystal Lake Elementary School - 231 Rinehart Road, Lake Mary,
• 5. Lawton Chiles Middle School - 1240 Sanctuary Drive, Oviedo
• 6. Lyman High School - 865 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Longwood     *Pet-Friendly* 
• 7. Midway Elementary School - 2368 Brisson Ave., Sanford
• 8. Winter Springs High School - 130 Tuskawilla Road, Winter Springs

Emergency shelters should be used as a last resort; if possible, evacuees should stay with family or friends. Shelter clients will be assigned a space of 3’ x 7’; belongings should fit in this space if staying at a shelter.

Staying Connected with Seminole County

Stay updated with critical storm information by visiting PrepareSeminole.org, where you’ll find updates, emergency contact numbers, and preparedness resources.

For briefings and updates, tune into SGTV on Spectrum channel 498 or visit SeminoleCountyFL.gov/SGTV. You can also watch live broadcasts on the County’s YouTube channel.

To receive alerts, text STORM2024 to 888-777.

Stay connected through social media:
•    Facebook
•    Instagram
•    Twitter/X
•    Nextdoor

For emergencies, call 9-1-1. For other inquiries, contact the Citizen Information Line at 407-665-0000.

Volunteer and Community Assistance: Helping Your Neighbors

Now is the time to show compassion and help those who may need extra assistance. Check on elderly neighbors, those with medical conditions, or families with young children. Help them secure their homes and gather supplies.

If you live in a flood-prone area, consider carpooling with neighbors to shelters or higher ground. For newer residents unfamiliar with hurricanes, share resources like PrepareSeminole.org and the Citizen Information Line.

During hurricanes, small acts of kindness make a big difference. Together, we can keep everyone safe.

Government and School Closures

Seminole County government offices and Seminole County Public Schools will remain closed on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday to ensure the safety of employees and residents.

Only essential personnel will report for duty during this time. The County and school district will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as the situation evolves.

Stay tuned to official County channels for updates on closures and reopening schedules.

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Seminole County Government, 1101 East 1st Street, Sanford, Fl 32771, United States