March 11, 2025

Thankful for Community’s Safety Following Tornado 

Yesterday morning, we were reminded of nature’s powerful force as an EF-2 tornado tracked through the Longwood area along Markham Woods Road. I am incredibly grateful to report that, despite severe damage to several homes and the destruction of one, no one was injured, and our residents remain safe.  

On behalf of the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to every individual and team involved in the swift and effective response to this emergency. The dedication of our first responders, County crews, and partner agencies is truly unmatched. 

Our Seminole County Fire Department responded to a home collapse, ensuring that two residents were safely removed from the wreckage without harm. Our Sheriff’s Office, along with County Public Works crews, worked tirelessly to clear roadways and make the area safe. And our Emergency Management and Building teams have been assessing the damage, offering resources like tarps and cleanup assistance to affected residents. Additionally, our partners at the National Weather Service and the Red Cross have been on the ground, evaluating the storm’s impact and offering support to neighbors. 

As our teams continue their recovery efforts, I would like to remind all residents to stay informed by registering for our alerts at AlertSeminole.org. Disaster can strike at any time, but rest assured, you are in good hands with our public safety teams working around the clock to keep our community safe. 

With gratitude, 

Jay Zembower 
Chairman, Seminole County Board of County Commissioners 

Storm Debris Guidelines 

While there may be extra sticks and debris in your yard from the storm, please do NOT pile storm debris at the curbside like you would after a hurricane. There will not be any additional collections for this week’s storms. Place curbside on your regular yard waste collection day.  

Remember to BIN, BAG, or BUNDLE vegetative debris. Please avoid using plastic bags – they entangle the mulching machinery. 

For those in the Whispering Winds neighborhood severely impacted by the storm, County crews will be providing dumpsters and picking up debris from the curbside.  

If you or a neighbor needs help cleaning up, please submit an unmet need to the Office of Emergency Management at 407-665-5102. 

Stay Prepared 

Tornadoes can happen year-round in Florida when cold fronts collide with warm, moist air. They can form suddenly, so it’s important make a plan and stay informed.  

• Keep emergency weather alerts turned on on your phone and register for local emergency alerts at AlertSeminole.org. AlertSeminole alerts include severe weather events, shelter information, road closures, boil water notices, and more. 

• Know where to go at home or work if a tornado warning is issued. Go to the lowest floor, away from windows or doors. Take shelter immediately. 

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