Lake County prepares for Hurricane Ian: What we know about schools, sandbags and more

Staff report
·2 min read
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Lake County government agencies on Monday continued preparing for Hurricane Ian.

At 11:10 a.m. Monday, a tropical storm watch went into effect for northern Lake. According to the National Weather Service, that means tropical storm effects are possible within the next 48 hours.

Citizen information line for Lake County

The citizen information line (352-253-9999) is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

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Sandbags available in Lake County

Sandbags are available at these sites. Bring your own shovel. Limit of 10 per household. The locations:

  • Astor Area: 23023 State Road 40, Astor

  • East Lake Sports and Community Complex, 24809 Wallick Road, Sorrento

  • P.E.A.R. Park, 26701 U.S. 27, Leesburg

  • North Lake Regional Park. 40730 Roger Giles Road, Umatilla

  • Minneola Athletic Complex, 1300 Fosgate Road, Minneola

Limited sandbag assistance available

Residents with disabilities can get sandbag assistance from jail inmates at these locations:

  • Fire Station 10 in Astor

  • The Minneola Athletic Complex

  • P.E.A.R. Park in Leesburg

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Will schools close in Lake County? Here is the plan

This is the plan for Lake County Public Schools:

  • Early release on Tuesday; schools follow the normal Wednesday schedule. No change for Extended Learning Centers and after-school events, including sports.

  • No school or activities Wednesday and Thursday.

  • No school on Friday. But, "Officials will continue to monitor the weather, including flooding conditions, and a decision will be announced later regarding football games and other activities scheduled for Friday night," the district said in a news release.

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Hurricane Ian preparations underway in Lake County, Florida