Seminole County public schools will be closed Wednesday due to the winds and the impact on school bus transportation.
Two Shelters will open on Wednesday at 8 a.m., according to Seminole County Public Information Officer Steve Olson.
One is a general population and pet-friendly shelter at Lyman High School in Longwood. The second is a special needs shelter at Bentley Elementary School, near Sanford. Special needs clients can bring their pets to the shelter as well, Olson said.
County Administrative offices will stay open Wednesday as well city of Sanford offices, according to City Manager Robert Yehl. He also said the situation would be monitored throughout Wednesday for possible closings.
Seminole County employees are encouraged to call the employee hotline at 407-665-WORK or 9675 for updates.
Yard waste collected in unincorporated Seminole County is suspended for Wednesday as well.
Sandbags were available after 3 p.m. Tuesday at Soldiers’ Creek Park, which is located at 2400 State Road 419, near Winter Springs.
Residents may call the Seminole County Information Line by dialing 3-1-1. Cell phone users are encouraged to call 407-665-0311, since cell phone signals roam and may reach another county.
The Seminole County Department of Community Information will work with its media partners, Olson said. This includes live broadcasts at the top of the hour, originating from the Seminole County Emergency Operations Center on WUCF-FM 89.9.
Government Television will also bring official information from the Emergency Operation Center on Cable Channel 9 on Bright House Cable, and may be seen, live, via Web-stream at “Now showing on SGTV” at www.seminolecountyfl.gov.
The Florida Department of Transportation encouraged Floridians and visitors to incorporate the free 511 service into their emergency preparedness plans.
By dialing 511 from a cell phone or a landline, callers can hear traffic reports on all interstate highways in the state and Florida’s Turnpike.
During emergency evacuations, 511 will provide up-to-the-minute reports on major evacuation routes, bridge and road closures due to hazardous conditions, contra-flow usage and roadways with toll suspensions.
Seminole Community College has closed all of its campuses for Wednesday.
In Sanford, Cinema in the Park, already rescheduled because of rain for Wednesday will now move to Sept. 20. (See separate story.)
Also a gospel concert set for Wednesday night at the Sanford RiverWalk Church of God will have to be rescheduled as well, according to leaders.
The Lake Mary City Commission met in a special called meeting Tuesday afternoon to approve contracts for debris collection, tree removal, disaster debris planning and support management, just in case there is damage from the storm or subsequent hurricanes.
The Lake Mary Commission also was to approve the emergency purchase of a chassis for a rescue unit.