As South Florida buckles up this weekend in preparation for potential Hurricane Ian next week, cities are offering sandbags and other emergency services, schools are preparing for possible closures, and the state of Florida has activated its price-gouging hotline.
This report will be updated as more information becomes available.
Here’s what we know so far:
A few cities have announced free distribution of sandbags; check with your city of residence for specific details. Those who do not qualify in their cities can purchase sandbags at Lowe’s and Home Depot.
Miami
The city of Miami will continue to distribute sandbags to residents on Monday.
Locations: Douglas Park (2755 SW 37 Ave.); Grapeland Park (1550 NW 37 Ave.); Little Haiti Soccer Park (6301 NE Second Ave.)
Time: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
North Miami Beach
The city of North Miami Beach has prepared 1,000 sandbags for distribution. Locations and pick-up times have yet to be announced; generally the city opens distribution when a hurricane watch is issued.
Deerfield Beach
The city of Deerfield Beach said in a tweet it hasn’t mobilized the distribution of sandbags yet. The city is monitoring the storm’s path and will likely post information Monday.
No announcements have been made for disruptions in trash pickups in South Florida.
“At this moment, residential trash and bulk trash pick up services remain under normal scheduled operations,” the city of Fort Lauderdale announced. “However, there is a possibility that high winds could impact trash pickup as early as Tuesday. If trash pickup is suspended, information will be posted on our website.”
The South Florida Water Management District is closing all navigational locks at the end of operating hours at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. They will be reopened as weather conditions warrant.
In anticipation of King Tide impact, Fort Lauderdale city staff will place barricades and lane delineators near coastal tidal bound neighborhoods. Neighbors are advised to remain vigilant during high tides and king tides. “Please take the time to review the anticipated king tide schedule, evaluate your property’s readiness, and review your flood insurance policy,” the city posted.
Floridians can report price gouging to the attorney general’s office by phone, online, or through an app.
Phone: 1 (866) 9NO-SCAM, or 866-966-7226
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Nothing has been announced yet for South Florida schools. Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties’ public schools have Monday off, as had been previously scheduled.
Broward schools superintendent Vickie Cartwright released a video announcing that the district is monitoring the storm.
“We will continue to provide updates if there is any impact on school operations next week,” Cartwright said.
Updates can be found on the Broward County Public Schools web page: https://www.browardschools.com/
Miami-Dade schools superintendent Jose Dotres announced that the district also was monitoring the situation.
