***UPDATE: October 8, 2024 | 11:50 a.m.***
HURRICANE MILTON CITY CLOSURES
Due to potential impacts of Hurricane Milton in our area, City Hall and Recreation and Culture facilities will be closed to the public Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10, 2024.
As of the latest NHC advisory (October 8, 2024, 11 a.m.), Milton is now a strong category 4 hurricane, and it is expected to continue in the Gulf of Mexico ahead of making landfall and potentially impacting our area sometime during the nighttime hours Wednesday, October 9 to Thursday, October 10, 2024.
City Hall and Recreation and Culture facilities will resume normal hours of operation on Monday, October 14.
IMPORTANT STORM PHONE NUMBERS
Alachua Police Department: (386) 462-1396
Emergency Services: 911
Information & Rumor Control Center: 311
Power Outages: (386) 418-6185
Florida Highway Patrol: *FHP (347)
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***UPDATE: October 7, 2024 | 1:35 p.m.***
I-75 EMERGENCY SHOULDER USE IMPLEMENTED
We can expect significantly increased traffic on I-75 from those evacuating Central and South
Florida, which will likely impact travel times and strain fuel stations near interstate exits. The Florida Highway Patrol and FDOT have activated shoulder travel northbound on I-75, starting at the Alachua County line and continuing to I-10 in Columbia County. If possible, please avoid I-75 and seek an alternative route.
Consequently, please expect heavier-than-normal traffic in the City of Alachua area, on local roads and businesses.
ALACHUA COUNTY SHELTER UPDATE
Shelters will open tomorrow (Tuesday). This includes general population/pet-friendly shelters and a shelter for people with special medical needs. Locations and opening times will be shared tomorrow morning.
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***UPDATE: October 7, 2024 | 10:55 a.m.***
City officials continue to closely monitor Hurricane Milton and its potential impact to the City of Alachua and surrounding areas. Officials will publish updates regarding the storm, closures and other updates as information becomes available.
SANDBAG LOCATION INFORMATION
In preparation for Hurricane Milton, Alachua County staff will distribute sandbags (10 bags per vehicle) at Alachua County’s Wayside Park (11855 NW U.S. 441). Distribution begins today, Monday, October 7, 2024, from noon until 5 p.m. We anticipate continuing tomorrow, and times will be announced.
After staffed hours, sand, bags, and shovels will be available for self-service.
Directions to Wayside Park
Northbound on U.S. 441 (from Gainesville): Turn right onto County Road 237 (at Dollar General), then right onto Northwest 126th Avenue, and right again onto Northwest 59th Terrace to access Wayside Park (located at the Mobile convenience store).
Southbound on U.S. 441 (from Alachua): Turn left onto County Road 237 (at Dollar General), then right onto Northwest 126th Avenue, and right again onto Northwest 59th Terrace to access Wayside Park (located at the Mobile convenience store).
Should you need to report a power outage, please watch the following video first, then navigate to our Report a Power Outage page.
