This story was updated on Oct. 8, 2024 at 1:52 p.m.
Multiple South Florida sites are having sandbag distribution events to help residents prepare for possible flooding caused by Hurricane Milton. Milton has strengthened into a category 5 hurricane as it moves eastward across the Gulf of Mexico.
Although, South Florida is not in the direct path of the hurricane, heavy rainfall leading to possible flooding is expected across our region through Thursday.
READ MORE: Milton: What's open and what's closed in South Florida?
How to fill a sandbag
Fill sandbags 1/2 to 2/3 full, tie at top so bag will lay flat when put in place. A properly filled sand bag should weigh between 35 to 40 lbs.
Overfilled bags and bags tied too low leave gaps in sandbag levee allowing water to seep through. An overfilled sandbag can weigh 70 to 75 lbs.
Here are some sandbag distribution sites in South Florida:
Broward County
Fort Lauderdale
- Floyd Hull Stadium: 2800 SW 8th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
- Mills Pond Park: 2201 NW 9th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
- Shirley Small Park: 1230 SW 34th Ave
Sand is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday while supplies last. It is self-serve, residents must bring shovels and empty sandbags. Approximately 240 tons of sand was distributed on Monday. More details here.
- Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park: 2520 N.W. Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
Residents of the Broward Municipal Services District can also get up to six bags of sand at the below location on Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Lauderhill
- 7600 NW 50th St.
- 2000 NW 55th Ave.
- 3501 NW 8th St.
The city of Lauderhill will be providing free sandbags for residents from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Pompano Beach
- Across the street from Pompano Beach Airpark at 1660 NE 10th Street
Proof of residency in Pompano Beach will be required. The sandbags will be prefilled, sealed and placed in your car. The sandbags will be distributed starting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday while supplies last. Residents can receive up to ten bags per household. More info here.
Pembroke Pines
- Pembroke Pines Health Park: 8400 Cypress Dr, Pembroke Pines, FL 33025
Sand will be distributed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents must be in the carline by 3:30 p.m. Shovels and bags will be provided but residents will need to fill them independently. Assistance will be available for the elderly and people with disabilities. Residents can receive up to five bags per household. Proof of Pembroke Pines residency will be required. Find more updates here.
Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade County is offering drive-through sandbag service at regional parks until bags run out. Residents can receive up to four bags per household.
Hialeah
- Amelia Earhart Park: 401 E 65th St, Hialeah, FL 33013. The county is offering drive-through sandbag service until bags run out. Residents will receive four bags per household.
Homestead
- Homestead Air Reserve Park: 27401 SW 127th Ave, Homestead, FL 33032. This location is self-service until bags run out. Residents can receive four bags per household.
Miami Beach
The city is distributing pre-filled sandbags, until supplies last on Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Two surface parking lot locations: 2100 Collins Avenue (east of Collins Park) and 225 79 Street.
City of Miami
The city is distributing sandbags to residents who bring a valid ID to one of the following locations from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or until supplies last.
- Douglas Park- 2755 SW 37 Avenue
- Little Haiti Park: 315 NE 62nd Street, Miami, FL 33138
- Jose Marti Park Gym: 434 SW 3rd Ave., Miami FL 33138
- Grapeland Park: 1550 NW 37th Ave., Miami FL 33125
Miami Shores
The village of Miami Shores are making sandbags available for residents only, while supplies last. Please provide a valid ID. Each household is limited to 10 bags.
- Constitution Park: 9825 Park Drive
North Miami Beach
- Greynolds Park: 17530 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33160. The county is offering drive-through sandbag service until bags run out. Residents will receive four bags per household.
The following regional county parks are also offering sandbag service until bags run out.
- Gwen Cherry Park: 7090 NW 22nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33147
- Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park and Campground: 12451 SW 184th Street, Miami, FL 33177
- Tropical Park: 7900 SW 40th St, Miami FL 33155* Self service only
Monroe County
Key West
The City of Key West is providing sand at Boog Powell Court, the ballfields off 14th Street. The city has also added a second location at 1020 Emma Street.
Members of the community concerned about possible flooding are urged to help themselves, but they must provide their own bags. Shovels are at the site, but you must fill your own bags.
Palm Beach County
Boynton Beach
A limited number of sandbags will be available to residents with valid ID starting at 11 p.m. at Harvey E. Oyer Park, 2010 N. Federal Highway. Tools will be provided to fill sandbags. It will be first-come, first-served while supplies last.
Riviera Beach
The city will distribute bags until supplies last. Each resident may receive a maximum of 10 bags, and proof of residency is required.
- Wells Recreation Complex: 2409 Avenue H W, Riviera Beach, FL 33404
