Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Alachua County. Other Counties under this Tropical Storm Watch include Marion, Union, Bradford, and Baker. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Northeast Florida Coastal Counties, and Clay and Putnam Counties. Major Hurricane Matthew expected to approach dangerously close the Florida First Coast and Southeast Georgia Coast Friday through Friday night into early Saturday morning.

Tropical Storm force winds are currently projected to hit Alachua County between 6 a.m. on Friday morning, through 6 a.m. on Saturday morning. These projections may change as the storm’s movement and speed changes.

View the National Weather Service in Jacksonville's latest briefing package for Hurricane Matthew.

Alachua County Public Works Department has set up a sandbag location at the roadside park, located at 11855 NW US HWY 441, Gainesville. The roadside park is located on the east side of US 441, five miles north of the Highway Patrol Station.

View the location on google maps.

Sandbags are available for residents of Alachua County, with a limit to 10 bags per resident. Bags and sand will be provided. Residents should bring a shovel, as they will be responsible for filling the bags. Bags will be available between 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

View information on the proper placement of sandbags.

Residents are encouraged to have a basic emergency supply kit. View a list of recommended emergency supply kit items.

Residents are also encouraged to stay informed about major storm conditions by following Alachua County on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribing to the County's press releases.

For more information, contact Alachua County Communications and Legislative Affairs Director Mark Sexton at 352-264-6979.