Alachua County issues tropical‑storm warning; shelters, sandbags and tarps made available

Alachua County emergency management briefed the commission that the county was under a tropical‑storm warning for Hurricane Milton and that county staff had activated preparedness and sheltering plans.

"Alachua County is now under a tropical storm warning," Jen Grace, the county’s director of emergency management, told the board, adding that the southern half of the county faced sustained winds of 58–73 mph with gusts that could reach hurricane strength, while the north faced lower sustained winds of about 39–57 mph. Grace said rainfall scenarios ranged from a lower‑end 4–6 inches to a higher‑end 6–8 inches and that forecast details could change after an upcoming weather‑service briefing.

County staff said two general‑population pet‑friendly shelters and a special medical‑needs shelter were being opened proactively to serve evacuees and urged residents that transportation would not be a barrier — the county planned to provide Uber codes and other assistance — and to use AlachuaCountyReady channels for shelter addresses and updates. Sandbag and tarp distribution sites were identified (Archer and LaVita Brown among them), and the county temporarily waived tipping fees at the LaVita Brown transfer station for residents bringing debris.

Officials asked residents not to rush to shelters before impacts arrive and reminded people to secure loose debris and prepare for possible extended power outages. County staff reiterated that they would post updates via the county’s social channels and a text alert (text ALACHUA to 888777) with the latest shelter locations and guidance.

The county manager and solid‑waste staff also cautioned that debris removal from prior storms would take weeks; residents were told they could proactively deliver debris to county collection centers where tipping fees had been waived.