The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has issued a local state of emergency in preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia. Non-essential county offices will close at noon today, August 28, 2023, and remain closed on Tuesday, August 29, and Wednesday, August 30.

Residents living in campers, recreational vehicles, tents, or other structures unable to withstand the winds of a tropical storm, or along the west side of U.S. Hwy 19 are advised to voluntarily evacuate.

The most likely timeframe for deteriorating conditions across the state will be Tuesday evening and overnight from south to north along the Florida Gulf Coast.

Citrus County BOCC Declares State of Emergency for Tropical Storm Idalia, Begins Voluntary Evacuations and Opens Sandbag Sites

Two full-service sandbag sites are open today, Monday, August 28:

• 7490 W Gulf-to-Lake Hwy, Crystal River (across from Dan’s)
• 4508 S Grandmarch Ave, Homosassa (off Grover Cleveland)

In addition, the following self-serve sandbag sites are available to citizens:

• Bicentennial Park, 501 N Baseball Point, Crystal River
• Citronelle, 7888 W Dunklin St, Dunnellon
• Crystal River Firehouse, 650 NW 3rd Avenue (operated by the City of Crystal River)
• Floral Park, 9530 S Parkside Avenue, Floral City
• Homosassa Community Park, 4210 S Grandmarch Avenue, Homosassa

Full-service sandbag sites are currently open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Limit 12 bags per vehicle. Self-serve sites are open 24 hours but are not monitored overnight for the availability of supplies. Sand and sandbags will be provided.

Those wishing to take advantage of the self-serve sites will need to bring a shovel. If you have any questions about sandbag sites, contact the Citrus County Road Maintenance Division at (352) 527-7610.

For additional updates, visit: www.facebook.com/CitrusCountyBOCC.