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Marion County: Idalia updates and emergency information

By FOX 35 News Staff
Updated  August 29, 2023 10:42am EDT
Ocala
FOX 35 Orlando

DeSantis: Idalia to be 'powerful' hurricane

Gov. Ron DeSantis is urging Floridians to prepare now as Tropical Storm Idalia is forecast to become a major hurricane before making landfall in Florida this week.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. - Follow ongoing updates from Marion County in response to Hurricane Idalia. 

You can get information directly from Marion County Emergency Management here. 

Evacuations

Residents who live west of Interstate-75 in a mobile home, RV or other substandard housing are recommended to evacuate. 

Shelters

General population shelters are now open:

  • Forest High School, 5000 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala, FL
  • Horizon Academy, 365 Marion Oaks Drive, Ocala, FL
  • Lake Weir High School, 10351 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala, FL (pet friendly)
  • North Marion Middle School, 2085 W Highway 329, Citra, FL
  • Vanguard High School, 7 NW 28th Street, Ocala, FL (pet friendly)

A special needs shelter is open at West Port HIgh School (3733 SW 80th Ave.).

School closures

Marion County Public Schools said all schools will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Other closures

  • Recycle Centers closed Wednesday
  • Baseline Transfer Station closed Wednesday
  • Marion County Sheriff’s Office Central Operations building and district offices will close at noon on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, and remain closed on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
  • Marion County Animal Services closed on Monday, August 28, 2023, and will remain closed until further notice.
  • Florida Department of Health in Marion County be closed on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, and Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
  • The Fifth Circuit Courts in Marion County will be closed on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, and Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
  • City of Dunnellon business offices will close at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, and remain closed on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
  • The Federal Courthouse will close at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, and remain closed on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
  • Marion County Property Appraiser will close at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, and remain closed on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
  • Marion County Clerk of the Court will be closed on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
  • All Marion County offices and facilities will be closed on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
  • Ocala Police Department Headquarters lobby will be closed on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
  • City of Ocala business offices and public facilities will be closed on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
  • Marion Senior Services, including Marion Transit and dining sites, will be closed on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
  • SunTran bus routes will be suspended beginning at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, and remain closed on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. 
  • City of Ocala residential and commercial sanitation routes will be suspended on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. The suspended routes will experience a one-day delay.
  • City of Ocala Downtown Parking Garage parking restrictions will be lifted until Tuesday, September 5, 2023, which includes allowing visitors to park in the garage overnight.

Sandbag locations

The following sandbag sites will be open Tuesday starting at 7 a.m., weather permitting. All locations are self-service and bags will be provided. 

  • Belleview Sports Complex, 6501 SE 107th Street, Belleview FL
  • Dunnellon Public Works, 11924 Bostick Street, Dunnellon, FL
  • Ed Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth Street, Ocala, FL
  • Jervey Gantt Park, 2200 SE 36th Avenue, Ocala, FL
  • Martel Recycling Center, 296 SW 67th Avenue, Ocala, FL
  • Tuscawilla Park (Reilly Arts Center), 800 NE Sanchez Avenue, Ocala, FL
  • Marion Oaks Community Center, 294 Marion Oaks Lane, Ocala, FL 
  • Wrigley Fields, 405 County Road E 316, Citra, FL

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