As Hurricane Milton approaches, Southwest Florida residents are gearing up for potential impacts by gathering essential supplies, including sandbags to protect against flooding. With the storm’s path uncertain but threatening, local officials in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties have opened sandbag distribution sites to help residents safeguard their homes. Most locations are self-service, so remember to bring your own shovel and prepare for limited quantities as sandbags are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Here’s a detailed guide on where to find sandbags in your area ahead of Hurricane Milton.
Lee County
Sanibel: The Sanibel Fire & Rescue District has received sand and sandbags at 2401 Library Way. For questions, call 239-472-5525.
Fort Myers Beach: Sand available at Town Hall, 2731 Oak St. from 7:00 a.m. Bags available for residents and are asked to bring their own shovels.
Fort Myers: South Trail Fire & Rescue (Station 63, 5531 Halifax Ave.) is out of sand and sandbags but expects a delivery on Monday. A maximum of 20 bags per household will be allowed upon reopening.
San Carlos Park: Sand and sandbags are available at San Carlos Park Fire District Station 54 (16900 Oriole Road). Limit of 10 bags per household. Bags can be picked up in the lobby; bring your own shovel and be prepared to fill and load. (UPDATE: Currently out of sand; will update via Facebook/Instagram.)
North Fort Myers: Sandbags are at North Fort Myers Parks and Recreation (2000 N. Recreation Parkway). Sand is located in the back of the park next to the county mulch pile. Bring your own shovel. (UPDATE: Currently out of sand; updates will be shared on Facebook.)
Matlacha: Sand is no longer available at Station 1 (5700 Pine Island Rd, Bokeelia, FL 33922), but bags are still available. A delivery is expected on Monday.
Collier County
All Collier County locations will receive 50 tons on Monday at 10 a.m.
- Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park: 810 39th Ave. NE, Naples, FL 34120 (by the pickleball courts)
- North Collier Regional Park: 15000 Livingston Road, Naples, FL 34109
- Sun-N-Fun Lagoon parking lot & Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park: 11565 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34113 (in the grassy area between parking lots)
Bring your own shovel or trowel, as supplies are limited. There’s a limit of 10 bags per person. For more information or assistance, contact the Collier County Road, Bridge & Stormwater Maintenance Division at 239-252-8924.
Charlotte County
All Charlotte County sandbag sites are closed as of Sunday:
- Ann and Chuck Dever Regional Park: 6961 San Casa Drive, Englewood (between the stormwater retention ponds)
- Franz Ross Park: 19333 Quesada Ave., Port Charlotte (near the football field)
- Carmalita Park: 2605 Carmalita St., east of Punta Gorda (near the football field at Franz)
Free sandbags are available at Punta Gorda: 3130 Cooper St. (last entrance on the left by flag poles). Up to 10 bags will be provided while supplies last. Residents must bring their own shovels.
Hendry County
Availability: Begins Monday at 9 a.m.
Clewiston: Public Works Division, 1300 S Olympia St, Clewiston, FL 33440
LaBelle: Emergency Operations Center, 4425 West SR80, LaBelle
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Assistance: No personnel available to fill bags; sand funnels provided for ease.
Requirements:
Minimum of 2 people recommended to fill sandbags.
Sandbags effective in water no deeper than 15 inches.
Bring your own shovel; bags available at both locations.
Limit: Maximum of 10 bags per vehicle/visit.
