South Florida cities declare states of emergency ahead of heavy rain and Hurricane Milton
FORT LAUDERDALE — As South Florida is seeing periods of heavy rain and Hurricane Milton strengthens, some areas are already seeing flooding and taking the necessary precautions to prepare.
Hallandale Beach announced Monday that due to ongoing heavy rains and expected flooding in the City Hall parking lot, all administrative offices are closed and the staff is working remotely.
On Sunday, Miami-Dade County declared a local state of emergency. Cities across South Florida also declared states of emergency due to heavy rain and Hurricane Milton.
The Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust is activating its Emergency Weather Procedures. Homeless shelters are making overflow inventory like surplus space, hallways and other common areas, available so individuals experiencing homelessness can come in from the elements during the duration of the storm.
Local states of emergency
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez declared a state of emergency for the city due to the potential effects of Milton. Sweetwater Mayor Jose "Pepe" Diaz also declared a state of emergency in his city/
The City of Hollywood declared a state of emergency as its residents brace for severe weather.
Hollywood also announced that parking fees will be waived in city-operated parking garages starting at 8 a.m. Sunday on a first-come, first-served basis. These are the following garages open to assist residents:
- Garfield Garage, 300 Connecticut St.
- Nebraska Garage, 327 Nebraska St.
- Van Buren Garage, 251 S. 20th Ave.
- Radius Garage, 251 N. 19th Ave.
There will also be a free sandbag distribution event for Hollywood residents on a first-come, first-served basis at the following locations:
- Jefferson Park, 1501 Jefferson St.
- Rotary Park, 3150 Taft St.
- Driftwood Community Center, 3000 N. 69th Ave.
The City of Miami Gardens has also declared a state of emergency and announced a sandbag distribution event at City Hall for Sunday between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. while supplies last.
The City of Hallandale Beach was the third municipality to declare a state of emergency on Saturday evening, urging its residents and businesses to take "immediate precautions."
On Sunday the Coral Gables and Homestead declared states of emergency ahead of Milton's landfall. Homestead said it would have a sandbag distribution event on Monday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and another on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a limit of five sandbags per vehicle and will take place at the following locations:
- Roby George Park, 201 SW 11th Ave.
- Homestead Regional Park (Homestead Sports Complex), 1601 SE 28th Ave.
North Lauderdale held a DIY sandbag giveaway event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday for all of its residents that were free of charge. There is a six-bag limit per person and they can be obtained at Pompano Park at 4001 Bailey Rd.
Fort Lauderdale announced sandbag distribution events from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday and Monday at three locations:
- Floyd Hull Stadium, 2800 SW 8th Ave.
- Mills Pond Park, 2201 NW 9th Ave.
- Shirley Small Park, 1230 SW 34th Ave.
North Miami Beach had a sandbag distribution event from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at 1965 NE 151st., limiting four per household.
The City of North Miami will have a sandbag distribution event on Monday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following location:
- North Miami Motor Poul, 1855 NE 142nd St.
North Miami is only allowing residents six bags per household.
The City of South Miami is distributing sandbags for Hurricane Milton from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday at the Public Works Yard at 4795 SW 75th Ave.
Oakland Park held a sandbag distribution event on Sunday until 4 p.m. at the Public Works Facility at 3801 NE 5th Ave.
Miami Beach has not yet declared a state of emergency but shared on X that residents and local business employees can park in most public garages at no cost starting 11 a.m. Sunday until tentatively 8 a.m. Thursday.
The City of Miami Beach will also hold two free sandbag distribution events from 8 a.m. to 2 p.,m. at the following locations:
- 2100 Collins Ave.
- 225 79th St.
Pembroke Pines has sandbag distribution events from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday and Monday at 8300 W. Cypress Dr., limiting to five bags per household.
Opa-Locka will also distribute sandbags between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday at the Public Works and Utilities Department at 12950 NW 42nd Ave. while supplies last.
Miami-Dade County will also host several sandbag distribution sites starting at 7 a.m. on Monday and will remain open until supplies last. Residents can receive up to four bags per household.
Residents prepare for the worst
Residents are worried about the coming days.
"I already got all my stuff ready to go," added Michael Sloan. "I got sandbags in a little wagon ready — waiting to be pulled in the place. I got my wall units already, [and] screws put in place. So, all I got to do is put them up and I'm sealed."
Police urged drivers to slow down while in heavy rain, stay focused and increase the distance between themselves and the car in front of them.
