(This story was updated to include new information.)
Hurricane Miltonstrengthened to a Category 5 hurricane Monday, barely three hours after reaching Category 4 strength, as it takes aim at Florida. The latest track still has it moving over Polk County at hurricane strength, according to the National Hurricane Center.
At the NHC's 5 p.m. update, Milton had maximum sustained winds of 180 mph. It was in the Gulf of Mexico, about 675 miles from Florida, traveling east at 10 mph.
By Tuesday, Milton's intensity "should be dictated by any eyewall replacement cycles, which will likely cause the system to gradually weaken but grow larger," the NHC said. Some weakening is forecast before the hurricane reaches the coast, but Milton "is still likely to be a large and powerful hurricane at landfall in Florida," hurricane center specialist Jack Beven wrote in an advisory.
The 2 p.m. track showed Milton making landfall near Tampa Bay on Wednesday evening and traveling east-northeast through Polk County, still at hurricane strength, sometime late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
Polk County is under a hurricane watch. According to the National Weather Service in Tampa, tropical storm force winds are possible from early Wednesday morning until early Thursday morning, and hurricane force winds are possible from Wednesday morning until early Thursday morning.
It's also under a flood watch through 8 a.m. Thursday. And it's included among 51 Florida counties in a state of emergency issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
According to meteorologist Christianne Pearce with the National Weather Service in Ruskin, the worst weather from Hurricane Milton in Polk County is forecast to start overnight Wednesday and last until early Thursday.
Residents can expect wind and rain from a Category 1-strength hurricane over Polk, with wind speeds at about 85 mph and rain totals of 5 to 10 inches with the potential for up to 15 inches of rain in so place.
With winds speeds that high, residents can expect downed power lines and trees. “So there could be significant damage even that far inland,” Pearce said.
The storm's power:Could Milton become a Category 5 hurricane? It's almost there already
Because of the rain already on the ground over the weekend, inland flooding of rivers can be expected as the hurricane moves across the peninsula. She urged residents to make final preparations on Monday and most of Tuesday before the storm begins to impact Polk County.
Pearce said Milton is expected to make landfall along Florida’s west coast but it is still toosoon to know where.
“The uncertainty is still fairly high as to where on the west coast it will make landfall so depending on where it makes landfall will determine the type of impacts you would have there in Polk County,” she said.
Polk County Tax Collector's offices closing Wednesday and Thursday - 4:35 p.m.
The Office of the Tax Collector for Polk County will close all of its locations Wednesday and Thursday.
"Anyone who has an appointment scheduled during the closure will have that appointment honored on a priority basis once tax collector service centers can reopen safely. It is the Tax Collector’s hope that all locations will be able to open for regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Friday, October 11," the agency said in a news release.
Polk sandbag hours for Tuesday - 4:24 p.m.
Polk County's sandbag sites, which were open Sunday and Monday, also will be open from 8 a.m. to noon on Tuesday.
Sandbag site locations are:
• Mulberry/South Lakeland –Loyce E. Harpe Park, 500 W. Carter Road, Mulberry• Lakeland –8970 N. Campbell Road, Lakeland• Fort Meade –1061 NE 9th St., Fort Meade• Frostproof –350 County Road 630A, Frostproof• Auburndale –1701 Holt Road, Auburndale• Dundee –805 Dr. Martin Luther King St. SW, Dundee• Poinciana Park –5109 Allegheny Road, Kissimmee 34759
A maximum of 10 prefilled sandbags will be provided to each household address to help prevent water intrusion into the home. Residents will need to present a driver’s license to show your local address.
Residents living in flood-prone areas are encouraged to sandbag their homes. To protect against water damage, follow these simple sandbagging techniques. At the area where water can enter a structure:
- If not working on concrete, dig a small ditch just deep enough to go below ground level, the county said. The ditch should be back far enough from the entrance to allow room to place optional submersible (sump) pumps into the protected area. The edge of the visqueen should be placed in the ditch as a bottom layer.
- Place the first row of sandbags in the ditch, fold the visqueen over the top of the first row. Place a second row of bags on top, fold visqueen back over, and place a third row of bags on top, and so on. This creates an “S” pattern with the visqueen.
Depending on the size of the barrier, submersible (sump) pumps can be used. The barrier will not completely stop water from entering the protected area; however, by properly placing bags, visqueen and sump pumps, water, in most cases, can be removed quickly.
Polk State College event further postponed - 4:11 p.m.
Polk State College announced that it has indefinitely postponed a groundbreaking ceremony originally scheduled for Wednesday for the Haines City-Davenport campus. After setting a new date of Oct. 15, Polk State now says that the event will be rescheduled for a date to be determined.
The Polk State Haines City-Davenport Campus is an approximately $51 million project to construct a 75,000-square-foot facility that will include Central Florida’s first public higher education interdisciplinary simulation hospital.
Clerk of Courts will shut offices - 4:04 p.m.
The Polk County Clerk of Courts is closing its offices Tuesday at 3 p.m. and will remain closed Wednesday and Thursday.
All court hearings scheduled for Tuesday will continue, the Clerk's office said in a news release. All jurors summoned for Wednesday and Thursday should not report.
All canceled court hearings will be rescheduled, and parties will receive notices with the new court dates. Full details about court cases and scheduled hearings can be found on the Court Records portal on polkcountyclerk.net.
The schedule for Friday is undetermined. Updates will be posted to Facebook and PolkCountyClerk.net.
Traffic tickets and court fines may be paid online. Deadlines will be extended for those who cannot pay online.
Department of Health closes offices - 3:34 p.m.
All Florida Department of Health in Polk County offices will be closed from Tuesday through Thursday. Staff members will be working in special needs shelters opened for Hurricane Milton, the county said.
Legoland Florida will close Wednesday and Thursday - 3:20 p.m.
Legoland Florida Resort in Winter Haven announced that its theme park will close Wednesday and Thursday. Legoland Hotel will remain open at a limited capacity.
"We are closely monitoring the path of the projected storm as we continue to prioritize the safety of our guests and Model Citizens (employees)," Legoland said in a statement on social media.
SFWMD to close campgrounds Tuesday
The Southwest Florida Water Management District will close all the campgrounds and properties it manages, including trails and day use areas throughout its 16-county region, at 11 a.m. Tuesday in anticipation of impacts from Hurricane Milton. For the most updated information, please visit the District’s website atWaterMatters.org. Or, check for updates on social media atX.com/SWFWMD.
Sheriff's Office Helene deployment leaves to return to Polk
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, its team that was deployed to Florida's Big Bend area to help with Hurricane Helene recovery efforts left its post there Monday morning to return to Polk County for Hurricane Milton preparations.
Two weeks ago, the Polk Sheriff’s Office sent a team of 40 to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and mostly assist local law enforcement in a mutual aid assistance deployment. The group included deputies, emergency medical services workers, firefighters and others.
Citrus Connection Schedule changes Tuesday
The Citrus Connection will operate normally on Monday but starting Tuesday it will be transporting residents to special needs shelters
“We're running full service today and getting people into dialysis early and then starting tomorrow morning at 7, the special needs shelters are open,” said Tom Phillips, executive director for Citrus Connection. “So we'll have probably around 30 routes.
“And then we'll run very limited hurricane routes, which you can find on ridecitrus.com; fixed routes from the Lakeland and Winter Haven terminals to the regular shelters,” he said.
For their own convenience, Phillips said, most regular shelter people drive themselves.
“So 98% of our resources tomorrow, all day tomorrow – and Wednesday until it's 45 mph winds – will be getting people to the three special needs shelters,” he said.
“There's 795 eligible, preregistered folks who are eligible to go to these special needs shelters, Phillips said. “Typically, we take 30% to 40% of those, but every storm is different.”
Citrus Connection also does house checks before returning people from special needs shelters to make sure they have electric power and no damage to their residences.
Phillips said he expects to start bringing special needs people by Thursday morning after the storm passes.
Mass evacuations underway along the coast
Local officials along the Gulf coasthave begun ordering the evacuationof what could end up being hundreds of thousands of people asHurricane Milton, an immensely powerful Category 5 stormwith 160 mph sustained winds, closes in for a catastrophic collision withFlorida later in the week.
Gov. Ron DeSantis said the precise track of the storm isn’t yet known but it’s likely to hit the Florida peninsula in the Tampa Bay area or Southwest Florida late Wednesday or early Thursday morning. He said residents need to prepare now. Mandatory evacuation orders for coastal areas and low-lying areas have already been issued in Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte.
Bok Tower Gardens will close starting Tuesday - 12:01 p.m.
Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales announced that it will close Tuesday through Thursday. Managers hope to resume normal hours on Friday, depending on storm damage.
Fort Meade cancels Tuesday's meetings - 11:18 a.m.
Fort Meade has canceled its City Commission meeting and Community Redevelopment Agency meeting scheduled for Tuesday. Those meetings will be rescheduled, the city said in a news release.
Polk TPO calls off Thursday's board meeting - 11:18 a.m.
The Polk Transportation Planning Organization has announced the cancellation of the TPO Board meeting scheduled for Thursday because of Hurricane Milton. All agenda items scheduled for discussion at Thursday’s meeting will be addressed during the next board meeting on Dec. 19 at 9 a.m.
CareerSource Polk offices will close Tuesday through Thursday - 11:20 a.m.
All CareerSource Polk offices will be closed from Tuesday through Thursday in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. All events that were scheduled this week, including the October Virtual Roundtable, will be rescheduled for a later date.
No vacancy at Lakeland and Winter Haven hotels - 10:30 a.m.
According to Communications SpecialistJack Cormier with Visit Central Florida, all the hotels in Lakeland and Winter Haven are booked and most stays are for multiple days starting on Tuesday through the weekend.
“We’re getting full,” he said.
He added, that the county’s northeastern corner still has hotels with rooms available. But many of the large hotel chains such as Hilton are directing all new reservations to their Orlando locations.
Bartow hurricane information - 10 a.m.
On Bartow's website Monday morning, the city said it has opened a sandbag location at the fire department, 110 E. Church St. for residents in flood prone areas. See a map showing the Fire Department's location.
Sand is also available at the Public Works Backlot, 499 W. Boulevard St. See a map showing the Public Works Backlot's location. Residents are asked to bring their own shovel, as this is a self-service station.
Polk County residents:Sign up for text message updates and info on Hurricane Milton
In other hurricane updates, the city said:
- The police chief candidate meet and greet this week has been postponed and a new date will be announced once arrangements have been made.
- The city also asked residents to stop placing any additional bulk items or yard waste at the curb for pickup. Crews will be out collecting existing items pre-storm and need to get to everything that is already out. Loose items can easily become projectiles in heavy winds.
According to Mayor Trish Pfeiffer, the "critical components" of the Bartow wastewater treatment plant have been protected. The city manager and commission earlier this year rushed to protect the facility after fears of localized flooding. The Peace River at Bartow measured 6.94 feet as of 10 a.m. Monday, but the NWS river tracker forecast predicted that level could rise to 8.6 feet by Saturday, about a half-foot above minor flood stage for that portion of the river.
While sandbags are now protecting critical components, a berm surrounding the entire plant remains under construction, she said.
Polk County Emergency Management update 7:30 Sunday
In his 7:30 p.m. update on Sunday, Paul Womble, Polk County Emergency Management Director said the emergency center was activated Saturday, the citizens information phone line went live and sandbag locations opened.
As of Sunday evening, the county had distributed 36,000 sandbags, he said. The distribution locations will be open Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The county shelters will open Tuesday with three special needs shelters opening at 7 a.m. Tuesday and at noon pet friendly shelters will open. Eventually, there will be 13 general population shelters. Total capacity for the shelters will be 38,000 people. (See the list below.)
He advised evacuations for residents in mobile homes, RVs and other structures that cannot withstand hurricane force winds.
Womble urged caution for residents using electric generators. Make sure they are not run inside a home as the exhaust has injured and killed residents during past storm events. And do not connect them to the electric grid as this can injure of kill lineman trying to restore power.
Other information for residents included:
- Order prescription drugs early (as the governor’s emergency declaration allows this).
- Place garbage cans and patio furniture inside a garage or home as they can become projectiles in hurricane force winds. And if possible, help neighbors move their items inside.
- Take pictures of items in the home as a precaution in case items are lost during flooding or damaged by wind. Pictures will help with insurance claims.
Lake Wales Charter Schools to close for three days - 9:24 a.m.
Lake Wales Charter Schools will close all facilities Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The district, which encompasses seven schools, joins Polk County Public Schools and The Schools of McKeel Academy in closing for those three days (see below).
Polk State College closing, postponing campus groundbreaking - 9:26 a.m.
Polk State College and its collegiate high school offices will be closed Tuesday through Thursday, the school announced on its website. While college offices will be closed, remote instruction on Tuesday may be maintained, the announcement said.
Students are encouraged to check their Canvas and my.polk.edu email accounts for communication from their professors regarding Tuesday classes. Instruction for online and the remote portion of hybrid classes may take place as scheduled on Tuesday, and some in-person courses may be moved online.
No classes will be held on Wednesday or Thursday.
Polk State has postponed a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Wednesday for the Haines City-Davenport campus. That event has been rescheduled for Oct. 15. The Somos Polk event scheduled for Tuesday on the Winter Haven campus has been canceled. The college will share an update if that event is rescheduled.
No changes announced yet for Legoland Florida - 9:27 a.m.
Legoland Florida Resort is continuing with normal park operations and hours. The park’s management is closely monitoring Hurricane Milton, according to a statement on its website. Any updates will be posted at www.legoland.com/florida and on social media.
Lakeland City Commission meeting Monday; Swan Roundup postponed on Tuesday
Update 8:30 a.m.: The Lakeland City Commission meets for its regularly scheduled meeting at 9 a.m. Monday. Residents can watch live on the city's Facebook page, LakelandGov.net/TV, YouTube.com/LakelandGov, and Spectrum channel 643 / FiOS channel 43.
The city's 44th annual Swan Roundup, which was scheduled for Tuesday, has been postponed until further notice.
Winter Haven's "School's Out Camp"
Update 8:25 a.m.: With Polk County Public Schools closed, the City ofWinterHavenwill hold a School's Out Camp on Tuesday. The camp is open to students in kindergarten through eighth Grade. It runs from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rotary Park (350 6th St NE,WinterHaven). The cost is $5 for city residents and $10 for non-residents. Parents or guardians must register campers upon arrival. Campers should come prepared with lunch, two snacks, and a water bottle for the day.
The city said camp might be available Thursday and Friday following the storm, but that decision can't be made until the city knows the impacts the storm has on facilities. The city urges residents to stay tuned to its website and social media for updates.
Polk County announces shelter openings on Tuesday
Updated 8 a.m.: Polk County will open the following public shelters at noon on Tuesday:
- Auburndale High School,1 Bloodhound Trail, Auburndale
- Spessard Holland Elementary School,2432 E.F. Griffin Road, Bartow
- Citrus Ridge Academy,1775 Sand Mine Road, Davenport
- Horizons Elementary School,1700 Forest Lake Dr., Davenport
- George Jenkins High School,6000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland
- Highlands Grove Elementary,4510 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland
- Kathleen High School,1100 Red Devil Way, Lakeland
- R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School,5500 Yates Road, Lakeland
- Sleepy Hill Elementary School,2285 Sleepy Hill Road, Lakeland
- Mulberry Middle School,500 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Mulberry
- Lake Marion Creek Middle School,3055 Lake Marion Creek Dr., Poinciana
- Chain of Lakes Elementary School,7001 Hwy. 653, Winter Haven
- Winter Haven High School,600 6th St. S.E., Winter Haven
Three pet-friendly shelters will also open at noon on Tuesday:
- Haines City High School,2800 Hornet Dr., Haines City
- Lake Region High School,1995 Thunder Road, Eagle Lake
- Tenoroc High School,4905 Saddle Creek Road, Lakeland.
Pet owners must bring shot records for their pets, an airline-approved carrying case or crate and pet food.
Special Needs shelters will open at 7 a.m. on Tuesday for those residents with special or medical needs. Special needs shelters are temporary emergency facilities providing care to residents whose medical conditions may require the use of electrical equipment, oxygen or dialysis, or individuals with physical, cognitive or medical conditions who may require assistance from medical professionals. They do not provide the level of care found in a medical facility, the county said.
These shelters are at:
- FDOH Polk Specialty Care Unit,1255 Brice Blvd., Bartow
- Ridge Community High School,500 W. Orchid Dr., Davenport
- McKeel Academy,1810 W. Parker St., Lakeland
The county's Citizens Information line is 863-298-7500 or toll-free 866-661-0228. Information is also available on PGTV (Spectrum 644, Comcast 5 or Frontier 20). Check the county website at www.polk-county.net. You may also obtain further emergency information atwww.facebook.com/polkcountyemandwww.twitter.com/polkemergency.
Polk County Schools remain open Monday, close Tuesday
Polk County Public Schools and the Schools of McKeel Academy remain open Monday, but all after-school activities are canceled or postponed. Schools will be closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
The school district and McKeel said their schools will be used as shelters for people evacuating their homes.
Sandbag locations throughout the county
Expecting heavy rains from Hurricane Milton, Polk County opened seven sandbag sites Sunday, and those sites are still open today. Those sites are
- Mulberry/South Lakeland – Loyce E. Harpe Park, 500 W. Carter Road, Mulberry
- • Lakeland – 8970 N. Campbell Road, Lakeland
- • Fort Meade – 1061 NE 9th St., Fort Meade
- • Frostproof – 350 County Road 630A, Frostproof
- • Auburndale – 1701 Holt Road, Auburndale
- • Dundee – 805 Dr. Martin Luther King St. SW, Dundee
- • Poinciana Park – 5109 Allegheny Road, Kissimmee 34759
The City of Winter Haven will offer sand and bags for residents at Rueben Williams Sports Complex (Previously Lake Maude Recreation Park) at 1751 7th St NE, Winter Haven.The site will open 9 a.m. Mondayand remain open until dusk. It will reopen 7 a.m. Tuesday and remain open until 1 p.m. Residents should visit the city’s website to confirm Tuesday’s closing time that morning as it may change as weather conditions change.
These are self-serve stations, and residents are encouraged to bring their own shovels, the city said in a news release. The city will provide bags and sand. The limit is 10 bags per Winter Haven resident. Residency is verified by a Winter Haven address on an ID such as a driver’s license.
Haines City is opening two sites Monday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The locations will be at the Haines City Public Infrastructure Department at 300 N. 5th St. and the Larry Parrish Baseball Complex at 2401 E. Johnson Ave.
A maximum of 10 sandbags will be provided to each household. Sandbags are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For any additional information please contact Public Works at 863-289-4352.