With Hurricane Isaias projected to bring storm surge and heavy rainfall to the area this week, Escambia County is offering sand for residents living in flood-prone areas.
Escambia County Public Works crews have replenished sand locations throughout the week, and two additional sand locations have been added at Casino Beach and Lexington Terrace Park.
Hurricane Isaias is expected to strengthen and be a strong storm when it approaches the northern Gulf Coast on Friday, Oct. 9, according to NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center. Life-threatening storm surge, heavy rainfall, flash and urban flooding, and isolated river flooding are all possible threats.
The sand is available on a first-come, first served basis, and locations are open 24 hours a day.
Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels to one of the following locations:
- Baars Field Athletic Park - 13001 Sorrento Road, Pensacola
- Brent Athletic Park - 4711 N. W St., Pensacola
- Casino Beach - 20 Casino Beach Blvd., Pensacola Beach (Sand will be located by the beach ball water tower)
- Don Sutton Park - 2320 Crabtree Church Road, Molino
- Equestrian Center - 7750 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
- Escambia County Road Department - 601 Highway 297-A, Pensacola
- Ferry Pass Middle School - 8355 Yancey Lane, Pensacola (sand will be on the northwest corner of school property on Parazine Street)
- Lexington Terrace Regional Park - 900 S. Old Corry Field Road
- John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park - 555 E. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola
- Travis M. Nelson Park - 4541 County Road 4, Century
When laid properly, sandbags can be an effective tool for flooding from a rain event, but not for storm surge. For more information on how to make and use sandbags, visit the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (www.flash.org).
Sandbags can be purchased at most local hardware or home improvement stores, typically for a low cost.
