Escambia County is offering sand for residents living in flood-prone areas beginning Wednesday, July 13. The sand is available on a first-come, first-serve basis until the sand runs out. Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels to one of the following locations (map):
- Baars Field Athletic Park - 13001 Sorrento Road, Pensacola
- Brent Athletic Park - 4711 N. W St., Pensacola
- 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)
- John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park - 555 E. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola
- Travis M. Nelson Park - 4541 County Road 4, Pensacola
When laid properly, sandbags can be an effective tool for flooding from a rain event, but not from 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.