Highlands County: Ian updates and emergency information

Follow ongoing updates from Highlands County in response to Ian.

HIGHLANDS COUNTY EVACUATIONS:

A voluntary evacuation has been issued for flood-prone areas and non-slab built homes (trailers, RVs and mobile homes).

HIGHLANDS COUNTY CLOSINGS:

The following county and city offices will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 28:

Highlands County Board offices
Highlands County Fire Rescue administrative office
Courthouse
Clerk of Courts
Tax Collector
Property Appraiser
Supervisor of Elections
City of Sebring
City of Avon Park
Town of Lake Placid
Highlands County public libraries
School board – all public schools and administrative offices
South Florida State College
All Highlands County health department offices

Highlands officials also said the county landfill will be closed Wednesday and Thursday and garbage and yard waste will not be collected. The Avon Park and Lake Placid recycling sites will be closed Wednesday and the Sebring recycling site will close Thursday. As of now, all sites are expected to be open Saturday, but the county said that could change.

HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHELTERS:

A general population shelter opened at 4 p.m. at Alan Jay Arena (Firemens Field), 781 Magnolia Avenue in Sebring. Food and water will not be provided at any shelters, and residents are asked to bring their own food and water to you and loved ones for up to three days.

The special needs shelter opened at 2 p.m. Tuesday. Special needs registrants who have registered and been approved should have been contacted by Highlands County Emergency Management staff for shelter arrangements. To register, click here.

HIGHLANDS COUNTY SANDBAGS:

All sandbag distribution has ended as all supplies have been handed out. However, sand is still available at the following sites. Officials said to bring a shovel and a friend to help.

Sebring: South George Blvd.

Avon Park: Old Bombing Rage Road & County Road 17 East

Lake Placid: County Road 621 & County Road 619