Even though the storm appears to be heading east of our area, Escambia County leaders still want to make sure residents are prepared

Escambia and Santa Rosa counties residents can now better protect their properties against flooding as 12 locations are offering sand. According to a county press release, residents in flood-prone areas can visit one of the following locations to pick up sand: The county provided the following map of the locations mentioned.

Multiple counties and cities across Central Florida are making sandbags available to residents in preparation for Tropical Storm Helene, which is forecast to develop into a hurricane by Thursday. Orange County has six sandbag sites open Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.