Highlands County continues under a Tropical Storm Watch. That means residents should work to complete emergency plans – having all of the supplies they need.
Dorian continues to move west at speeds of 1 mph as of the latest update, parts of Highlands continue in the cone of error. Subsequently, residents can expect to experience strong tropical storm winds and rain as the storm continues its path.
Meanwhile. the county Emergency Operations Center now is at a Level One.
A voluntary evacuation notice has been issued for citizens in mobile homes, low lying and flood-prone areas. Those affected are advised to take necessary precautions in preparation of high winds and rain over the next few days.
Meanwhile, sandbags are available in the three usual locations in Avon Park, Sebring and Lake Placid until 6:30pm.
For those who need them, shelters now open. They’re located at South Florida State College in Avon Park, The Lake Placid High School and The Alan Jay Arena at the Highlands County Fairgrounds in Sebring.
The special needs shelter also will be open – that is at the Bert J. Harris jr. Agricultural Civic Center. Pre-registration is needed for that facility.
Trash pickup is slated for today, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Weather permitting. There will be no pick-up tomorrow. Tomorrow’s schedule will begin on Wednesday.
We’ve had our first Hurricane Dorain-related injury. A homeowner in Avon Park Lakes reportedly was on his roof. He was preparing his house on Avacado Road for the storm, when he fell off his ladder.
First responders say he fell about 10-feet to the ground. The man was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. No names or other details have yet been released.