As our community recovers from Hurricane Milton, see the following storm-related updates from our office. You’ll find extension program and event updates, storm prep and recovery resources, and local resources here.

Stay tuned to your local news channels and Polk County Emergency Management for updates.

This page was last updated: Friday, 10/11, at 10:45 AM

Office Hours:

The Extension office and all Polk County government offices are open.

Polk County Emergency Management Division has activated the Citizen’s Information Line to answer Hurricane Milton-related questions. Call (863) 298-7500 or toll-free (866) 661-0228

• Residents with questions regarding hurricane debris are advised to call the Hurricane Milton Residential Debris Hotline at (833) 843-1920. which is open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

FEMA and State Agency Disaster Recovery Center

The FEMA and State Agency Disaster Recovery Center will be found at the Stuart Center, on the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County campus, at 1710 Highway 17 South (https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Jn77q3no7H7iezk9)

When hours and contact information are available, we will update this page.

Events and Program Status

In the interest of ensuring the safety of our volunteers, staff, and attendees, please see the following event cancellations and program updates. The decision to cancel these events was made after careful monitoring of weather updates and consultation with local authorities.

• 4-H Youth Development:
  • All county-wide Polk 4-H events scheduled through Saturday, October 12, are cancelled.
  • For any club-related event, contact your club leader for information.
• Gardening and Landscaping:
  • The Plant Clinic is closed to in-person and phone assistance until after the storm. Email replies may be delayed, but clientele can send email questions in.
  • All gardening and landscaping events scheduled through Saturday, October 12, are cancelled.
  • Dirt Days at Circle B scheduled for Saturday, October 12, has been cancelled.
  • The Cardboard Boat Race in Lakeland has been cancelled.
  • Master Gardener Volunteers will not be at the Lake Wales Farmer’s Market on October 12.
• Livestock and Forages:
  • If you need assistance in creating a damage report, or any other type of assistance, please call your local extension agent: Bridget Stice, Livestock and Forages Extension Agent, (863) 588-2697 or bccarlis@ufl.edu
• Natural Resources and Conservation:
  • Polk County Water School (Oct. 11 & 18th) is cancelled. The program will be re-scheduled in early 2025.
  • For hurricane preparedness information about private wells or septic systems, please see the “Home and Family” resources posted below.
• Nutrition and Healthy Living:
  • Please see the “Home and Family” and “Food Safety and Meal Planning” resources posted below.
• Small Farms:
  • For ongoing updates from the Small Farms program, please check this blog post.
  • If you need assistance in creating a damage report, or any other type of assistance, please call your local extension agent: Luis O. Rodriguez, Small Farms and Pesticide Education Agent, 863-221-9305 or lrodriguezrosado@ufl.edu
• Pesticide Applicator Training:
  • In case of immediate assistance contact your local extension agent: Luis O. Rodriguez, Small Farms Agent and Pesticide Education, 863-221-9305 or lrodriguezrosado@ufl.edu

We apologize for any inconvenience these changes may cause and appreciate your understanding. Please stay safe and take necessary precautions as the storm approaches. We deeply value the safety and well-being of everyone involved in our programs and activities.

Post-Storm Recovery Resources

Below, you can find  list of resources, curated by your local extension office here in Bartow, to help you and your family recover from Hurricane Milton.

UF/IFAS Disaster Preparation and Recovery Handbook

• Agriculture and Livestock
  • Hurricane Preparedness for Horse Owners (video)
  • Hurricane Tips for Horse Care (factsheet)
  • Hurricane Preparedness for Horses and Livestock, Animal Identification (blog)
  • Hurricane Preparedness for Beekeepers (video)
  • Hurricane Tips for Beekeepers (factsheet)
  • Apiary Hurricane Preparedness (blog)
  • Hurricane Preparedness for Beekeepers (Video)
• Home and Family
  • Private Well and Septic System Care Before and After Storms: Essential Resources for Homeowners
  • Hurricane Preparedness for Pet Owners (video) and Hurricane Tips for Pet Owners (factsheet)
• Food Safety and Meal Planning
  • Keeping it Fresh: How long is food still good after a power outage? – UF/IFAS Extension Polk County (ufl.edu)
    • Or, read this resource from the FoodSafety.gov: https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/food-safety-during-power-outage
  • Diabetes Hurricane Prep: Smart Pantry Staples to Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check
  • Meal and Menu Planning (blog)
  • Food Safety Tips for Hurricanes (video)
  • Hurricane Tips for Food Safety (factsheet)

Archive: Storm Preparation information (click below to read)

Storm Information:

• Polk County Emergency Management: https://www.polk-county.net/emergency-management
  • Polk County Emergency Management on Facebook
  • Sign up for AlertPolk, here, to get Emergency Management notifications
  • Polk County Hurricane Shelters are opening at 8AM on Tuesday, October 8: Click here to find a shelter near you.
• Preparation resources:
  • Disaster Preparedness: Plan for those with special needs (blog)
  • Stay Well as a Hurricane Approaches / Consejos para Sentirse Bien Cuando un Huracán se Aproxima (Infographic)
  • Using Sandbags for Flood Protection During Tropical Weather
  • Hurricane Prep – Sources of Water for Your Family – What to do if the grocery stores are out of bottled water.
  • Preparing and Storing an Emergency Safe Drinking Water Supply (EDIS document)
  • Preparing Your Landscape for Hurricane Season
    • NOTE: Hurricane Milton is already on the way, it is too late to make pruning and tree removal decisions.
      
    • Please WAIT to make major cuts and pruning until AFTER the storm, unless the tree company or arborist you hire is taking the downed debris with them.
      If you have large dead limbs that are already dangerous, consider cutting and storing them in a garage or other protected area.
      City and County Crews are unlikely to make extra collection rounds to collect landscaping debris as they help prepare the city or county for the upcoming storm. Unsecured debris can become dangerous during a high-wind storm.
    • Polk County Landfills will have reduced hours on Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, October 10. People self-hauling debris to the landfill should expect delays. Read more, here: https://www.polk-county.net/news/hurricane-milton-waste-collection-schedule

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