On Monday, people waited in line for 4.5 hours at Loyce Harp Park in the south Lakeland/Mulberry area to get sandbags.

Hurricane Milton will be felt inland this time, unlike Hurricane Helene. Hurricane Milton strengthened into a powerful Category 5 storm on Monday. It could still be a major hurricane when it makes landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast,

Polk County schools are open Monday, but will shut down Tuesday for three days. Sandbag locations are opening across the county.

The hurricane force damaging winds – those strong winds, they’ll knock down trees which will bring down power lines. Anticipate damage to structures, anticipate power outages widespread through this county that could last for days,” said Paul Womble, Polk County emergency management director.

Polk County Public Schools will be open on Monday, but after-school activities are canceled and schools will be closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday ahead of Hurricane Milton’s arrival, district officials announced Sunday afternoon.

For the second time in three weeks, a hurricane is having an effect on high school sports. Because of the impending threat of Hurricane Milton, which is expected to hit the west coast of Florida on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning,

As a resource for Hurricane Milton, we are offering a text message service to bring you updates, connect you with resources and answer questions