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Free Sand Distribution in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties Ahead of Tropical Weather
Free sand available in Escambia, Santa Rosa counties ahead of tropical system WEAR-TV
Last updated:
Key points
- Free sand is available to residents in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
- The initiative is designed to help prepare for a tropical weather system.
- Residents are encouraged to utilize this resource for flood protection.
NewsWK — Residents of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties can take advantage of free sand distribution as a tropical weather system approaches the region. This initiative is aimed at helping local communities prepare for potential flooding and other impacts from the impending storm.
Sand will be available at designated locations for residents who need it to fill sandbags. Community members are encouraged to take proactive measures to safeguard their properties.
Emergency management divisions in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties have opened self-service sandbag stations to help residents protect properties in low-lying and flood-prone areas as outer rain bands approach the Panhandle.
📍 Escambia County Sand Locations (8 Sites)
Available 24/7 on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents must bring their own shovels and sandbags (bags can be purchased at local home improvement centers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware):
- Baars Field Athletic Park: 13001 Sorrento Rd, Pensacola
- Brent Athletic Park: 4711 N. W St, Pensacola
- Equestrian Center: 7750 Mobile Hwy, Pensacola
- Escambia County Road Dept: 601 Hwy 297-A, Cantonment / Pensacola
- Ferry Pass Middle School: 8355 Yancey Ln (Sand pile is located on the NW corner of school property on Parazine St)
- John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park: 555 E. Nine Mile Rd, Pensacola
- Don Sutton Park: 2320 Crabtree Church Rd, Molino
- Travis M. Nelson Park: 4541 County Rd 4, Bratt
📍 Santa Rosa County Sand Locations (4 Sites)
Public Works has placed sand stockpiles at four strategic hubs across the county (first-come, first-served; bring your own shovels/bags):
- Navarre: Corner of Leisure St and Citrus Dr
- Gulf Breeze / Midway: Tiger Point Community Center, 1370 Tiger Park Ln
- Pace: Pace Fire Rescue, 4773 Pace Patriot Blvd
- Milton: Corner of Pine Forest Rd and Carroll Rd
💡 Best Practices for Sandbag Placement
Safety: Place a plastic tarp or sheeting between your structure and the sandbags to create a barrier against water seepage.
Filling: Fill bags only 1/2 to 2/3 full so they lay flat and interlock cleanly. Overfilled bags leave gaps where water seeps through.
Placement: Stagger the seams like a brick wall and tamp each layer down firmly to form a tight seal along doorways, garage doors, and low ground openings.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting originally published by WEAR ABC 3. Read the original story.