TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Points of distribution sites are opening up across counties hardest hit by Hurricane Milton, supplying residents in need with ready-to-eat meals, water and supplies.
Hillsborough County
Two PODs, along with two neighborhood pop-ups have opened in the city of Tampa to deliver vital supplies to residents.
The POD locations are handing out water, ready-to-eat meals, and ice:
- Gandy Boat Ramp: 5108 W Gandy Blvd.
- Al Lopez Park: 4810 N Himes Ave
Two neighborhood pop-ups are handing out water, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat meals:
- Babe Zaharias Golf Course: 11412 N Forest Hills Drive
- Copeland Park: 11001 N 15th St.
The city of Temple Terrace will open a site with the National Guard on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., while supplies last.
Hardee County
Two POD locations are open on Saturday in Wauchula and Zolfo Springs.
- Wildcat Stadium: 200 S. Florida Ave., Wauchula (South entrance for Wauchula Elementary School)
- Pioneer Park: 231 Wilbur C. King Blvd., Zolfo Springs (hot meals available at noon; food, water and ice available until 4:30 p.m. Saturday)
Highlands County
Saturday is the last day for residents to get supplies at three POD locations for food, water, and tarps.
The following locations will be open until supplies run out:
- South Florida State College- 600 W. College Drive (Traffic will need to turn onto College Drive from U.S. 27, use entrance 1 and follow all traffic control devices and flagmen through the POD, then exit back out onto College Drive.)
- Sebring Health Department- 7205 S. George Blvd. (Traffic will need to turn onto State Road 66 from U.S. 27, then turn onto South George Boulevard and follow all traffic control devices and flagmen through the POD, then exit back out to South George Boulevard to U.S. 27.)
- Lake Placid High School track field, off Interlake Boulevard (Traffic will need to use Interlake Boulevard to South Main Avenue/Lake Drive East, then take Marquata Drive and follow all traffic control devices and flagmen to enter the distribution area, then exit back out onto Green Dragon Drive)
Manatee County
Six POD locations opened on Saturday, including:
- GT Bray Park: 5502 33rd Ave., Bradenton
- Pride Park: 6032 9th St. E., Bradenton
- Blackstone Park: 2112 14th Ave. W., Palmetto
- Kingfish Boat Ramp: 700 Manatee Ave. W., Holmes Beach
- Rocky Bluff Branch Library: 6750 US-301, Ellenton
- Tom Bennett Park: 280 Kay Road
While all six sites had ready-to-eat meals available as of 10:30 a.m. Saturday, water and tarps were only available at four of the sites.
Before heading to pick up supplies at one of the donation centers, check out Manatee County’s interactive map, which shows what’s available at each location.
Polk County
Two sites are open in Lakeland with others in Frostproof and Mulberry. Each site will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until supplies run out.
Food and water distribution sites are located at:
- Gator Creek Preserve: 9725 US Highway 98 N, Lakeland
- Walker Creek Park: 1285 Walker Road, Lakeland
- Family Life Church: 139 Bulldog Way, Frostproof
- Mulberry Civic Center: 901 NE 5th Street, Mulberry
More info on the food distribution sites can be found at Polk-county.net or by calling 863-298-7500.
Sarasota County
Four distribution sites are open to residents in Sarasota County with each location open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Food, water and tarps were available as of Saturday.
- Venice Community Center: 326 Nokomis Ave., Venice
- San Pedro Catholic Church: 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port
- Englewood Sports Complex: 1300 S. River Road, Englewood
- Glebe Park: 1000 Glebe Lane, Sarasota
More information on comfort points, additional supply locations and power outage relief sites can be found by calling 941-861-5000 or at scgov.net.
