Oldsmar Sandbag Station Opens Ahead of Rain

Oldsmar residents and businesses can pick up sandbags for flood prevention at the city's activated sandbag station. The station operates at the direction of the City Manager.

A limit of ten sandbags per residential or business address is in effect on a first-come, first-served basis until inventory is depleted. Residents must present a photo ID showing an Oldsmar address within city limits. Businesses need to provide a copy of their city Utility Billing statement.

City officials recommend sandbags for properties that may experience minor flooding from rainfall and note they offer no protection against storm surge.

Residents can find preparation information and storm updates at OldsmarStrong.com.

Sandbag Disposal Guidelines

The city provided the following guidelines for sandbag disposal:

• Sandbags not in contact with floodwaters should be stored for future use in a cool, dry area.
• For clean sandbags, spread the sand on lawns or landscape beds and place empty bags in regular garbage bins, not recycling bins. Dumping sandbags on the beach is prohibited.
• Sandbags in contact with floodwaters may be contaminated. Wear gloves and a dust mask when handling. Do not place used sand or bags near bodies of water, playgrounds, or sandboxes.
• Contaminated sandbags must be taken to the Pinellas County Solid Waste Disposal Complex at 3095 114th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Disposal fees apply, but will be waived after hurricane season, from December 1 through December 31, 2024.

Residents should not place sand or full sandbags in regular trash or yard waste, nor mix them with yard debris for disposal.