In anticipation of the 2025 hurricane season, Charlotte County Public Works has opened three sandbag distribution sites to help residents prepare for potential flooding.
Starting Monday, June 23, residents can visit designated stations in Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and Englewood to fill up to 10 sandbags free of charge. Sand and bags will be provided, but residents must bring their own shovels and be prepared to fill and transport the bags themselves.
The sandbag stations will operate daily from dawn to dusk at the following locations:
- Punta Gorda – 7000 Florida St., 33950
- Port Charlotte – 18181 Sinatra Ave., 33954
- Englewood – 6874 San Casa Drive, 34224
County officials urge residents to be mindful of traffic and avoid trespassing on nearby private property while accessing the sandbag areas.
While sandbags can help reduce the amount of water entering a home during flooding, officials note they are only effective against minor inundation, less than 15 inches of rain or tidal water. They are not designed to protect against storm surge or wave action from major storms.
Residents are encouraged to use the sandbags only if they are in areas susceptible to mild flooding.
