Polk County officials discuss Hurricane Milton recovery efforts

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Polk County officials discussed the county’s Hurricane Milton recovery efforts in a news conference Saturday.

Polk County Emergency Management Director Paul Womble said 421 homes sustained major damage in the storm, while 38 were completely destroyed.

Residents needing food and water can visit the following distribution sites:

• Walker Road Park – 1035 Walker Road in Lakeland. Must be accessed by Swindell to the south.
• Gator Creek Reserve – 9725 U.S. Highway 98 North in Lakeland
• Family Life Church – 139 Bulldog Way in  Frost Proof
• Mulberry Civic Center – 901 Northeast Fifth Street

The county will begin hauling debris on Monday.

“Get your debris to the curb, don’t put it in the road. You have to stack it,” Womble said.

Polk County North Central Transfer Station at 3131 Kville Avenue in Auburndale, at the landfill, will accept all hurricane-related debris at no cost during regular hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays

Residents can also bring vegetative debris to two sites:

• Ball Field located near Highland City at 5901 Strickland Avenue.
• Marigold Park at 9500 Marigold Avenue in Poinciana

Residents are still seeing flooding and rising water as Milton’s rainfall drains south.

“We’ve had first responders, law enforcement, fire rescue go out and check on those locations,” Womble said.

A shelter is available at 640 C. Fred Jones in Auburndale.

Womble noted a road closure at Dean Still Road between State Road 33 and Moore Road. Drivers can find a detour route at State Road 33 to Old Polk City Road to Moore Road.

Officials also warned Polk County residents to be aware of potential scams.

“Please, if you’re going to hire a contractor to do repairs or do work on your property, please make sure they’re licensed,” Womble said. “It’s very common after a disaster for folks to come in that may not be licensed. They may offer a good deal. They may want you to give them a deposit and then you may never see them again. So please, make sure you take the time to vet any contractors.”

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