Indian River County Administrator John Titkanich talks with the media about the county's preparations for Hurricane Milton. PHOTO BY JOSHUA KODIS

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — County beaches and parks will close Tuesday evening as officials anticipate heavy winds and possible erosion from Hurricane Milton, which was upgraded Monday to a powerful Category 5 hurricane. County officials said the fields at South County Park, or Dick Bird Park, will close immediately on Monday because of flooding caused by heavy rainfall over the past few days.

“Programs for Dick Bird Park today going all the way through Thursday are closed,” Titkanich said.

Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers, County Administrator John Titkanich and Department of Emergency Services Deputy Director Ryan Lloyd gave an update Monday on the county’s response to the oncoming hurricane. Meteorologists said Milton was expected to weaken to a Category 3 before making landfall Wednesday evening on Florida’s Gulf Coast somewhere near Tampa.

The Emergency Operations Center operated under a level two – partial activation status – as of Monday for Hurricane Milton.

Video by Nick Samuel

Titkanich said the parks will close starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday and will remain closed until Friday once they are assessed. The county beaches will close beginning about 7 p.m.

“They will remain closed until we have an opportunity to go out and address and evaluate what erosion or other issues may be happening to make sure they’re safe for people,” Titkanich said. “The Round Island, Riverside and Wabasso Causeway boat ramps will remain open for now until boats can be removed.”

Milton was carrying 180-mph maximum sustained winds and traveling east at 10 mph, according to an evening update from the National Hurricane Center. Titkanich said county’s natural resources division was expecting to see sea coastal erosion from Hurricane Milton.

“They’ve been documenting the existing conditions already,” Titkanich said. “They will get out there Friday to assess and determine what the conditions are to make sure residents are safe.”

School campuses and School District buildings will close on Tuesday and were expected to reopen Friday. Indian River State College campuses closed at 5 p.m. Monday and will also reopen Friday.

The Sebastian Veteran’s Services Office will close at noon Tuesday through Friday. The Brackett Library will close Tuesday through Thursday.

A decision has not yet been made on if government offices or bridges will also be shut down. Todd Scher, director for the Vero Beach Regional Airport, said the airport does not have a closure planned.

“Our standard procedure is to close if the sustained winds exceed 50 mph, which is currently not expected,” Scher said.

Indian River County will not be giving out sandbags, sheriff’s officials said.

Milton was expected to bring 25-to-35 mph winds with gusts up to 55 mph for Indian River County. Meteorologists issued a hurricane watch Monday night for Indian River County.

County and sheriff’s officials reminded residents to be prepared for Hurricane Milton. Lloyd said higher level winds could lead to power outages in Indian River County.

Lloyd also spoke about generator safety.

“Do not use generators indoors or inside your garage. Do not back feed them directly into your homes,” Lloyd said. “If you’re going to refuel, make sure the generator has adequately cooled off before you start adding the new fuel to the tank.”

Flowers urged residents to stay calm while making preparations.

“While we’re asking you to prepare, we’re not asking you to panic. As you’re out there in the community, please take your time and be kind to each other,” Flowers said. “There’s plenty of gas. There’s plenty of supplies. We will make sure that everyone is safe while you’re out there. Take care of each other. Let’s get together and be prepared for this as one unified Indian River County.”

Video by Nick Samuel

Flowers said residents can download the Indian River County sheriff’s app and the county’s Aware and Prepare app for updates on the hurricane. Those who experience power outages can call Florida Power & Light Co. at 1-800-4-OUTAGE.

Residents who want updated information about Hurricane Milton and its impact on Indian River County should call the county hotline at 772-226-4000. More information on the county’s response to the hurricane can be found on its website.

Photos by Joshua Kodis

: Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers speaks with the media on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, about the county’s preparation for Hurricane Milton.

: IRC Administrator John Titkanich speaks with the media on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, about beach and park closures ahead of Hurricane Milton.

: IRC Department of Emergency Services Deputy Director Ryan Lloyd speaks with the media on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, about the county’s preparation for Hurricane Milton