If you want sandbags for your home this year, now is the time! Pinellas County will host two self-serve sandbag events from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, at the Lealman Exchange Community Center in St. Petersburg and Wall Springs Park in Palm Harbor.

Each vehicle will receive ten empty bags to create sandbags with a limited number of shovels. Staff will be onsite to provide guidance, information, traffic control and assistance to those physically unable to fill their own.

Keep in mind: Sandbags are only effective against flooding less than 15 inches. A growing number of companies are offering alternative flood barriers. Residents in surge- or flood-prone areas are encouraged to research those options.