Hurricane Idalia: CLOSURES & UPDATES

As Hurricane Idalia threatens Florida as a major category 3 storm, we will keep you up to date with current closures, operational information, and updates from throughout Central Florida.

Welcome to our coverage of Hurricane Idalia.

Theme Parks / Attractions

Entertainment / Events

Transportation

Airports

Shops

School Closures

Emergency Shelters

As we keep a close eye on Hurricane Idalia and the impact that the storm is having here in Central Florida, we are providing updates and information on current closures throughout the area.

Here you will find the latest news and closure information on theme parks, attractions, airports, transportation, shops and more.

Also, for LIVE UPDATES on the storm and it's impact on Central Florida, CLICK HERE.

Hurricane Idalia: Closures and Updates

We will be updating this page throughout the storm, stay safe everyone!

Theme Parks / Attractions

Walt Disney World

Here is the latest from Walt Disney World:

For Guests staying at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground:

As Disney continues to monitor the weather, they are asking that all Fort Wilderness Guests remove and stow all outside items, including décor, and take in camper awnings by 6 PM on Tuesday, August 29. If you’d like to depart early or discuss alternate options for your vacation, please contact (407) 939-2744.

Travel Flexibility:

At this time, change and cancellation fees imposed by Disney will be waived for check-in dates of August 28, 2023 through September 5, 2023. Guests currently staying at our Disney Resort hotels whose travel plans have been impacted by the storm may receive a discounted rate to extend their stay through the evening of August 31, if needed, by visiting the front desk.

Evacuees & First Responders Support:

Florida residents evacuating from the storm and first responders assisting in storm-related recovery efforts may also receive 50% off Disney Resort hotel stays on the evenings of August 29-31, 2023. For evacuees, please call (407) W-DISNEY for details. For first responders, please call (407) 828-3200 (Option 3). This applies to new bookings only and is based on availability.

Storm Recovery:

Walt Disney World is prepared to once again serve as a staging area for storm-related recovery efforts for the state of Florida.

For Guests looking to modify or cancel their Disney Resort hotel reservations, please visit DisneyWorld.com/Plans.

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort theme parks including Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay are planning to open and operate as normal at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 30.

However, they will not offer Early Park Admission benefit for on-site hotel guests, select Annual Passholders and other select travel trade clients on this day while teams prepare the parks for opening after the storm.

Hotels remain operational as they focus on taking care of guests.

Leu Gardens

For the safety and security of visitors and staff, Harry P. Leu Gardens will be CLOSED on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. They hope to resume normal operating hours on Thursday, August 31, 2023, pending a full inspection of the Gardens following the storm.

SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando will open at noon on Wednesday, August 30.

Aquatica Orlando

Aquatica Orlando will be closed on Wednesday, August 30, with normal operations expected to resume on Thursday, August 31.

All date-intended tickets for closure days have been extended through August 31, 2024 and requires no action to be taken.

Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove will operate normal hours Tuesday, August 29, and will be closed Wednesday, August 30. Normal operations will resume on Thursday, August 31.

Icon Park Orlando

In anticipation of the storm arrival, entertainment destination Icon Park on International Drive has announced that The Wheel and Carousel will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 3

For further questions on other ICON Park restaurants and attractions, please contact their business directly.

Zoo Tampa

ZooTampa at Lowry Park will be closed to guests on Tuesday, August 29, for storm preparations and on Wednesday, August 30, for projected severe weather.

Currently they plan to re-open on Thursday following a thorough park safety assessment.

Zoo School will be closed from Tuesday, August 29 through Thursday, August 31.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Due to the projected path of Tropical Storm Idalia, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has enacted its Named Storm Policy and will close at 3 p.m. Tuesday August 29 and remain closed Wednesday, August 30.

The park currently plans to reopen on Thursday, August 31.

Adventure Island Water Park

Adventure Island Tampa Bay will be closed Tuesday, August 29 through Thursday, August 31. The park plans to reopen on Friday, September 1.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will close at noon on Tuesday, 8/29. They hope to open again on Thursday, August 31 after a chance to assess and make any necessary repairs.

St. Pete's Dalí Museum

The Museum will be closed Aug 29, 2023. They will continue to monitor the weather for when they can safely reopen.

The Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg

The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, will be closed Monday, August 28 through Wednesday, August 30. They will continue to monitor the weather and make an official reopening announcement as they know more.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater Marine Aquarium will be closing at 3pm, Monday, Aug. 28 and will remain closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

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Entertainment / Events

Amailie Arena, Tampa

The Suicideboys show originally scheduled for Tuesday, August 29 has been postponed until Sunday, November 5, 2023. Hold on to your original tickets as they will be valid for the new date.

The Abbey, Orlando

Wednesday nights Candlelight Experience: A Tribute to Queen has been postponed.

Ticket holders should have received an email from Fever with additional information.

Will's Pub, Orlando

Wednesday nights show featuring Ben Nichols, Lulu and the Black Sheep, Oliver Peck iscancelled due to inclement weather. All tickets will be refunded ASAP.

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Transportation

SunRail

SunRail services will be suspended Tuesday, 8/29, to allow SunRail to begin working to prepare the corridor and render it safe prior to the impending storm.

For more information on how SunRail prepares for severe weather click here.

Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority(LYNX)

The SWAN Shuttle will not operate until Friday due to the storm.

As part of the pilot plan LYMMO buses will operate the Orange Line. There are no other changes to service levels at this time.

If sustained winds reach 35 mph from Tropical Storm Idalia the LYNX transit system will shut down temporarily for safety reasons.

Road Rangers will patrol I-4 until Central Florida reaches sustained winds of 35 mph, at which time they will be pulled off the street and return when it is deemed safe.

Toll Roads

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) suspended tolls in Citrus, Hernando Hillsborough, Lake, Pasco, Pinellas and Sumter counties as of 4 a.m. ET on Tuesday.

In addition, as wind becomes stronger later today and into the night, FDOT will coordinate with local law enforcement to close bridges once speeds reach in excess of 40 miles per hour.

Amtrak

Amtrak has announced that it is canceling several trains and modifying routes in advance of Hurricane Idalia.

The rail line has so far canceled 12 East Coast routes on Tuesday and Wednesday that originate in or terminate in the Orlando and Miami areas. Those routes are the Auto Train, Silver Star, and Silver Meteor. Amtrak has also shortened Palmetto routes on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Amtrak have called the measures “a safety precaution for customers and employees.”

Port Canaveral

The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) has set hurricane condition "ZULU" for Port Canaveral: Sustained gale force winds are predicted within 12 hours.

Port Canaveral is now closed and has ceased all waterside and vessel shoreside Port operations until further notice.

Based on current forecasts and storm information, Port Canaveral is not issuing a marina evacuation order for Hurricane Idalia. Vessels berthed at marinas located in Port Canaveral should consult with their marina owner/operator and comply with marina specific requirements and precautions.

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Airports

FAA Update

The Federal Aviation Administration has announced that they have started rerouting planes and closing Gulf routes today as Idalia continues to target Florida.

The agency say it is possible that they may have to pause flights in and out of Palm Beach International Airport, Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Tampa International Airport

Tampa International Airport will suspend all commercial operations beginning at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia, with the Airport remaining closed until it can assess any damages later in the week. The closure will allow the Airport and its partners to prepare the airfield and terminals, including the securing of jet bridges, ground equipment and any remaining aircraft before Idalia’s expected landfall early Wednesday as a potential major hurricane.

Some cargo and private aircraft operations could continue overnight, but all air traffic will cease by 7 a.m. Tuesday morning. The Airport, including the Main Terminal and Airsides will be closed to all visitors and is not equipped to function as a shelter.

The Airport anticipates reopening Thursday morning, with damage assessments beginning after the storm passes. TPA will closely coordinate the reopening of the Airport with its partners based on roadway safety, facility readiness and staffing. Any changes to the timing will be promptly communicated.

St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport

PIE will close 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 29th due to Tropical Storm Idalia and plans to reopen Wednesday, August 30th at 3:00 pm. Passengers should check with their airline for flight information updates.

Orlando International Airport

Orlando International Airport have shared their latest update on the storm, Tuesday, 3.30 pm.

Here is the update in full:

Operational Update - Hurricane Idalia

Based upon the current forecast of Hurricane Idalia, our airport will remain open and maintain a state of readiness.

If conditions warrant, a temporary cessation of commercial operations may occur. Please continue to work with your airline in regards to your travel plans.

For general airport delays, please visit: https://nasstatus.faa.gov/

Orlando Sanford International Airport

Orlando Sanford International Airport is open & operational. They are monitoring Hurricane Idalia closely and there may be flight disruptions.

Allegiant Flight Alert: All 8/30/2023 flights canceled due to the hurricane. Normal operations are scheduled to resume on 8/31/2023.

Melbourne Orlando International Airport

MLB is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Idalia as it approaches the Florida peninsula. At this time, operations are normal.

Daytona Beach International Airport

DAB is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Idalia. The airport is open and operational but as the storm moves closer, there could be a disruption to air service.

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Shops

Publix

Publix have adjusted hours for 181 Florida stores in preparation for Hurricane Idalia.

The stores with modified hours are in locations that are expected to be impacted by Hurricane Idalia.

Stores along the west coast near Tampa and Sarasota are scheduled to close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, and reopen on Wednesday at 9 a.m.

For a list of Publix locations and hours, visit the store’s website here.

Winn-Dixie

Winn-Dixie have closed dozens of its grocery stores in Florida, including Orlando.

For a full list of closures and locations, visit the stores website here.

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Schools

As Hurricane Idalia affects Central Florida, we will be keeping yo up to date with all the latest school closures.

Here is a list county-by-county.

Orange County

Important update for OCPS families:

Based on this morning’s forecast, sustained wind speeds will exceed 35 MPH on the west side of Orange County and as a result there will be no school for students on Wednesday, Aug. 30.

All after-school activities must end tonight by 8 p.m. and will be canceled for Wednesday. OCPS are planning on resuming school on Thursday, Aug. 31.

Osceola County

Earlier today Osceola County announced that schools in the county are expected to remain open tomorrow, but now that decision has been changed.

This afternoon, Governor Ron DeSantis amended Executive Order 23-171 for Hurricane Idalia to now include Osceola County. As such, all Osceola district public schools will be closed on Wednesday, August 30. All district offices and school campuses will also be closed. All after-school school activities, events, and programs are cancelled today and tomorrow. At this time, plans are to reopen schools and district departments on Thursday, August 31.

Seminole County

School officials in Seminole County said afterschool activities and evets will continue as usual on Tuesday, Aug. 29.

Seminole County public schools will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 30.

Officials said they will provide an update on resuming school and extracurricular activities at a later date.

Lake County

All after-school events are canceled Tuesday for Lake County public schools, with the exception of Extended Learning Centers, which will be open until 6 p.m. Parents, however, are asked to pick up their children from ELC as early as possible.

Schools and offices will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 29.

The Villages Elementary and Lost Lake Elementary will be used as storm shelters. Both will serve special-needs guests and are pet-friendly.

Lake County expects to reopen schools and offices on Thursday.

Rollins College

Tuesday evening classes remain as scheduled.

On Wednesday, August 30, no in-person classes will be held. Faculty will implement their hurricane plan from their syllabi, which allows for alternative instructional modalities (ex. a virtual option, alternative assignment, etc.) All in-person campus programming and activities are cancelled Wednesday. .

Valencia College

Valencia College will be closed on Wednesday, 8/30, due to the potential impact of Hurricane Idalia. In-person and online classes will not be held during this time.

University of Central Florida

Academic and most campus operations are suspended Wednesday, Aug. 30. Students, faculty, and staff should remain indoors and off the roads during periods of possible intermittent tropical winds and weather.

Standard operations will continue through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, and are planned to resume Thursday, Aug. 31.

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Emergency Shelters

Emergency shelters are now open in Central Florida ahead of Hurricane Idalia's arrival.

Here is a list of shelters by county.

Brevard County

None open as of Tuesday morning.

Citrus County

Central Ridge Elementary School (General Population) - 185 West Citrus Springs Blvd., Citrus Springs, FL 34434

Citrus High School (General Population) - 600 West Highland Blvd., Inverness, FL 34452

Citrus Springs Middle School (General Population) - 150 W Citrus Springs Blvd, Citrus Springs, FL 34434

Central Ridge Elementary School (General) - 185 W Citrus Springs Blvd, Citrus Springs, FL 34434

Forest Ridge Elementary School (Special Needs) - 2927 North Forest Ridge Blvd., Hernando, FL 34442

Renaissance Center (Pet Friendly) - 3630 W Educational Path, Lecanto, FL 34461

College of Central Florida (last resort option) - 3800 S Lecanto Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461

Dixie County

Shelters will open at 9 a.m. at Dixie County High School and Bell Middle/High Schools (shelter needs), according to Dixie County Fire Rescue.

Flagler County

None open as of Tuesday morning.

Lake County

Lake County will open two shelters at 3 p.m. on Tuesday. Both can assist general population, those with special needs, and those with pets.

Villages Elementary – 695 Rolling Acres Road, Lady Lake

Lost Lake Elementary – 1901 Johns Lake Road, Clermont

Marion County Emergency Shelters

West Port High School will open as a special needs shelter starting at 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 28.

The below general population shelters will open to the public on Tuesday, Aug. 29 at 8 a.m

Forest High School, 5000 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala, FL

Horizon Academy, 365 Marion Oaks Drive, Ocala, FL

Lake Weir High School, 10351 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala, FL (Pet-Friendly)

North Marion Middle School, 2085 W Highway 329, Citra, FL

Vanguard High School, 7 NW 28th Street, Ocala, FL (Pet-Friendly)

Orange County

Shelters will open by 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 29. All shelters are pet friendly.

Barnett Park & Gym, 4801 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808

South Econ Recreation Center, 3800 S Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, FL 32829

Special/Medical Needs Shelters (Call 311 or 407-836-3111)

Silver Star Recreation Center, 2801 N Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32818

Goldenrod Recreation Center, 4863 N Goldenrod Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792

Osceola County

Officials said they are not opening shelters at this time but will monitor the storm’s development and have them on standby.

Polk County

General population shelters will open at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

Tenoroc High School – Pet Friendly - 4905 Saddle Creek Rd. - Lakeland

Mulberry Middle School - 500 Martin Luther King Ave. - Mulberry

Horizons Elementary - 1700 Forest Lake Drive - Davenport

Chain of Lakes Elementary - 7001 CR 653 - Winter Haven

Spessard L. Holland Elementary - 2342 EF Griffin Road - Bartow

George Jenkins High School - 6000 Lakeland Highlands Road - Lakeland

Shelter needs: If you need transportation, you need to call (863) 298-7027 on Tuesday between 7 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Department of Health-Polk County Specialty Care Unit, 1255 Brice Blvd., Bartow

Seminole County

None open as of Tuesday morning, according to Seminole County's website.

Sumter County

Sumter County will open shelters at 4 p.m. on Tuesday:

Sumter Fairgrounds, 7620 SR 471. Webster, FL 33597

Special Needs

Wildwood Community Center, 6500 Powell Road, Wildwood, FL 34785

Volusia County

General Population

Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3150 E New York AveDeLand, FL 32724

Special Needs

Florida Department of Health, 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach

Homeless

Hester Building, Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3150 E New York AveDeLand, FL 32724

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