English Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Gainesville, FL
When it comes to buying purebred puppies, there are a lot of breeds and questions to consider. Do you want an outdoor pup or one that spends its time indoors? Are you looking for a tiny dog you can take with you everywhere or a larger breed you can lay with on the couch? Of all the purebred puppies to choose from, none are quite like the English bulldog. Their sourmug face might not be for everyone, but if your ideal version of man's best friend is a snorty, stocky ball of wrinkles that loves to lounge, a bulldog could be perfect for you.
Bulldogs are beloved for their unique looks and charming personalities. They have strong reputations for being loyal companions, making them incredibly popular for families and individuals alike. There's just something about their squishy face and bowling ball body that makes you want to love and cuddle them forever. Unfortunately, finding a purebred English bulldog from your local shelter is like searching for a needle in a haystack. When you factor in the fact that many English bulldog breeders are less-than-reputable, finding the right bulldog puppies for adoption in Gainesville, FL can be challenging.
If you've been searching high and low for purebred English bulldog puppies from a responsible breeder, don't give up hope. Your search may be coming to an end sooner than you think with the help of IrresistiBulls.
Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Gainesville, FL from an Ethical Breeder You Can Trust
IrresistiBulls was born out of love for the English bulldog who first graced our world, Bruiser. It became our mission to spread the joy he afforded us to families around the nation. We pride ourselves on being more than just breeders; we're a lifelong support system for our families. Unlike many competitors, we stay in touch with each family that purchases from us. We make it a point to offer expert tips and tricks for any challenges that may arise, which can help save you time, money, and a trip to the vet.
The IrresistiBulls Difference
At IrresistiBulls, breeding English bulldogs isn't just a career choice. It's a passion. When you welcome a bulldog pup from our program into your home, you're not just getting any dog - you're gaining a remarkable English bulldog with a documented lineage of health, intelligence, and obedience - as well as all the hallmark traits that make English bulldogs beloved. While our dogs come from champion lines, they're perfect for families, provide unconditional love, and will probably be your new dinner bell, too.
It's Science, Not Trial and Error
Our cherished bulldog, Bruiser, was a unique boy. He stood out from other dogs. Like Bruiser, IrresistiBulls stands out from other breeders because we base our breeding practices on science and careful consideration.
Our goal isn't just about selling English bulldog puppies. It's to ensure that every puppy we breed excels in health, temperament, intelligence, and obedience. We don't rely on trial and error, which often yields more errors than successes. Extensive research underpins our methods to guarantee the best possible outcomes. Our dedication extends not only to the families welcoming our puppies into their homes but also to the well-being and quality of life of the puppies themselves. That's the IrresistiBulls difference.
Sire and Dams Bred for Excellence
When it comes to longevity, health, temperament, and intelligence, it all starts with the dam and sire. That's why our English bulldog sires and dams are carefully selected for their excellence, champion bloodlines, and genetic traits. We're not your run-of-the-mill English bulldog breeders in South Carolina; we've perfected our method. We genuinely care and view every puppy we bring into the world as a part of our extended family. Each one of our dogs is truly the "cream of the crop," guaranteed to pass on greatness to their offspring.
Why Do So Many Bulldog Lovers Choose IrresistiBulls?
Simply put, we truly care about our bulldogs and the families that build cherished memories with them. We're incredibly thankful to have worked with so many amazing clients who trust our process and value our commitment to the health and wellness of our bulldog pups. Our wonderful clients recommend their friends and family members to IrresistiBulls because we prioritize:
World-Class Bulldog Lineage from Around the World
When you buy from IrresistiBulls, you can rest easy knowing you're getting the best of the best. We take pride in ethically breeding our puppies by using champion bloodlines from different parts of the world. By doing this, we reduce the chances of our puppies inheriting common health issues that can affect English bulldogs. Our puppies come from well-regarded show dog ancestry from countries like Ukraine, Spain, and Russia, to name a few.
World-Class Bulldog Lineage from Around the World
We meticulously breed for highly coveted traits and take proactive measures to limit traits that can lead to health conditions in your puppy. Our efforts have successfully eliminated issues such as corkscrew tails and narrow nares, ensuring a worry-free experience for our puppies and their new families.
An Improved Process of Breeding Purebred English Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Gainesville, FL
Breeding any dog, especially English bulldogs, poses health concerns. We make every effort to breed English bulldogs with the desirable genetic traits while working to eliminate those that could result in health problems. The key is to avoid breeding puppies that are closely related and could potentially have genetic abnormalities.
Unfortunately, some breeders are either irresponsible or lack an understanding of the complexities involved in producing healthy English bulldog lines. We only breed dogs with the best-quality lineages and never take unnecessary risks by breeding dogs with overly similar ancestry. This approach safeguards not only our business but also the well-being of the puppies and the families who welcome them into their homes.
You're Not Just Our Client. You're Our Family.
When you bring one of our puppies for sale into your home, you become a permanent part of our extended family.
I'm Looking for Bulldog Puppies Near Me in Gainesville, FL. How Do I Get Started with IrresistiBulls?
Our IrresistiBulls are usually reserved before the litter is even born. Securing a spot on our reservation list is essential once we confirm a pregnancy. While we strive to honor all reservations, sometimes we have to leave it to nature, so there are no guarantees regarding litter arrivals and viability. However, once you've reserved your new English bulldog puppy, we'll keep you informed every step of the way. As English bulldog lovers, we understand your excitement about welcoming a new addition to your family. That's why we do our best to minimize the uncertainties and challenges that can arise during the breeding process.
Availabull Puppy Pricing
All English bulldog puppies for sale are priced at $4,500.00. Deposits are $500.00. Please visit our website to learn more and see our selection of upcoming Availabulls. When you're ready to put down a deposit on the bulldog pup of your choice, all you have to do is email, call, or text us, and we'll follow up from there.
An English Bulldog Breeders' Guide to Bringing Home Your Furry Friend
Buying English bulldog puppies for sale in Gainesville, FL is a joyful and exciting experience. Whether you're a single pup parent or have a family with children, you'll love your new bulldogs' affectionate, loyal nature and will laugh out loud at their quirky attitude. However, bringing a bulldog puppy home necessitates careful forethought and organization to guarantee a seamless adjustment for both you and your new furry pal. Keep these essential tips in mind when it's time to bring your bulldog puppy to your den.
Create a Safe Space
Choose a cozy and secure spot in your home for your bulldog puppy to relax and feel at ease. You might want to opt for a crate or a puppy playpen to create a snug and den-like space for them.
Stock Up on Supplies
Gather essential supplies such as water and food, nutritious and high-quality puppy food, a leash and a collar, bedding, chew toys, and grooming items. If you're worried about overdoing it, don't fret. It's better to be overprepared and have extra than to be underprepared and need more supplies.
Puppy-Proof Your Property
It's important to get your home ready for your new bulldog puppies before they arrive. English bulldog pups are inquisitive by nature and love to play, so expect some high-energy bonding early on. Clear away any small objects that could be swallowed, hide electrical cords, and remove any toxic plants to keep them safe.
Schedule a Follow-Up Visit at Your Vet
Bulldog puppies for adoption in Gainesville, FL from IrresistiBulls arrive at your home having had all the proper shots and worming medicines required. However, you should already have a follow-up visit scheduled with your vet before your new family member arrives. Doing so will help you and your vet get on the same page regarding deworming, vaccinations, and preventative healthcare plans.
Make the Most Out of Our Puppy Starter Kits
In the first few days, weeks, and sometimes months, it can be challenging to adjust to having a new puppy at home. Puppies are quite complex, and just like with any newborn, having reliable guidance and essential tools isn't just a luxury - it alleviates stress and makes the process of welcoming and training the puppy much smoother. At IrresistiBulls, we offer a puppy starter kit to provide you with the necessary information on puppy care, the resources you may require along the way, and, of course, an assortment of toys to enrich the bonding experience with your new furry friend.
Settling In After the First Few Days
During the initial days following the arrival of your bulldog puppy, it's essential to focus on establishing a nurturing environment and a consistent routine to build a strong bond. Here are some helpful tips to help your puppy settle in smoothly.
Get a Routine Going ASAP
If there's one thing bulldogs thrive on (besides nutritious, yummy food), it's a routine. After you've been with your new bulldog puppy for a few days, try creating a schedule. Plan out time for eating, bathroom breaks, training, and playing. We should note that it's important to create a schedule that can be incorporated into your family's routine. You don't need to rearrange your life, but you will need to cater to your new doggo to an extent.
Try to Remain Calm and Patient
If you had to move to a new home when you were very young, you probably have an idea how a bulldog puppy would feel, too. It can be overwhelming - not just for your bulldog, but for you too. That's why you should try to be as patient and calm as possible while your new addition gets acclimated to their new surroundings.
Whether you're an experienced dog owner or a newcomer, bringing your puppy into their new home should be nothing but a joyful occasion. At IrresistiBulls, we're happy to help make sure you don't go home in a tizzy. That way, you can focus on spending time with your bulldog puppy and creating a loving home from day one.
Top 5 Reasons to Consider English Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Gainesville, FL
Bulldogs are undeniably one of the most adored dog breeds in the world. Their wrinkled faces, stocky bods, and fun personalities have endeared them to dog lovers everywhere. Have you ever met an English bulldog owner who didn't love their pup? We haven't. If you're still on the fence about buying a bulldog puppy for you or your family, you may want to re-think that stance after reading these reasons.
Like, seriously adorable. The wrinkles. The jowls. The saggy eyes. Bulldogs epitomize "Aww, how cute!" especially when they're young. There's just something about grabbing a big wrinkly head and planting a huge kiss right in the middle.
Generally speaking, bulldogs are great pets for kids. That's because they're incredibly calm, fiercely devoted, and, well, lazy. A screaming, tugging child doesn't faze them. They'll even let little ones dress them in cowboy hats and tutus without batting an eye.
Owning a bulldog means there's rarely a dull moment in your home. Whether they're snoring so loud it puts your sleep apnea to shame or interrupting your thoughts with a little flatulence, English bulldogs will make you smile even if you're in a bad mood.
Make no mistake - bulldogs must get exercise to remain healthy. However, when given the choice, many bulldogs would rather curl up on the couch with you than go for a multi-mile run.
If you think breeds like border collies get all the credit for being smart, think again. Have you ever seen a border collie ride a skateboard or surf a wave? Probably not - but bulldogs are known for such feats. That's due in part to their low center of gravity, but it's mostly because bulldogs are so cool.
The Ethical, Easy Choice for Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Gainesville, FL
When you trust IrresistiBulls as your bulldog puppy breeder, we believe it's our privilege and duty to provide you with a healthy, happy dog. Every English bulldog we ship in the U.S. is both a part of our beloved Bruiser and also a new part of your family's heart. At the end of the day, our goal is for you to discover your new companion, family mascot, or hot mess without having to worry about shady practices or inconvenient logistics.
We know you'll fall in love as soon as you lay eyes on your new IrresistiBull, just like we did when Bruiser blessed our lives. Contact our office today to learn more about what separates us from other breeders and how we can make your English bulldog ownership dreams come true.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Bulldog Puppies for CM H
Bulldog Breeder for Elyse Acevedo
Bulldog Puppies for Sale for Susan Inman
Bulldog Puppies for James Inman
Bulldog Breeder for McKenna
Bulldog Puppies for Sale for Destinee Astheimer
Bulldog Puppies for Christian Reitter
Bulldog Breeder for Heather Moore
Bulldog Puppies for Sale for M Dorsey
Bulldog Puppies for Jason Hadley
Bulldog Breeder for Kim C. Milligan
Bulldog Puppies for Sale for Jazmyn Santos
Bulldog Puppies for Heather Cimino
Bulldog Breeder for Jennifer Hardy
Bulldog Puppies for Sale for Bridget Haight
Bulldog Puppies for Arthi Vasudevan
Bulldog Breeder for Diane Garrick
Bulldog Puppies for Sale for Teri Jewett
Bulldog Puppies for Amanda Huneycutt
Bulldog Breeder for Dewayne Alford
Bulldog Puppies for Sale for Scottie Scott
Bulldog Puppies for jenny lewis
Bulldog Breeder for Alyssa Prochaska
Bulldog Puppies for Sale for Ululani Pickel
Bulldog Puppies for Wendy Herndon
Interested in Joining Our Family, Reserve Your Puppy Today
Latest News in Gainesville, FL
Alachua County readies sandbag pickup, opens yard debris option
Seth Johnsonhttps://www.mainstreetdailynews.com/news/local/alachua-county-readies-sandbag-pickup-opens
As Hurricane Milton starts its journey toward Florida, officials have opened sandbag locations to help citizens prepare for the impacts.The following is a list of locations and times currently available for Alachua and Gilchrist counties.Alachua CountyBecome A MemberMainstreet does not have a paywall, but pavement-pounding journalism is not free. Join your neighbors who ma...
As Hurricane Milton starts its journey toward Florida, officials have opened sandbag locations to help citizens prepare for the impacts.
The following is a list of locations and times currently available for Alachua and Gilchrist counties.
Alachua County
Become A Member
Mainstreet does not have a paywall, but pavement-pounding journalism is not free. Join your neighbors who make this vital work possible.
The county will have sandbags available at Wayside Park (11855 NW U.S. 441) from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday. The county plans to distribute sandbags on Tuesday as well, but times have not yet been announced.
Alachua County has also lifted volume limits on yard trash going to the five collection centers. Leading up to Hurricane Milton, citizens can take any yard debris to the Leveda Brown Environmental Park (5115 NE 63rd Ave., Gainesville) free of charge.
The environmental park is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gainesville
The city of Gainesville has self-serve sandbags at Citizens Field and pre-prepared sandbags at the Public Works facility (405 N W 39th Avenue). The sandbags will be available from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday.
To manage traffic, the city is asking citizens to drive north on NW Sixth Street before turning right onto NW 39th Avenue and then into the facility.
Gainesville’s sandbag operations will also run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Tuesday.
High Springs
High Springs residents can get sandbags from noon to 6 p.m. at Memorial Park, 17380 NW US HWY 441. Citizens should bring their own shovel as it’s a self-serve site.
Hawthorne
Hawthorne residents can make sandbags at the Hawthorne Wastewater Treatment Plant (23016 SE 65th Lane) while supplies last.
Micanopy
Sandbags will be available at 706 NE Cholokka Blvd, Micanopy (behind the Town Hall building).
Gilchrist County
Gilchrist County will have self-serve sandbags starting at 5 p.m. on Monday at the following locations. Residents should bring their own shovels.
Gilchrist County will also have tarps available on Tuesday starting at 8 a.m. Tarps will be at the Gilchrist County Road Department (1770 S HWY 129, Bell, FL 32619), Gilchrist County Building Department (209 SE 1st Street, Trenton, FL 32693) and behind the Emergency Management EOC building (3250 N US 129, Bell, FL 32619).
You can find updates on the Gilchrist County Emergency Management Facebook page.
Editor’s note: This page will be updated with information when it becomes available.
As Hurricane Milton starts its journey toward Florida, officials have opened sandbag locations to help citizens prepare for the impacts.
The following is a list of locations and times currently available for Alachua and Gilchrist counties.
Alachua County
Become A Member
Mainstreet does not have a paywall, but pavement-pounding journalism is not free. Join your neighbors who make this vital work possible.
The county will have sandbags available at Wayside Park (11855 NW U.S. 441) from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday. The county plans to distribute sandbags on Tuesday as well, but times have not yet been announced.
Alachua County has also lifted volume limits on yard trash going to the five collection centers. Leading up to Hurricane Milton, citizens can take any yard debris to the Leveda Brown Environmental Park (5115 NE 63rd Ave., Gainesville) free of charge.
The environmental park is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gainesville
The city of Gainesville has self-serve sandbags at Citizens Field and pre-prepared sandbags at the Public Works facility (405 N W 39th Avenue). The sandbags will be available from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday.
To manage traffic, the city is asking citizens to drive north on NW Sixth Street before turning right onto NW 39th Avenue and then into the facility.
Gainesville’s sandbag operations will also run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Tuesday.
High Springs
High Springs residents can get sandbags from noon to 6 p.m. at Memorial Park, 17380 NW US HWY 441. Citizens should bring their own shovel as it’s a self-serve site.
Hawthorne
Hawthorne residents can make sandbags at the Hawthorne Wastewater Treatment Plant (23016 SE 65th Lane) while supplies last.
Micanopy
Sandbags will be available at 706 NE Cholokka Blvd, Micanopy (behind the Town Hall building).
Gilchrist County
Gilchrist County will have self-serve sandbags starting at 5 p.m. on Monday at the following locations. Residents should bring their own shovels.
Gilchrist County will also have tarps available on Tuesday starting at 8 a.m. Tarps will be at the Gilchrist County Road Department (1770 S HWY 129, Bell, FL 32619), Gilchrist County Building Department (209 SE 1st Street, Trenton, FL 32693) and behind the Emergency Management EOC building (3250 N US 129, Bell, FL 32619).
You can find updates on the Gilchrist County Emergency Management Facebook page.
Editor’s note: This page will be updated with information when it becomes available.
Alachua County under Tropical Storm Watch ahead of Milton; schools closed, sandbags offered
Francine Frazierhttps://www.news4jax.com/weather/2024/10/07/uf-cancels-classes-wednesday-thursday-alachua-county-braces-for-hurricane-milton/
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A tropical storm watch has been issued for Alachua County ahead of Milton.The University of Florida will close its offices and cancel classes, including online classes, beginning at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday and continuing through Thursday because of Hurricane Milton.All academic and student-related activities, including online classes and exams, will also be canceled during that time.Notices of any other scheduling changes can be found on the ...
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A tropical storm watch has been issued for Alachua County ahead of Milton.
The University of Florida will close its offices and cancel classes, including online classes, beginning at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday and continuing through Thursday because of Hurricane Milton.
All academic and student-related activities, including online classes and exams, will also be canceled during that time.
Notices of any other scheduling changes can be found on the UF home page and through official channels. Visit UF’s emergency updates page for additional details and information.
Hurricane Milton has rapidly strengthened into a major hurricane as it makes its way toward Florida’s west coast. Neighbors should prepare themselves, their families and their property as this storm is expected to bring 4-8 inches of rain to the Gainesville area.
In preparation for Hurricane Milton, Alachua County staff will distribute sandbags (10 bags per vehicle) at Alachua County’s Wayside Park (11855 NW U.S. 441). Distribution begins Monday from noon until 5 p.m.
Times will be announced for sand bag distribution on Tuesday.
After staffed hours, sand, bags and shovels will be available for self-service.
Directions to Wayside Park
Northbound on U.S. 441 (from Gainesville): Turn right onto County Road 237 (at Dollar General), then right onto Northwest 126th Avenue, and right again onto Northwest 59th Terrace to access Wayside Park (located at the Mobile convenience store).
Southbound on U.S. 441 (from Alachua): Turn left onto County Road 237 (at Dollar General), then right onto Northwest 126th Avenue, and right again onto Northwest 59th Terrace to access Wayside Park (located at the Mobile convenience store).
Other locations
The City of Gainesville is distributing sandbags today, from noon until 5 p.m., at City of Gainesville Public Works and Citizens Field. Each person is limited to 10 sandbags.
Pre-made sandbags are available at Public Works (405 N W 39th Ave.). To best manage traffic to the Public Works facility, city officials ask neighbors to adjust their routes and drive north on NW Sixth Street, turning right (east) on NW 39th Ave.
Self-serve sandbags are available at Citizens Field (1000 NE Waldo Rd.). Please access the site from NE 12th Avenue via Waldo Road or travel south on NE 15th Street via NE 16th Avenue.
The City of High Springs has sandbags available from noon to 6 p.m. at Memorial Park, 17380 NW US HWY 441. This is a self-serve site with a limit of 10 bags. Folks should bring their own shovels.
Micanopy has sandbags available self-serve at 706 NE Cholokka Blvd, Micanopy (behind the Town Hall building).
All Alachua County government offices will be closed Wednesday and Thursday.
Other County closures include:
Special Needs Registry
Alachua County Emergency Management encourages those with special needs to register online for the Special Needs Registry Program. The Alachua County Special Needs Registry is specifically targeted at individuals who have certain physical or medical conditions and no options to shelter at home, with friends, family, or elsewhere during a disaster.
The Registry enables Alachua County Emergency Management and Alachua County Department of Health staff to coordinate needs with registrants in advance of tropical weather or other incidents requiring sheltering.
Preparing for the storm
Stay updated on real-time weather developments by texting “Alachua” to 888-777 and following the Alachua County Facebook page. The Alachua County Ready website is also a valuable resource for storm information.
Alachua County residents are urged not to underestimate the potential impact of this storm. Take precautions now to ensure the safety of your family and property. Make sure your hurricane kits and emergency plans are ready.
Important actions to take include:
For the latest storm track and updates, click here.
Sign up for text alerts by texting the word ALACHUA to 888-777 to stay fully informed of any disaster-related information related specifically to Alachua County.
311 line activated
To aid residents as the storm approaches, Alachua County has activated the 311 Emergency Information Line (352-264-6557 if 311 is unavailable in your area). This is for questions and rumor control. If you have an actual emergency, call 911.
Hurricane Milton preparations are also underway in the city of Gainesville and residents are encouraged to:
Helene yard debris management
Sandbag operations
Facilities
Refuse Collection
Regional Transit System (RTS)
Additional resources
Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.
About the Author
Francine Frazier
A Jacksonville native and proud University of North Florida alum, Francine Frazier has been with News4Jax since 2014 after spending nine years at The Florida Times-Union.
Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines.
Recommended Videos
Hurricane Milton projected to hit region on Wednesday
C.J. Gishhttps://www.mainstreetdailynews.com/news/hurricane-milton-projected-hit-region
Hurricane Milton is forecasted to hit the west coast of the Florida Peninsula on Wednesday and douse North Central Florida with 4 to 6 inches of rainfall, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).Milton was upgraded to a Category 5 hurricane late Monday morning by the NHC with maximum sustained winds of 175 mph. Showers and thunderstorms are forecasted for Wednesday and the risk of flash flooding is at 40%.Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency in 51 of Florida’s 67 counties on Sunday when he issued ...
Hurricane Milton is forecasted to hit the west coast of the Florida Peninsula on Wednesday and douse North Central Florida with 4 to 6 inches of rainfall, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Milton was upgraded to a Category 5 hurricane late Monday morning by the NHC with maximum sustained winds of 175 mph. Showers and thunderstorms are forecasted for Wednesday and the risk of flash flooding is at 40%.
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency in 51 of Florida’s 67 counties on Sunday when he issued Executive Order 24-215, including Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, Suwannee and Union. Alachua County issued a local state of emergency on Sunday.
Become A Member
Mainstreet does not have a paywall, but pavement-pounding journalism is not free. Join your neighbors who make this vital work possible.
Milton is projected to make landfall in the Tampa area with storm surge estimated to be at 8 to 12 feet. According to Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie, the state is preparing for its largest evacuation since Hurricane Irma in 2017 when 7 million people were told to evacuate.
Milton will hit Florida just days after Hurricane Helene, also a Category 4 storm, ravaged the state with devastating winds on Sept. 26-27 and destroyed towns in the Florida Big Bend region. On Aug. 4-5, Hurricane Debby dumped rain on the area, causing flooding throughout North Central Florida.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with information on local state of emergency and from the NHC.
Hurricane Milton is forecasted to hit the west coast of the Florida Peninsula on Wednesday and douse North Central Florida with 4 to 6 inches of rainfall, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Milton was upgraded to a Category 5 hurricane late Monday morning by the NHC with maximum sustained winds of 175 mph. Showers and thunderstorms are forecasted for Wednesday and the risk of flash flooding is at 40%.
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency in 51 of Florida’s 67 counties on Sunday when he issued Executive Order 24-215, including Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, Suwannee and Union. Alachua County issued a local state of emergency on Sunday.
Become A Member
Mainstreet does not have a paywall, but pavement-pounding journalism is not free. Join your neighbors who make this vital work possible.
Milton is projected to make landfall in the Tampa area with storm surge estimated to be at 8 to 12 feet. According to Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie, the state is preparing for its largest evacuation since Hurricane Irma in 2017 when 7 million people were told to evacuate.
Milton will hit Florida just days after Hurricane Helene, also a Category 4 storm, ravaged the state with devastating winds on Sept. 26-27 and destroyed towns in the Florida Big Bend region. On Aug. 4-5, Hurricane Debby dumped rain on the area, causing flooding throughout North Central Florida.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with information on local state of emergency and from the NHC.
Hurricane Milton brews in the Gulf of Mexico. What can Gainesville expect?
Alex Brownhttps://www.alligator.org/article/2024/10/hurricane-milton-brews-in-the-gulf-of-mexico-what-can-gainesville-expect
4 P.M. UPDATE: Alachua County Public Schools, district offices and extracurricular activities will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, ACPS Spokesperson Jackie Johnson wrote in an email.Schools will remain open on Tuesday, including the Extended Day Enrichment Program and extracurricular activities.ACPS plans to reopen on Friday, but dates may change depending on the condition of schools, Johnson wrote. ACPS also plans to use three flex days available on the ...
4 P.M. UPDATE: Alachua County Public Schools, district offices and extracurricular activities will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, ACPS Spokesperson Jackie Johnson wrote in an email.
Schools will remain open on Tuesday, including the Extended Day Enrichment Program and extracurricular activities.
ACPS plans to reopen on Friday, but dates may change depending on the condition of schools, Johnson wrote. ACPS also plans to use three flex days available on the district calendar to make up for lost instructional time. Those dates will be Dec. 20, Jan. 6, and Feb. 14.
Families with special needs children, or other family members who may need shelter or transportation can register with Alachua County’s special needs registry.
NOON UPDATE: Milton has strengthened to a Category 5 storm, with wind speeds reaching 160 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
11 A.M. UPDATE: Hurricane Milton is forecasted to become a Category 5 hurricane before landfall on Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Michael was the last Category 5 hurricane to hit the U.S. along the Florida panhandle exactly eight years ago today, on Oct. 7, 2018. UF will cancel class Wednesday and Thursday as of 11:18 a.m. The university expects to reopen Friday morning.
10 A.M. UPDATE: Hurricane Milton quickly intensified to a Category 4 hurricane Monday morning, with winds up to 150 mph. A Category 5 hurricane involves 157 mph winds. UF has still not specified whether campus will close and classes will be cancelled, and Alachua County Schools has not either.
On the heels of Hurricane Helene, a battered state braces for impending damage.
Hurricane Milton intensified from a tropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane Sunday, with sustained winds of 85 mph; gusts greater than 58 mph can break tree limbs and tear off roof shingles.
Milton is on track to slam Florida’s west coast Wednesday, and Tampa Bay is squarely in the path of forthcoming destruction. If it hits Tampa Bay, it will be the first major hurricane to make landfall there in about a century.
Alachua County is among the 51 Florida counties under a state of emergency. Storm surges in coastal communities may be deadly.
In a UF news release Sunday, the university pledged to monitor Milton closely and advised students, faculty and staff to prepare for the storm. It did not yet indicate potential campus closures. The community can access real-time updates on UF’s Alert Emergency Notification System.
Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox
Other schools across the state are shuttering operations ahead of Milton.
The University of South Florida plans to cancel in-person classes on Monday and all campus activities on Tuesday and Wednesday. The University of Central Florida suspended all classes Tuesday through Thursday.
Alachua County Public Schools remain open this week until further notice.
Heavy rain — between 3 and 5 inches — will shower Gainesville over the next five days, increasing the likelihood of flash flooding.
The National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration warned in a tweet Saturday that Milton — at that time, still considered a tropical storm — is “expected to bring major impacts to Florida this upcoming week.”
Its most recent X post advised the public not to focus on the forecast details, stipulating that experts remain uncertain about its potential intensity, as conditions in the Gulf are volatile.
Contact Natalie Kaufman at nkaufman@alligator.org. Follow her on X @Nat_Kauf.
Support your local paper
The Independent Florida Alligator has been independent of the university since 1971, your donation today could help #SaveStudentNewsrooms. Please consider giving today.
Humane Society of North Central Florida feeling ‘grateful’ after Hurricane Helene
Noor Sukkarhttps://www.alligator.org/article/2024/10/humane-society-of-north-central-florida-hurricane
As Hurricane Helene swept through Gainesville Sept. 26, the Humane Society of North Central Florida lost its power. Prepared and privileged, staff said, the shelter regained power the next morning.That same night, Helene ripped the roof off of Dixie County’s animal shelter, which is almost 100 miles away from North Central Florida’s Humane Society. HSNCF’s team drove over an hour to rescue 24 of its animals the day before the storm’s landfall.The location, which usually shelters between 35 to 40 dogs, ev...
As Hurricane Helene swept through Gainesville Sept. 26, the Humane Society of North Central Florida lost its power. Prepared and privileged, staff said, the shelter regained power the next morning.
That same night, Helene ripped the roof off of Dixie County’s animal shelter, which is almost 100 miles away from North Central Florida’s Humane Society. HSNCF’s team drove over an hour to rescue 24 of its animals the day before the storm’s landfall.
The location, which usually shelters between 35 to 40 dogs, evacuated dogs from coastal shelters the days leading up to Helene. With just under a week’s notice of Helene, the shelter had to foster out all of its in-house animals to make room for more.
“Imagine if those dogs were still there during that time,” said HSNCF foster coordinator Valentina Landaeta. “That would have been very catastrophic.”
After working at HSNCF for almost six years, Landaeta said it has been through this process plenty of times. The week leading up to Helene’s landfall, HSNCF’s team traveled to places close to the coast that were expected to be hit beforehand, she said.
In addition to Dixie County, the shelter pulled animals from Levy County and transferred some from Madison County.
With a total pre-hurricane intake of 76 cats and dogs, HSNCF had to foster out all its existing animals beforehand. While the shelter typically struggles with finding dog fosters over cat fosters, it was able to find fosters for all in-house dogs, Landaeta said.
“Working here is just a mix of emotions all the time, [a] roller coaster,” she said. “But it's mostly just joy and happiness that we're able to provide a shelter for these animals.”
Before Helene hit, the shelter’s hurricane preparation began with an emergency plea.
Executive director Chelsea Bower said HSNCF sent an emergency plea for fosters, volunteers and supplies in a blast email the Tuesday before the storm. The shelter typically asks fosters to commit to an animal two to four weeks in advance based on the severity of a storm’s impact.
“This isn’t our first rodeo,” Bower said. “We’re really grateful that we have such a great community to help us be able to do things like pull 80 animals before a storm.”
Situated minutes away from the UF, HSNCF development director Franziska Raeber said part of the privilege comes with having students stepping up and helping out.
Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox
“It makes a huge difference for us,” Raeber said. “The community support is amazing, and the support we have with donations coming in, people donating off our Amazon list, fostering. It's amazing, and I couldn't be more grateful for this.”
Despite the overwhelming support, Raeber emphasized the continuous need for dog fosters.
While the shelter does not take in surrendered animals, it provides and pays for all supplies needed to foster one.
“If you are a student and you miss your pets at home, come and get a foster,” she said. “You are taking an animal out of a shelter and giving temporary relief, and in that moment, you're actually saving a life. Not the animal you're taking out, but you're creating a space for another animal to come in.”
Contact Noor Sukkar at nsukkar@alligator.org. Follow her on X @noorsukkarr.
Support your local paper
The Independent Florida Alligator has been independent of the university since 1971, your donation today could help #SaveStudentNewsrooms. Please consider giving today.
Noor Sukkar
Noor Sukkar is a third-year journalism major with a minor in Arabic. She is the Avenue's Fall 2024 General Assignment reporter. When she's not writing, she's most likely talking to her cat or overwatering her plants.
Disclaimer:
