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 Lakeland, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
When you bring one of our puppies for sale into your home, you become a permanent part of our extended family.
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.
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.
Buying English bulldog puppies for sale in Lakeland, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Bulldog puppies for adoption in Lakeland, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Polk County ramps up preparations ahead of Hurricane MiltonFOX 13's Carla Bayron reports.LAKELAND, Fla. - Hurricane Milton will be felt inland this time, unlike Hurricane Helene.Hurricane Milton strengthened into a powerful Category 5 storm on Monday. It could still be a major hurricane when it makes landfall on Florida's Gulf Coa...
FOX 13's Carla Bayron reports.
LAKELAND, Fla. - Hurricane Milton will be felt inland this time, unlike Hurricane Helene.
Hurricane Milton strengthened into a powerful Category 5 storm on Monday. It could still be a major hurricane when it makes landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast, which is likely late Wednesday.
Polk County's Emergency Management Operations Center was fully activated on Sunday, Oct. 6. Officials are preparing for rainfall that can cause localized flooding, strong winds that can damage homes and power lines, and downed tree limbs that can block roads.
There are no hurricane evacuation zones in Polk County like the coastal counties for storm surge. However, officials say shelters should be people's last resort.
"If you're in a mobile home or manufactured home or an RV or camper or some type of structure that may not survive high winds--Plan A should be a friend of family member or somebody from church that does not have to leave their home and make a plan to stay with them," said Paul Womble, the county's director of emergency management.
19 shelters, including pet-friendly shelters and special needs shelters, will be open across the county on Tuesday, Oct. 8. In total, they have the capacity to house 38,000 people.
The following public shelters will be open at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 8:
Three pet friendly shelters are located at:
The Special Needs shelters are located at:
Widespread power outages are anticipated that could last for days.
Lakeland Electric's crews are pre-staged ahead of the storm and there are 100 linemen from in and out of state ready to provide mutual aid post-storm.
"We start with all the critical customers we have. The municipal utility customers: hospitals, fire stations, police stations and nursing homes," said Korey Bush, the utility's Assistant General Manager and Emergency Operations Manager.
The utility then finds the largest outage to restore and works around the clock to the last and smallest outage.
Sandbag sites will be open from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Oct. 8. Nearly 36,000 sandbags have been distributed so far, according to Womble.
Sandbag site locations are:
A maximum of 10 prefilled sandbags will be provided to each household address. You will need to bring a driver’s license to show your local address.
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With Hurricane Milton strengthened rapidly on Monday, Lakeland Fire Chief Doug Riley urged people to prepare now, while there is still time, and then avoid going out after the storm.“Get what you need and (get) ready now,” Riley said at Monday’s City Commission meeting. “But during and after the storm, unless you’re mission-critical or essential, stay home. … After the storm may be the most dangerous time because you’re going to have potential flooding, downed power lines, downed trees, debri...
With Hurricane Milton strengthened rapidly on Monday, Lakeland Fire Chief Doug Riley urged people to prepare now, while there is still time, and then avoid going out after the storm.
“Get what you need and (get) ready now,” Riley said at Monday’s City Commission meeting. “But during and after the storm, unless you’re mission-critical or essential, stay home. … After the storm may be the most dangerous time because you’re going to have potential flooding, downed power lines, downed trees, debris.”
Milton became a dangerous Category 5 storm Monday with maximum sustained winds of 180 miles per hour at the National Hurricane Center’s 5 p.m. update.
The NHC expects it to weaken slightly before making landfall in the Tampa Bay area on Wednesday, but says it will likely remain a hurricane as it crosses the state to the Atlantic Ocean.
Just after 5 p.m. Monday, the cellphones of everyone in Central Florida screeched with an emergency alert, saying a hurricane warning is effect for our area. The current track shows Lakeland directly in the Milton’s path, although a wobble could still change its trajectory.
“What does that mean for Polk County?” Paul Womble, Polk County’s Emergency Management Director, said in an afternoon news conference.
He said Polk County residents should expect sustained winds of 75 to 95 miles per hour, with gusts up to 100 miles per hour. “Those type of winds certainly will knock down trees. Those trees falling can damage buildings, damage your roof. They’ll certainly knock down power lines, so expect power outages,” Womble said.
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a rating system used to measure the strength of hurricanes and estimate the damage they may cause:
Lakeland Electric’s Scott Bishop, assistant general manager for energy delivery, reminded the City Commission that during Hurricane Irma in 2017, about 80,000 of the utility’s 140,000 customers lost power. He’s expecting similar outages from Milton, but said the utility expects to have everyone back online within seven days.
“If you’ve got wires down in your yard, please stay away from that,” Bishop said. “Use less water and stay away from downed power lines and let’s get through this together.”
Polk County Public Schools are open today, but after-school activities are canceled. There will be no school Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Friday is to be determined. For the latest information, check here.
The Schools of McKeel Academy are also closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Check here for more information.
Higher Education: All Lakeland colleges and universities have adjusted their schedules this week.
General shelters: Polk County’s general emergency shelters will open Tuesday at noon. Adults should bring a driver’s license or other government-issued photo identification. Residents seeking shelter should bring medications, snacks and comfort items like bedding. Meals are provided but cots are not. Alcohol is not allowed. Lakeland sites are:
Pet-friendly shelter: For those sheltering with pets, Tenoroc High School, 4905 Saddle Creek Road, Lakeland will open Tuesday at noon. Only dogs, cats and birds are allowed. Pet owners must bring animals’ shot records, an airline-approved carrying case or crate and pet food. All animals’ vaccinations must be up-to-date.
Special needs shelter: McKeel Academy, 1810 W. Parker St., Lakeland will open at Tuesday at 7 a.m. for people with physical, cognitive or medical conditions who may need help from medical professionals. Special needs shelters provide more care than general shelters, but they do not provide the level of care found in medical facilities. To arrange transportation, call the Polk County Emergency Management Special Needs Program at (863) 298-7027.
Staging area: Lakeland officials said mutual aid line crews will be arriving and staging at Tigertown in preparation for power restoration efforts. The city has also notified the large private debris haulers that are on contract to assist during restoration efforts once the storm has passed.
Shelf-stable meals: Polk County has begun receiving emergency food and water supplies from the state. “We’ve already brought in several semi-loads of state-provided water and shelf-stable meals, pre-packaged meals, that we’ll be able to quickly get out into the community once it’s safe, that we can go out and do assessments,” Womble said.
Lakes: The city has been lowering the water levels of area lakes in advance of the hurricane to help prevent as much flooding as possible.
Sandbags on storm drains: Workers have placed sandbags to block drains going into lakes, particularly on the north shore of Lake Morton. Laurie Smith, the city’s manager of lakes and stormwater, explained to city commissioners that while it seems counterintuitive to block the stormwater drain when it rains heavily, the bags keep sediment from going into the drains, blocking water flow and damaging water quality in the lake.
Swans: City Communications Director Kevin Cook said Lakeland’s iconic swans remain free during hurricanes. “They are wild animals and they have weathered many a storm,” he said.
Flushing during power outages: Water department officials urged people to use their water systems sparingly during and after the storm, especially if power is out. They said it could inundate the system if people continued to flush toilets as always.
At Monday’s City Commission meeting, officials cautioned residents to stay safe.
Mayor Bill Mutz cautioned people to stay clear of leaning trees. “Trees fall after storms,” he said. “What looks like it’s leaning could become crushing.”
“Please be prepared — don’t take this storm lightly,” Commissioner Guy LaLonde said.
Editor’s note: This story is being updated as new closures are announced. Check back for the latest information.
Live Updates: Hurricane Milton Stay informed on all the latest info about the storm.Live Updates: Hurricane Milton18 hours agoRegularly updated information on Hurricane Milton, especially as it affects communities in Central Florida.Shelters are opening acro...
Live Updates: Hurricane Milton Stay informed on all the latest info about the storm.
Live Updates: Hurricane Milton
18 hours ago
Regularly updated information on Hurricane Milton, especially as it affects communities in Central Florida.
Shelters are opening across Central Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton. We're watching Brevard, Lake, Polk, Seminole, Sumter and counties.
Volusia County officials are issuing evacuation orders for areas east of the intercoastal waterway, ahead of Hurricane Milton.
The orders include people who live in manufactured and mobile homes, low-lying areas, campsites, recreational vehicles, and other areas prone to flooding.
Volusia County Schools will provide shelters for Hurricane Milton starting at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 9, at the following school locations:
General population:
Medically fragile population only:
The Volusia County Fairgrounds will also open as a pet-friendly shelter.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management announced the following emergency shelters will open Tuesday in preparation for Hurricane Milton.
Special Needs Shelter: West Port High School, 3733 SW 80th Ave., Ocala. It will open at 5 p.m.. Small pets are also allowed into the shelter with proper documentation.
Pet-Friendly Shelter: Vanguard High School, 7 NW 28th St., Ocala.
General Population Shelter: Fort McCoy School, 16160 NE County Road 315, Fort McCoy.
People entering the shelter must bring food, water and snacks for the night. Those with special dietary needs should bring a supply of food.
Pet owners should bring their own pet crates.
Marion County also has a citizen help line for residents with questions about the storm. It's 352-369-7500.
Orange County announced shelters are opening Tuesday, October 8 by 6 p.m.
General Population Shelters
Opening Tuesday, October 8 by 6 p.m,
*Denotes Pet-Friendly Shelter
Persons with Special Needs (PSN) Shelters
Open Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 8, by 10 a.m.
Orange County residents requiring a PSN Shelter please dial 3-1-1 or 407-836-3111. LYNX will provide free service to shelter locations. For important information on what to bring to a shelter, visit ocfl.net/shelters.
Osceola County announced that shelters will open at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8. There are seven public shelters:
A shelter for those with special medical needs will open at noon on Tuesday at the Osceola Council on Aging, 700 Generation Point, Kissimmee.
The county encourages residents who wish to evacuate to make arrangements with friends or family, or consider staying in a hotel, if possible. Shelters should be considered a last resort.
Polk County has announced it will open shelters on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at noon.
Thirteen public shelters and three pet-friendly shelters will be available at that time.
Public shelters:
Pet shelters:
Residents must bring records of vaccines for their pets, an airline-approved carrying case or crate and pet food.
Special needs:
Three special needs shelters will also open on Tuesday but will open several hours earlier at 7 a.m:
Polk County has a Citizen’s Information Line at (863) 298-7500. The county website is www.polk-county.net.
WUSF is part of the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network, which provides up-to-the minute weather and news reports during severe weather events on radio, online and on social media for 13 Florida Public Media stations. It’s available on WUSF 89.7 FM, online at WUSF.org and through the free Florida Storms app, which provides geotargeted live forecasts, information about evacuation routes and shelters, and live local radio streams....
WUSF is part of the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network, which provides up-to-the minute weather and news reports during severe weather events on radio, online and on social media for 13 Florida Public Media stations. It’s available on WUSF 89.7 FM, online at WUSF.org and through the free Florida Storms app, which provides geotargeted live forecasts, information about evacuation routes and shelters, and live local radio streams.
WUSF | By WUSF Staff
EVACUATION ZONES: How to find out if you're in an evacuation zone
Evacuations are taking place across the Tampa Bay area as Hurricane Milton heads toward Florida’s west coast.
Hillsborough has issued a mandatory evacuation order for zones A and B, and for all mobile homes and manufactured housing throughout the county starting at 2:30 p.m.
The following shelters are opening:
General population, pet friendly shelters:
General population, no pet shelter:
Pizzo Elementary School, 11701 USF Bull Run Drive, Tampa
Special needs, pet friendly shelters:
The special-needs shelters are only for residents with medical issues that require electricity assistance or who have cognitive issues that would not be supported in a general population shelter.
As of Sunday, Pinellas has issued evacuation orders for health care facilities in zones A, B and C .
It includes long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities and hospitals in those zones. It impacts six hospitals, 25 nursing homes and 44 assisted living facilities, totaling about 6,600 patients.
The county is encouraging voluntary evacuation for residents in Zone A, B and C and mobile homes in advance of possible mandatory orders Monday.
Sarasota County is calling for evacuations of zones A and B, as well as all those living in manufactured communities or a mobile or boat home.
Those living in zome C should be prepared to evacuate if the storm intensifies.
Evacuation centers will open at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
As of Sunday, Manatee has called for evacuations of zones A and B — and all residents or visitors in RVs or mobile Homes.
The following shelters will be open:
Pasco has ordered mandatory evacuations for everyone in zones A,B and C, as well as those who live in manufactured or mobile homes or RVs and anyone who is in a low lying area prone to flooding.
The county is opening hurricane shelters ahead of Milton. Pets are allowed at all shelters.
The following shelters will open Monday at noon:
Hernando is issuing mandatory evacuations starting Tuesday at 8 a.m. Residents should seek safe shelter by Wednesday at noon.
The order includes all areas west of U.S. 19, which includes evacuation zones A, B, and C. All residents living in coastal and low-lying areas, as well as manufactured homes countywide, are included.
Shelters should be utilized as a last resort. Residents are advised to seek shelter with family or friends that reside in a safe structure. If this is not possible, a special-needs, pet-friendly public shelter will open Tuesday at 8 a.m. at Challenger K-8 School, 13400 Elgin Blvd., Spring Hill.
The following public shelters will be open at noon on Tuesday across Polk County:
Pet-friendly shelters:
Special-needs shelters:
The Ledger(This story has been updated with new information.)Polk County opened sandbag sites Sunday in preparation for Tropical Storm Milton, which is expected to intensify into a major hurricane before impacting Florida's West Coast on Wednesday.The latest track in the National Hurricane Center's 11 a.m. update moved the path slightly south. Until that point, it was forecast to make landfall near St. Pete Beach, track east-northeast directly through north-central Polk County and exit the state near Cape Canave...
The Ledger
(This story has been updated with new information.)
Polk County opened sandbag sites Sunday in preparation for Tropical Storm Milton, which is expected to intensify into a major hurricane before impacting Florida's West Coast on Wednesday.
The latest track in the National Hurricane Center's 11 a.m. update moved the path slightly south. Until that point, it was forecast to make landfall near St. Pete Beach, track east-northeast directly through north-central Polk County and exit the state near Cape Canaveral. In the 11 a.m. update, the track moved slightly south, making landfall south of Tampa Bay at the barrier islands near Bradenton and Sarasota, and tracking across central or south Polk County.
Heavy rain is expected on Sunday and Monday, well ahead of Milton, according to the National Hurricane Center's 8 a.m. Tropical Weather Discussion. Even more rain related to the system is expected as the week begins, bringing the potential for flooding.
As reported by the USA TODAY Network-Florida, a group of newspapers that includes The Ledger, forecasters say Milton is expected to be a hurricane small in size, but there is still uncertainty about its intensity and track. The storm could hit Florida as a major hurricane or weaken from a number of factors.
"The intensity forecast has a lot of complexities. First, Milton is a small cyclone, and such systems can both strengthen and weaken very rapidly. Second, while the cyclone is going to be in a favorable environment through about 60 (hours), it will encounter strong shear and dry air entrainment after that time," forecasters said in their NHC Milton 5 a.m. Discussion.
"Regardless of the details, there is increasing confidence that a powerful hurricane with life-threatening hazards will be affecting portions of the Florida west coast around the middle of this week. Residents there should closely monitor this system and listen to local officials," forecasters reported.
Polk County was one of 35 states included in a state of emergency declared by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Saturday. And the county under a flood watch that started Sunday at 6 a.m. and continues through 8 a.m. Thursday.
Accuweather called for winds of 50 to 75 mph in Lakeland on Wednesday.
As of the National Hurricane Center's 8 a.m. update, Tropical Storm Milton was 310 miles west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico; about 835 miles west-southwest of Tampa. It had maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and was moving northwest at 6 mph.
Polk County opened seven sandbag sites Sunday, and they'll be open Sunday and Monday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Mulberry/South Lakeland – Loyce E. Harpe Park, 500 W. Carter Road, Mulberry• Lakeland – 8970 N. Campbell Road, Lakeland• Fort Meade – 1061 NE 9th St., Fort Meade• Frostproof – 350 County Road 630A, Frostproof• Auburndale – 1701 Holt Road, Auburndale• Dundee – 805 Dr. Martin Luther King St. SW, Dundee• Poinciana Park – 5109 Allegheny Road, Kissimmee 34759
A maximum of 10 prefilled sandbags will be provided to each household address. Residents must show a driver’s license with a local address.
Residents living in flood prone areas are encouraged to sandbag their homes, the county said on its website. It offered techniques to help.
At the area where water can enter a structure:
Depending on the size of the barrier, submersible pumps can be used. The barrier will not completely stop water from entering the protected area; however, by properly placing bags, visqueen and sump pumps, water, in most cases, can be removed quickly.
Polk County Public Schools that, as of Sunday morning, there were no changes planned to the school schedule.
"However, our staff will continue to monitor the weather and work with Polk County Emergency Management personnel to be prepared in case of any impacts to our area," the district said on its website. "Even if Polk is not directly affected, there is always a possibility that our schools will need to serve as shelters for evacuees from other areas."
The district said a decision to close schools involves two key factors:
Sheltering Needs: "Many schools serve as hurricane shelters for our local residents and nearby coastal communities. In addition, we also operate shelters for those with special needs, and even have some sites that provide shelter for pets. If Polk County is not directly impacted by a storm, our schools may still serve as shelters. As a result, schools may need to close ahead of a storm to allow our partner agencies time to staff sites, deliver equipment, and transport those who need medical support."
Transportation: "School buses can only operate when sustained winds are below 35 mph. Schools will be closed if sustained winds exceed this threshold."
The district tells parents and staff to continue following its website and social media accounts for updates.
"In the event we have to close schools or alter our operations, we will send automated calls and emails to all PCPS families. Please make sure your school has your correct contact information on file for SchoolMessenger communications."
(This story will be updated with new information.)