OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Hurricane season officially begins June 1, and emergency officials across Florida are urging residents to prepare now before a storm could threaten the state.
Forecasters recommend residents assemble emergency kits with food, water, medications, batteries, flashlights and important documents, while also reviewing evacuation plans and monitoring trusted weather sources throughout the season.
Past hurricane seasons showed that even inland communities across North Central Florida can experience flooding, tornadoes and prolonged power outages from tropical systems.
Here are several hurricane preparedness events and resources happening across North Central Florida ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
Hurricane Preparedness Workshop – Panasoffkee Community Library
A Hurricane Preparedness Workshop will be held on May 19, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Panasoffkee Community Library, 1500 CR 459 in Lake Panasoffkee.
This free workshop, presented by emergency management staff, will cover essential hurricane readiness topics such as preparing emergency kits, understanding evacuation zones and protecting property before a storm arrives.
Hurricane Preparedness Workshop – Bushnell Library
A Hurricane Preparedness Workshop will take place on May 27, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Bushnell Library, 402 N Florida St. in Bushnell.
This event is free and provides residents with guidance on emergency preparedness planning, including evacuation strategies, supply kit recommendations and storm safety procedures.
Hurricane Preparedness Workshop – Belvedere Library (The Villages)
A Hurricane Preparedness Workshop will be held on May 29, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Belvedere Library, 325 Belvedere Blvd. in The Villages.
This event is free to attend and will be led by emergency management presenter Dave Casto. The workshop focuses on hurricane safety basics, including how to prepare before a storm, what to do during severe weather and recovery steps after impact.
Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Workshop – Williston
A free Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Workshop will be held on June 2, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Williston Chamber of Commerce Community Room, 50 NW Main St. in Williston.
Hosted in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, this workshop is free to attend and is designed for both residents and business owners. It covers disaster planning, hurricane readiness and recovery resources, along with practical tools to help communities respond effectively after storms.
Hurricane Preparedness Expo – Tavares
The Hurricane Preparedness Expo will be held on June 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Venue at Lineman Ranch, 617 S. Whitney Rd. in Leesburg.
This is a free community event focused on hurricane preparedness, education and family engagement, while also raising funds for The Fallen Lineman, honoring utility workers who restore power during severe storms.
The expo will feature more than 40 local vendors, free door prizes, a grand prize generator giveaway, food trucks, a kids’ zone with activities like Touch-a-Truck and a blood bank bus promoting emergency-season blood donation awareness. Special guest speakers will also share hurricane preparedness, safety and emergency response information.
The event, sponsored by the Tavares Chamber of Commerce and Titan Roofing, offers vendor spaces for $100 for chamber members and $150 for non-members.