Share:
for immediate release
May 28, 2026
— Events will take place on Friday, May 29 and Saturday, June 6 —
Miami Beach, FL – To help residents gear up for the Atlantic hurricane season, the City of Miami Beach is offering a modern alternative to traditional sandbags. This year, the city will once again be giving away bags that come prefilled with silica gel beads that expand when they are soaked in water.
Residents may pick up to four bags per household with proof of residency, such as a government-issued ID or utility bill, while supplies last. Distribution will take place on Friday, May 29 from 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 – 6:30 p.m., and on Saturday, June 6 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the municipal parking lots located at 3501 Collins Ave. and 7940 Collins Ave.
“Providing these light ‘sandless’ bags is a key priority for me to ensure our flood mitigation efforts are accessible as possible to our residents,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. “These bags are flat and easily portable until activated. This initiative is about removing the strain from storm preparation so our residents can focus on what matters most— keeping their families safe.”
Prior to use, residents need only to spray the bags with water, or soak them in a bathtub or basin until fully saturated.
As a reminder, bags that have come in contact with floodwaters should not be stored for reuse. After use, or if packaging has become compromised, place bag and any spilled silica gel beads in a garbage bag for disposal. Do not dispose of silica gel beads in toilets, showers, or sinks. Never place sandbags or silica gel beads in storm drains, bodies of water or the beach. Prior to use, bags should be stored in a cool ventilated area.
The city’s “Flood Awareness and Safety Tips” brochure with also be distributed to residents during the bag distribution for helpful guidance on what to do before, during and after a flooding event. For more information on flood safety in Miami Beach, visit www.miamibeachfl.gov/flood-awareness.
###
To request this material in alternate format, sign language interpreter (five-day notice required), information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodation to review any document or participate in any city-sponsored proceedings, call 305.604.2ADA (2232) and select 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 6; TTY users may call via 711 (Florida Relay Service).
