Ahead of Hurricane Milton’s anticipated landfall as a major hurricane in Florida this week, mandatory evacuations in Tampa Bay have begun. Authorities are urging residents in low-lying areas to seek safe shelter immediately, as the hurricane is projected to bring strong winds, heavy rain, and significant storm surge.
It could reach Category 3 major hurricane strength, with winds up to 115 mph, as it heads toward Florida’s Gulf Coast. This makes it essential for everyone to take evacuation orders seriously and head to designated safe shelters in the area.
Emergency Shelters Opening in Tampa Bay Area
In addition to evacuations, emergency shelters in the area are opening soon to ensure everyone has a safe place to ride out the storm. Residents are encouraged to check the list of open shelters and make their way there before conditions deteriorate. For those needing assistance, there are designated shelters that accommodate special needs and pet owners as well.
Shelters open in the Tampa Bay area ahead of Hurricane Milton to help residents find safety as the storm draws closer. Authorities have also provided public transportation options to assist with travel to these shelters.
Manatee County Shelter Locations
The following three school locations in Manatee County will open as shelters at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7:
- Mills Elementary School: 7200 69th St. E., Palmetto
- Miller Elementary School: 601 43rd St. W., Bradenton
- Myakka Elementary School: 37205 Manatee Ave., Myakka City
A special needs shelter is also available for those who have registered in advance. You can register here.
Pasco County Shelter Locations
Pasco County is opening hurricane shelters at noon on Monday, Oct. 7 ahead of Hurricane Milton:
- Centennial Middle School: 38505 Centennial Road, Dade City
- Fivay High School: 12115 Chicago Avenue, Hudson
- Wesley Chapel High School: 30651 Wells Road, Wesley Chapel
- River Ridge Middle and High Schools: 11646 Town Center Road, New Port Richey
- Fasano Regional Hurricane Center: 11611 Denton Avenue, Hudson (Special Needs Only)
The county will have GoPasco running regular routes on Monday, providing free rides to shelters until weather conditions worsen.
Polk County Shelter Locations
The following public shelters in Polk County will open at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 8:
- Auburndale High School: 1 Bloodhound Trail, Auburndale
- Spessard Holland Elementary School: 2432 E.F. Griffin Road, Bartow
- Citrus Ridge Academy: 1775 Sand Mine Road, Davenport
- Horizons Elementary School: 1700 Forest Lake Dr., Davenport
- George Jenkins High School: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland
- Highlands Grove Elementary: 4510 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland
- Kathleen High School: 1100 Red Devil Way, Lakeland
- R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School: 5500 Yates Road, Lakeland
- Sleepy Hill Elementary School: 2285 Sleepy Hill Road, Lakeland
- Mulberry Middle School: 500 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Mulberry
- Lake Marion Creek Middle School: 3055 Lake Marion Creek Dr., Poinciana
- Chain of Lakes Elementary School: 7001 Hwy. 653, Winter Haven
- Winter Haven High School: 600 6th St. S.E., Winter Haven
Pet-Friendly Shelters in Polk County
In addition, the following pet-friendly shelters will be available:
- Haines City High School: 2800 Hornet Dr., Haines City
- Lake Region High School: 1995 Thunder Road, Eagle Lake
- Tenoroc High School: 4905 Saddle Creek Road, Lakeland
Special Needs Shelters in Polk County
Finally, the following special needs shelters will open starting at 7 a.m. on Tuesday:
- FDOH Polk Specialty Care Unit: 1255 Brice Blvd., Bartow
- Ridge Community High School: 500 W. Orchid Dr., Davenport
- McKeel Academy: 1810 W. Parker St., Lakeland
Residents are encouraged to make use of these shelters and to bring any necessary supplies, such as medication, food, and important documents. The safety of you and your loved ones is the priority, and Tampa Bay is working to provide adequate shelter for all those in need. WFLA initially published the story.
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