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Voters have until Sunday, Nov. 3, to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
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Spectrum News Staff
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Tag: Polk County
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Flooding near Lake Bonny causes frustration
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LAKELAND, Fla. — Residents living near Lake Bonny voiced their frustrations at Lakeland’s commission meeting on Monday.
Resident Pamela Smith fought back tears as she addressed Mayor Bill Mutz and city leaders.
“We have nowhere to live. You guys are our only lifeline,” she said.
Her home on Lake Bonny Drive is still flooded with water nearly two weeks after Hurricane Milton.
“One hundred thirteen feet from my back door to the dock, and it’s flooded. It surrounds our house,” she said.
Smith said the lake started to encroach on her yard in early August. Once Hurricane Milton made landfall, she said water entered her home, along with sewage from a city waste line. Now, Smith and her family are unable to live inside.
“Our home is completely ruined. Completely ruined. It’s uninhabitable,” she said. “Anything that’s in this house at this moment, we cannot take out. We can’t take anything with us after this.”
Smith and her husband said the damage wouldn’t have been as extensive if officials had addressed concerns about the area’s emergency pump sooner. Each time residents called, Smith said they were given the same response.
“City employees told us it’s pumping. It’s working, it’s working, it’s working,” she said.
According to a public notice from Communications Director Kevin Cook, Lakeland obtained a permit from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to construct and operate an emergency pump to increase water flow from Lake Bonny to Lake Parker. While city commissioners assure the pump is working, they acknowledge it’s not operating as effectively as needed.
“There are two parts: where it’s being pumped to can only handle so much, and that’s going to keep the water from flowing back,” Commissioner Mike Musick said. “And the other thing is just debris from the storm. We had a hurricane blowing all over the place, so being out there all the time—just like a pool—you’ve got to screen it, then re-screen it, and then re-screen it.”
However, Mutz said the flooding has reached beyond what the pump can address.
“To be as drastic as necessary, we have to do something that requires much more pumping in that area,” he said.
Mutz and others said they are working behind the scenes with several agencies, including SWFWMD, to resolve the issue. However, Smith said without a long-term solution, she and her neighbors are worried this will become a recurring problem.
“So now what are we going to do?” Smith said.
Residents will have the opportunity to express their concerns during the Polk County Commission meeting on Nov. 5.
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Alexis Jones
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Polk County debris collection map to track Milton cleanup process
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POLK COUNTY, Fla. — As efforts continue to clear debris from Hurricane Milton around Tampa Bay, Polk County has launched a debris collection map for residents to monitor the cleanup status.
Debris hauling has begun in the county. Officials said their initial focus will be in the most heavily damaged areas that are unaffected by flooding.
To ensure debris is picked up at the curb, residents should separate debris by the following categories:
- Vegetative Debris (unbagged leaves, logs, plants and tree branches)
- Construction and demolition debris (building materials, carpet, drywall, furniture, lumber, mattress, plumbing, etc.)
- Appliances and white goods (A/C units, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, etc.)
- Electronics (televisions, computers, etc.)
- Household hazardous waste (cleaning supplies, batteries, paints, pesticides, etc.)
Debris haulers will sweep the entire county, so residents do not have to call and report or request service; however, residents may call the Residential Hurricane Milton Debris Hotline at (833) 843-1920 with questions.
For residents who wish to self-haul and drop off their debris, visit Polk County’s website for additional details.
View the debris collection map below:
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Spectrum News Staff
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Residents frustrated over growing traffic on US 17-92 in Polk
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LAKE ALFRED, Fla. – The increasing traffic in Tampa Bay and Central Florida is a frustration for many.
For over a decade, Wayne Frey has enjoyed his walks through Lake Alfred. However, these days, those walks are a little bit more hectic.
“Oh, the traffic volume has doubled since we moved in 10 years ago,” Frey said.
His main concern is US 17-92, the highway that runs through town and splits into Shinn Boulevard and Lake Shore Way. He says drivers are dealing with increased traffic in this area, while pedestrians struggle to cross.
“It’s almost impossible to get across. Sometimes it takes 10 minutes to get across there,” Frey said.
Fellow resident Sherri Parker shares similar concerns.
“We have tons of trucks coming through here. Cars nonstop. What once took me 10 minutes to go someplace now takes me 30 or longer,” Parker said.
She’s also concerned about speeding.
“It didn’t used to be this way. And they go fast. They don’t do the speed limit,” Parker said.
Residents say that traffic has increased due to the population growth in Lake Alfred, a trend also seen in neighboring areas of Polk County, such as Haines City and Auburndale, which are connected by US 17-92.
City Manager Ryan Leavengood said that a lot of the traffic on that road is made up of drivers passing through town, which contributes to increased speeds.
He acknowledges the residents’ concerns but points out that US 17-92 is operated by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
Leavengood stated that FDOT will conduct a study later this year for a proposed lane repurposing project in the area.
This initiative could ultimately help reduce speeds and enhance the walkability of downtown.
Frey hopes to see any changes that would improve road safety.
“They need to slow down the traffic somehow and put in pedestrian crosswalks,” Frey said.
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Tim Wronka
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What Floridians need to know about hurricane recovery
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Ten days after Hurricane Milton and less than a month since Hurricane Helene, Floridians are still in recovery and cleanup mode.
As residents transition from cleanup to repair, what do they need to know right off the bat? What are the resources available? What are the overall do’s and don’ts when it comes to insurance and claims and getting back to normal?
Guests:
- State Rep. Jennifer Canady [R], District 50, Lakeland
- State Rep. Adam Anderson [R], District 57, Tarpon Springs
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Allison Walker
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Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd gets goofy for Haunted Jail Fundraiser
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BARTOW, Fla. — Buster the skeleton has a problem.
And it’s not just because Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has him up against a wall of dripping blood in the deserted, Haunted County Jail.
“I think maybe he had one too many shots of Ozempic,” said Judd. “He needs to eat. Put some meat on the bones.”
Yes, Judd is that one local sheriff on a poster dressed up like a gunslinger who makes fun of criminals in news conferences.
In this news story, skeletons are the subject of Grady’s take downs.
He also kissed a skull for a photo op. And made Ouija board sound effects.
Why? What is happening here?
Where is the tough guy? Judd’s getting goofy, all so he can raise money for the United Way.
It’s the 14th and final Haunted Jail Tour, as the now empty jail awaits demolition.
And it may be Judd’s favorite time of the year coming to an end.
“It’s really cool to not see people when you have your business face on,” said Judd.
All the décor — from the coffin to the cobwebs — serves several purposes: fundraising and family fun in a non-stressful setting.
“We’re having community interaction. We’re meeting new people. It’s just totally awesome,” said Judd.
Judd credits the Department of Detention with the inception, creation and execution of the jail tour.
There is a bit of scary gore.
But Judd says it’s no problem for families with little ones.
“If you’ve got some real little kids that are too small to come through, we’ve got deputies that will watch over them, as long as you promise to come get then at the end of the tour,” said Judd.
Last year the Polk County Sheriff’s Office cut a check to the United Way of Central Florida for more than $50,000.
There is a street carnival as well, with food and children’s activities.
There is also a dunk tank with Polk County school resource deputies waiting for you to dunk them for charity.
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Virginia Johnson
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Early voting set to begin Monday in Florida
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The 2024 presidential race is well underway. The general election is coming soon, and voters in Tampa Bay and Central Florida counties can start voting Monday. They have until Sunday, Nov. 3 to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day.
Central Florida Early Voting
Residents of Central Florida looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open beginning Oct. 21. Check with your county elections office for locations near you.
- Brevard County early voting opens Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Flagler County early voting opens Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. with offices open from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m.
- Lake County early voting begins Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices will be open from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m.
- Marion County early voting begins Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices are open from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m.
- Orange County early voting starts Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices are open from 8 a.m. through 8 p.m. daily.
- Osceola County early voting begins Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices open from 8 a.m. through 8 p.m.
- Seminole County early voting begins Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
- Sumter County early voting begins Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.
- Volusia County early voting begins Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices open at 8 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.
Tampa Bay Early Voting
Residents of Tampa Bay looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open beginning Oct. 21. Check with your county elections office for locations near you.
- Hillsborough County early voting opens Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 3. Offices are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Pinellas County early voting opens Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 3. with offices open from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m.
- Pasco County early voting begins Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices will be open from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m.
- Polk County early voting begins Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 3. Offices are open from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m.
- Manatee County early voting starts Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices are open from 8:30 a.m. through 6:30 p.m. daily.
- Osceola County early voting begins Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices open from 8 a.m. through 8 p.m.
- Hernando County early voting begins Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices will open at 8 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.
- Citrus County early voting begins Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.
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Phillip Stucky
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Milton report highlights storm’s impacts on Bay area
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The National Weather Service released its initial post Hurricane Milton report.
The storm brought devastating impacts to the Bay area, including storm surge south of its eye, flash and river flooding and a trail of wind damage and power outages.
According to the initial report, part of St. Pete saw more than 20 inches of rain during the storm and almost 19 inches of rain was recorded at Albert Whitted Airport.
That shatters the previous 24-hour period record of 6.9 inches set back in 2001.
Meanwhile, in the northwest Hillsborough County area of Westchase near Racetrack Road, an isolated maximum total of almost 19 inches was recorded.
Wind gusts in our area ranged anywhere from 50 miles per hour in Citrus County to over 100 miles per hour in Pinellas and Sarasota counties.
Maximum wind gusts of 102 miles per hour were recorded at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
The NWS also tracked seven tornadoes in their coverage area in Highlands and Lee counties, but none in our viewing area.
Two EF-2 tornadoes were reported, one in Lee County and one in Highlands County.
Storm surge also hit mainly south of our area with water levels rising to an estimated 5 to 10 feet above mean high tide in parts of coastal Sarasota County.
A reverse storm surge occured in parts of Tampa Bay and north.
Surge was minimal north of Sarasota County. Coastal Charlotte County saw 4 to 8 feet of surge and coastal Lee County saw 3 to 6 feet of surge.
These are just initial reports and we could see some minor changes and/or additions to these statistics when a final report is released next year.
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Meteorologist Kyle Hanson, Meteorologist Juli Marquez
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Zephyrhills asks residents to limit flushing, use of drinking water
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ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — City of Zephyrhills officials say their sewer systems are currently under “extreme strain and cannot keep up” in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.
As a result, they are asking residents to refrain from flushing toilets, which is “causing the biggest problem.”
They are also asking people to “limit potable (drinking water) use to help alleviate the pressure on the system.”
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Spectrum News Staff
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Flood Warnings remain for Hillsborough River, Little Manatee River, others
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TAMPA, Fla. — While Hurricane Milton has moved out of the area, a number of locations remain under flood warnings.
As of Friday afternoon, they are as follows:
FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT for the Withlacoochee at US 301 Trilby. Moderate flooding is occurring and major flooding is forecast. IMPACTS…At 15.6 feet, Water is 2 to 3 feet over the bridge at Clay Sink road and State Road 575. The river is expected to rise to 16.6 feet Monday morning. Additional rises are possible thereafter. This crest compares to a previous crest of 16.6 feet on 09/29/2004.
FLOOD WARNING for the Hillsborough River at Morris Bridge. Major flooding is occurring and major flooding is forecast. This approaches the flood of record. The river is expected to rise to a crest of 37.6 feet just after midnight Friday.
FLOOD WARNING for Alafia River at Lithia. Major flooding is occurring. The river is expected to rise to a crest of 24.9 feet Friday evening.
FLOOD WARNING for the Hillsborough River near Hillsborough River State Park. Major flooding is occurring and major flooding is forecast. This approaches the flood of record. The river is currently near 17 feet. It is expected to fall to 14.2 feet Monday morning.
FLOOD WARNING for Anclote River at Elfers at Little Road. Major flooding is occurring and major flooding is forecast. This approaches the flood of record. The river is expected to rise to a crest of 26.6 feet Friday afternoon. This crest compares to a previous crest of 26.8 feet on 06/26/2012.
FLOOD WARNING for the Little Manatee River at Wimauma. Moderate flooding is occurring. The river is near 16 feet. It is expected to fall to 12.5 feet Monday morning.
FLOOD WARNING for Withlacoochee River at Croom. Minor flooding is occurring and moderate flooding is forecast. The river is expected to rise to 11.0 feet early Monday morning. Additional rises are possible thereafter.
FLOOD WARNING REMAINS for the Withlacoochee at SR 200 Holder. Minor flooding is occurring and moderate flooding is forecast. At 9.0 feet, Arrowhead subdivision floods with water in homes. The river is expected to rise to 9.7 feet Monday.
FLOOD WARNING UNTIL LATE SATURDAY EVENING for Manatee River near Myakka Head at SR 64. Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. The river is expected to fall below flood stage Saturday afternoon and continue falling to 8.5 feet Monday morning.
FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT Peace River at Bartow. The river is expected to rise to 9.3 feet early Monday morning. This approaches the flood of record.
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Spectrum News Staff
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The latest: Status of Bay area school districts
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TAMPA, Fla. — School districts through the Bay area are evaluating their situations for resuming operations in the wake of Hurricane Milton.
Here’s a list of the latest information with Bay area districts:
HILLSBOROUGH: Due to Hurricane Milton’s impacts to our community, all Hillsborough County Public Schools and district offices will be closed through Friday, October 11.
Should we need to extend our school closures due to the effects of the storm, we will inform all families and district employees.
All extracurricular activities, athletics, and HOST are canceled through Friday, as well.
PINELLAS: District operations staff have assessed and begun repairs to damages on our school sites. Currently, there are nearly 80 school sites with no power.
At this time, no decision has been made about the date for school reopening as it is dependent upon the stability of the power grid.
All updates will be posted on the district’s weather page, www.pcsb.org/weather, and on social media, including the district’s Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts.
PASCO: All Schools and District Offices will now be closed to the public, and all events and activities will be cancelled through Friday, October 11, 2024. Please prepare for the storm and check the district website and social media for updates. Please visit our Weather Updates page for more information.
POLK: Polk Schools continue to monitor the storm’s impacts on our area. PCPS schools and offices will be closed through Friday, October 11. At this time, no decision has been made about Monday, October 14. Updates will be provided over the weekend.
MANATEE: Schools will remain closed to students Thursday, October 10 and Friday, October 11, 2024. All athletic events and other extra-curricular activities are also canceled through Friday, October 11, 2024.
Once we have an assessment of our schools, we will update you on plans to resume classes for students.
HERNANDO: Hernando schools and district offices will remain closed Friday, Oct. 11. A decision regarding upcoming openings, events or activities will be made soon.
CITRUS: The Citrus County School District has been working closely with the Citrus EOC to prepare for the impact of Hurricane Milton.
Schools will be closed through Friday, October 11th. However, all District Offices will be reopened Friday, October 11th.
We will keep you updated as we receive additional information about this system’s impact on our schools.
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Spectrum News Staff
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Duke Energy issues estimated power restoration times
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – With 16,000 resources and many crews working day and night, Duke Energy Florida has released estimated times of restoration for customers impacted by Hurricane Milton.
While some customers will have their power restored earlier than others, the majority of affected homes and businesses are expected to be restored by the following days/times:
- Sunday, Oct. 13 by 11:59 p.m. / Brevard, Citrus, Hernando, Highlands, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia Counties
- Tuesday, Oct. 15 by 11:59 p.m. / Pasco and Pinellas Counties
- TRACK POWER OUTAGE NUMBERS ACROSS THE BAY AREA
“We want to alleviate our customers’ concerns and reassure them that they’ll have their power back on within days – not weeks,” said Todd Fountain, Duke Energy Florida storm director. “We thank our team for their hard work and commitment to meeting these estimated times of restoration, our local officials and first responders for their support and our customers for their continued patience.”
Customers can report power outages four different ways:
- Visit duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device.
- Use the Duke Energy mobile app (download from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play).
- Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).
- Call the automated outage reporting system at 800.228.8485.
Additionally, customers who cannot receive power as a result of damage to the property’s meter base, breaker panel or customer-owned electrical wiring should contact their local municipalities for guidance. Inspections may be required after repairs are complete.
The most up-to-date information about power outages can be accessed on Duke Energy’s Outage Map or by enrolling in Outage Alerts.
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Spectrum News Staff
Source link - Sunday, Oct. 13 by 11:59 p.m. / Brevard, Citrus, Hernando, Highlands, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia Counties
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Send us your Milton weather photos
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Share your weather photos with us and you may see them on our website or in our newscast.
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Spectrum News Staff
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FDOT: Bay area bridges will be closed at some point Wednesday
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — As of Wednesday morning, all four of the major bridges in the Tampa Bay area remain open.
That will change Wednesday as the Florida Department of Transportation said it expects to close all of the bridges as weather conditions deteriorate today ahead of Hurricane Milton.
What You Need To Know
- Wednesday a.m., all four of the major bridges in the Tampa Bay area remain open
- FDOT says Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Howard Frankland Bridge, Gandy Bridge and Courtney Campbell Causeway will all close sometime today
- Officials said there will be enough people and equipment on site to close the bridges quickly once the call is made
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Howard Frankland Bridge, Gandy Bridge and Courtney Campbell Causeway are all anticipated to close this afternoon.
Traffic officials said there will be enough people and equipment on site to close the bridges quickly once the call is made.
That’s different from what happened during Hurricane Helene last month.
Traffic, though light, was still on the Howard Frankland a few hours before the peak of Helene impacted the area (see below). Drivers that crossed the bridge braved crashing waves that swamped the roadway.
FDOT officials said they made the call to close around 3 in the afternoon, but it took another 45 minutes to actually shut the bridge down.
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Spectrum News Staff
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Tornado Watches issued for southern parts of Bay area
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BE WEATHER AWARE
A warning remains in place for southeastern Polk County until 4:30 p.m.
A TORNADO WATCH has been issued until 9 p.m. for PINELLAS, HILLSBOROUGH, MANATEE, PASCO and HERNANDO counties. Some of the rain bands over the next many hours will have the potential for rotation.
Watch Spectrum Bay News 9 LIVE anytime on our website and our app for the latest updates. Scroll down for the latest important weather information and the latest watches and warnings for the Tampa Bay area.
We encourage everyone to download the Spectrum news app and enable weather alerts to be notified when severe weather is in your area. Be sure to check in with Klystron 9 throughout the day.
Manage your weather notifications in the Spectrum Bay News 9 app.
LATEST WATCHES/WARNINGS
Click/tap on the warning areas on the Klystron 9 map for more information on watches/warnings. Turn on the Klystron 9 layer to track storms. More watches/warnings information below the map.
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Spectrum News Staff
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Stay informed with Bay News 9 hurricane radio partners
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — As Milton approaches the Bay area, staying aware with the latest information will be vital.
In addition to watching Spectrum Bay News 9, you can stay informed in a variety of ways.
As the storm gets closer to the Bay area, we’ll keep you up to date with the latest weather information and watches and warnings for your neighborhood. You can also find storm shelters, county-by-county evacuation maps and an interactive hurricane tracker.
You can also take the Bay News 9 Weather Experts with you on the Spectrum News app or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
You can also listen to Bay News 9 on our hurricane radio partners across the Bay area:
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Spectrum News Staff
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Orlando International Airport to cease operations on Wednesday due to Milton
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ORLANDO, Fla. — Hurricane Milton is expected to bring wind and rain to Central Florida and that will likely cause delays and cancellations at area airports.
Orlando International Airport announced Monday afternoon that the airport will cease commercial operations on Wednesday morning in advance of Hurricane Milton.
Check below to see the status of all the flights at Orlando International Airport, as well as Orlando Sanford airport.
**Be sure to double check your flight status on the airport websites as information could be delayed**
Orlando International Arrivals
Orlando International Departures
Orlando Sanford Arrivals
Orlando Sanford Departures
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Spectrum News Staff
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SHELTERS: Cities, counties opening shelters ahead of Hurricane Milton
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Counties across the Tampa Bay area are opening emergency shelters ahead of Hurricane Milton. We’ll post them below and update the list as we get new information.
PINELLAS COUNTY
Pinellas County is opening six emergency shelters in advance of Hurricane Milton. Effective at noon today, Monday, Oct. 7, the following shelters will be open:
– Largo High School (general population and pet friendly), 410 Missouri Ave. N., Largo
– Gibbs High School (general population and pet friendly), 850 34th St. S. St. Petersburg
– Palm Harbor University High School (general population and pet friendly), 1900 Omaha St, Palm Harbor
– Palm Harbor University High School Bldg. 19 (special needs), 1900 Omaha St., Palm Harbor
– Dunedin Highland Middle School (special needs), 70 Patricia Ave., Dunedin
– Oak Grove Middle School (special needs), 1370 S. Belcher Road, ClearwaterFor more information, click here.
PASCO COUNTY
Pasco County is opening hurricane shelters for anyone who needs to leave their home ahead of Hurricane Milton and has nowhere else to stay. All shelters are accepting family pets.The following shelters will open Monday, October 7, 2024, at noon:
- 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)
Learn more about what to bring if you’re sheltering with your pet: mypas.co/PetHurricanePrep
MANATEE COUNTY
The following locations will be opening emergency shelters Monday afternoon:
- 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 will also be opening for those who have pre-registered. If you haven’t registered yet, please do so at mymanatee.org/needs.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
Hillsborough County will open Middleton High School this afternoon as a safe haven in advance of inclement weather for residents who were impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Middleton High School will open at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, at 4801 N. 22nd St., Tampa, Fla., 33610. The forecast calls for heavy rain and wind on Sunday afternoon through Sunday night.
Residents who need transportation assistance to Middleton High School should call 833-HC STORM or 833-427-8676 to make arrangements. The storm information and helpline is open until 7 p.m.
POLK COUNTY
Based on the current projections and estimated time of Hurricane Milton’s arrival to Polk County, the following public shelters will be 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
Three pet friendly shelters will also be open noon on Tuesday, Oct. 8.
They are located at:
- 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
Pet owners must bring shot records for their pets, an airline-approved carrying case or crate and pet food.
Special Needs shelters will also open at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, for those residents with special and/or medical needs. Special needs shelters are temporary emergency facilities capable of providing care to residents whose medical condition(s) may require the use of electrical equipment, oxygen or dialysis, or individuals with physical, cognitive or medical conditions who may require assistance from medical professionals. Although special needs shelters provide more care than a general shelter, they do not provide the level of care found in a medical facility.
The Special Needs shelters are located at:
- 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
For the most up-to-date information, please monitor your local news media or call the Citizen’s Information Line at (863) 298-7500 (locally) or toll-free 866-661-0228.
HERNANDO COUNTY
No shelter information at this time.
CITRUS COUNTY
No shelter information at this time.
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Spectrum News Staff
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COUNTY BY COUNTY: What to expect around Tampa Bay
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Our Spectrum Bay News 9 Weather Experts have broken down, by county, what to watch for as Milton gets closer to landfall. For the latest forecast updates, you can check here.
Citrus
Hurricane Watch (Peak Winds: until Noon Thursday)
Winds: 75 mph, gusts to 90
Flood Watch (until Thursday AM)
Rainfall: 5-10 inches, locally higher amounts possible
Storm Surge Watch
The potential for up to 5-10 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas if the storm makes landfall north of Citrus County, surge is not expected if it hits south.
Hernando
Hurricane Watch Winds: 75 mph, gusts to 90
Flood Watch (until Thursday AM)
Rainfall: 5-10 inches, locally higher amounts possible
Storm Surge Watch
The potential for up to 5-10 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas if the storm makes landfall north of Hernando County, surge is not expected if it hits south.
Pasco
Hurricane Watch (Peak Winds: until midday Thursday)
Winds: 80 mph, gusts to 100
Flood Watch until Thursday morning
Rainfall: 5-10 inches, locally higher amounts possible
Storm Surge Watch
The potential for up to 5-10 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas if the storm makes landfall north of Pasco County, surge is not expected if it hits south.
Pinellas
Hurricane Watch (Peak Winds: until midday Thursday)
Winds: 80 mph, gusts to 110
Flood Watch until Thursday morning
Rainfall: 5-10 inches, locally higher amounts possible
Storm Surge Watch
The potential for up to 8-12 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas if the storm makes landfall in the county or north, surge is not expected if it hits south of Tampa Bay.
Hillsborough
Hurricane Watch (Peak Winds: until midday Thursday)
Winds: 70 mph, gusts to 90
Flood Watch until Thursday
Rainfall: 5-10 inches, locally higher amounts possible
Storm Surge Watch
The potential for up to 8-12 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas if the storm makes landfall in the county or north, surge is not expected if it hits south of Tampa Bay.
Manatee
Hurricane Watch (Peak Winds: until noon Thursday)
Winds: 75 mph, gusts to 100
Flood Watch until Thursday Morning
Rainfall: 3-6 inches, locally higher amounts possible
Storm Surge Watch
The potential for up to 8-12 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas.
Polk
Hurricane Watch (Peak Winds: until Thursday afternoon)
Winds: 50 mph, gusts to 75
Flood Watch until Thursday AM
Rainfall: 3-6 inches, locally higher amounts possible
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Meteorologist Kyle Hanson
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PSTA to run fare-free to help with evacuations due to Milton
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TAMPA, Fla. — The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority announced on Sunday that they will continue to run until winds reach 40 mph. All routes will also be fare-free to help assist with the evacuation process.
The administration building will be open on Monday, but will close Tuesday and Wednesday.
In the event of a hurricane, the PSTA will work alongside the Pinellas County Emergency Management team to provide transportation to a list of the shelters. There are also several locations where passengers can transfer and ride to a shelter with available space. The transfer locations are: Park Street Terminal, Grand Central Station, Westfield Countryside Mall, Tyrone Square Mall and Pinellas Park Transit Center.
Pets are permitted on evacuation busses as long as they are in a pet carrier. If you are going to a shelter that accepts pets, you must pre-register with the Pinellas County Animal Services by calling 727-582-2600.
If you need transportation to a special needs shelter, you must pre-register with Pinellas County Emergency Management by calling 727-464-3800.
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Spectrum News Staff
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