Tag: Storm Season

Storm Season: Florida tax-free holiday starts June 1

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A sales tax holiday that begins Saturday will allow Florida residents to purchase items needed for storm season, without paying a sales tax.

Storm Season: What You Need To Know

From June 1-14, items such as batteries, flashlights and generators can be purchased tax free.

Items for pets, including litter pans, leashes and pet pads, are also included in the holiday.

Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers can also be bought with no sales tax applied.

You can see a full list of of tax-free items here.

A second exemption period will begin Saturday, Aug. 24 and extend through Friday, Sept. 6.

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Spectrum News Staff

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May 30, 2024
Gulfport first responders take proactive approach to 2024 hurricane season
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GULFPORT, Fla. — The past hurricane seasons have brought surprises to even some of the most seasoned Gulfport residents, so this year, first responders are being even more proactive.

Tropical Storm Eta, in 2020, ripped nearly a dozen boats from their moorings, sending them into the shore.
What You Need To Know

Gulfport police ask residents who live on boats to have anchors, safety gear, and storm plan

Mariners asked to check condition of lines to avoid boats breaking free during storms

SAFETY ALERTS: FROM ALERT PINELLAS

MORE: STORM SEASON 2024
Hurricane Idalia in 2023 brought a number of calls for help into the emergency operations center at the height of the storm from boaters wanting to be rescued.

Now, ahead of the start of the 2024 hurricane season, first responders want to make sure that Gulfport residents who live on their boats are prepared for the worst.

Sgt. Rob Burkhart with the Gulfport Police Department says ahead of an incoming storm, he goes boat to boat to check in with residents and asks them if they plan to evacuate.

“We can’t force people off their boats,” Burkhart said.

While some boaters evacuate ahead of a storm, others choose to stay. Burkhart says in those situations he warns the residents about the risk of riding a storm out on the water.

“Once we reach 50 miles per hour sustained winds, we’re going to worry about our own safety and we’re going to shelter,” he said.

During Hurricane Idalia last year, Burkhart said the police department received a number of 911 calls from boaters in Boca Ciega Bay, despite the warnings they gave to those residents.

“I was working the night shift, and we sat there all night taking phone calls from people who were out in the storm and we had to tell them I’m sorry we can’t do anything until the storm passes,” he said.

To prepare for a storm, Burkhart says he goes out on the water and takes a mental census of which boats are occupied in order to better help law enforcement respond to emergencies when it’s safe to do so. He also visually checks moorings and anchor lines, to make sure that each boat is prepared for the storm so they can avoid boats cutting free and injuring others or getting beached on the shoreline.

“If you think your boat is going to survive, it’s just a matter of time until the right storm comes along and it doesn’t,” he said.

George Cavanaugh has been living on his boat part-time for the last two years. He says he decided to stay on his vessel during a strong unnamed storm in December 2023, but quickly regretted that decision.

“The storm wasn’t powerful enough for me to evacuate, but then the squalls came up and I wish I did,” he said. “I’ve learned really quick to respect Mother Nature.”

The city of Gulfport is holding its annual hurricane seminar on Thursday, May 30, at 6 p.m. at the Catherine Hickman Theater. The event is open to the public.

Emergency management is asking Pinellas County residents to sign up for safety alerts ahead of the start of hurricane season.
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Angie Angers

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May 30, 2024
Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1

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The Atlantic hurricane season begins on Saturday, June 1.

NOAA just released its 2024 hurricane season outlook, and is forecasting above normal activity this year.

What do these forecasts mean for people living in hurricane-prone areas? What are the ingredients for an active hurricane season? What can you do to prepare?

Spectrum News Meteorologists’ Kyle Hanson, Thomas Meiners, Blake Matthews, Reid Lybarger and Stacy Lynn will answer your questions about NOAA’s forecast and what you can expect this hurricane season at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 23.

Be sure to include your name and location when you ask a question below.

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Spectrum News Weather Staff

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May 23, 2024
Water Management District upgrading structure protecting Lake Tarpon
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PALM HARBOR, Fla. — Hurricane season is just days away, and preparations on many levels are being made just in case a storm heads toward Tampa Bay area counties.
What You Need To Know

The S-551 water control structure on Lake Tarpon’s outfall canal is currently receiving upgrades to extend the life of the structure

The structure protects from saltwater intrusion and flooding, helps protects the lake’s freshwater ecology

A technique called cathodic protection is used to protect the rebar inside the structure against saltwater corrosion

The upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of July, with final touches done by October
The Southwest Water Management District is updating a water control structure, S-551, on Lake Tarpon’s outfall canal.

The structure, which was built in the 1970s, protects saltwater intrusion into Lake Tarpon and flooding during high water events.

“It prevents salt water intrusion, it maintains the fresh water ecology and maintains water levels in Lake Tarpon,” said Sammy Huey, a senior professional engineer with the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

The engineers and construction crews are making repairs to the structure through a method called cathodic protection.

The method works to protect the concrete and rebar, which holds this structure up, from saltwater and corrosion.

“These are the bulk anodes that are going to be installed on the outside of the structure,” Huey said. “These are made out of zinc anode metal material.”

The metal anodes are installed and they attract the corrosive element in the water, which then corrode the anode and not the rebar.

“What we are looking at are the anodes that are being installed inside of the concrete,” Huey said. “We have the form work in place, and we will be removing that once the concrete has cured.”

Anodes have been placed all over the structure, including below the water and inside the concrete.

“This gives it a fresh bill of health,” said Huey.

Huey said they expect to complete the project by the end of July, and finish up all final touch ups by the end of October.
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Erin Murray

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May 22, 2024
Pinellas County offers pre-filled sandbags ahead of hurricane season
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St. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Pinellas County is offering residents up to 10 free, pre-filled sandbags in preparation for hurricane season.

The new system replaces the need for residents to fill bags themselves, and county officials say people need to pick their bags up sooner rather than later.
What You Need To Know

Pinellas County is offering 10 free, pre-filled sandbags year round to prepare for hurricane season

They can be picked up at the Pinellas County Solid Waste Complex at 2855 109th Ave. North in St. Petersburg

Officials say the site will be closed when storm is quickly approaching, so they encourage residents to be prepared well in advance of a storm
The county opened its first year-round sandbag pick-up location at the Pinellas County Solid Waste Complex, located at 2855 109th Ave. North in St. Petersburg.

“Sandbags are not the silver bullet for the situation,” said Pinellas County Public Works spokesperson Marq Caughell. “So if you are expecting some low-level flooding up to about 15 inches, then the sand bags that we are giving away here and at some community events around Pinellas County, they are good for protecting one door.”

In previous years, self-serve bag locations opened once a storm was on the way, and the wait times could stretch for hours. County officials say they hope people will embrace the new system, and encouraged residents to be prepared long before a storm is coming.

Because there is now a year-round site now available, when a storm is near, it will not be open.

Sandbags can be picked up from the Pinellas County Solid Waste Complex Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Free sandbags will also be given out at several storm preparedness events. For information on when and where they will be taking place, visit the Pinellas County emergency information website.
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Jeff Van Sant

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May 13, 2024
Test your hurricane knowledge with tropical trivia

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Take this short quiz to test your hurricane knowledge.

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Spectrum News Staff

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May 8, 2024
Hurricane awareness event set for Wednesday, with Brian McClure speaking

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It will take place at 4 p.m. at the 4th Floor Community Center, located at 19305 Gulf Boulevard.

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Spectrum News Staff

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April 30, 2024
Colorado State University issues highest pre-season hurricane forecast ever
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Researchers at Colorado State University released their preseasonal Atlantic hurricane season forecast Thursday morning, calling for another active year across the Atlantic basin.
What You Need To Know

Colorado State University is calling for a hyperactive Atlantic hurricane season

The forecast calls for 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes and 5 major hurricanes

This is the highest preseason forecast put out by CSU since they began in 1995

Hot ocean waters and an expected decrease in wind shear is promoting the high forecast
The report, released at the National Tropical Weather Conference in Texas, highlights several factors for the upcoming season which lead researchers to believe the Atlantic will be as alive as ever.

The forecast calls for 23 named storms this season. Of those 23 storms, 11 are expected to become hurricanes and five are expected to reach major hurricane strength with winds of 111 miles per hour or greater.

This is the most aggressive preseason forecast Colorado State University has ever issued. The previous record for highest preseason forecast called for nine hurricanes in a season, which CSU has forecast several times since their first April predictions began in 1995.

The researchers cite record warm tropical and eastern Atlantic sea surface temperatures being a primary factor in the hurricane prediction this year.

“When waters in the eastern and central tropical and subtropical Atlantic are much warmer than normal in the spring, this tends to force a weaker subtropical high and associated weaker winds blowing across the tropical Atlantic,” the report states. “A very warm Atlantic favors an above-average season, since a hurricane’s fuel source is warm ocean water.”

Additionally, warmer sea surface temperatures promote larger areas of rising air, which promotes storm development. This can also lead to more favorable conditions for hurricane development as a season moves on.

But that’s not the only factor leading researchers to believe the season this year will be more active than usual. A changing global climate pattern known as the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) will help spark lower wind shear across the Atlantic basin, likely bringing a more favorable environment for storms to thrive as we head toward the peak season in August and September.

“The tropical Pacific is currently characterized by weak El Niño conditions. These El Niño conditions are likely to transition to neutral ENSO conditions in the next few weeks and then to La Niña conditions by the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season,” the report states. “La Niña typically increases Atlantic hurricane activity through decreases in vertical wind shear.”

Historically, ENSO forecasting during the spring months can be filled with some questions. Global climate models struggle with capturing the full extent of how the atmosphere can transition heading into summer. But CSU says this year’s climate forecast brings some unusual confidence.

“All models are forecasting El Niño to be gone, with most models forecasting La Niña to develop by the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season,” they say.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs a name list that’s 21 names long. Colorado State University is outright forecasting that the season will run out of names by Nov. 30. If that becomes the case, the basin will move to a secondary name list for the first time since its inception in 2021. Before 2021, any storms that formed after the 21st went in order of the Greek Alphabet. That has only occurred twice in recorded history — 2005 and 2020.

In total, CSU predicts that hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year will be about 170% of an average season. Last year, hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin tracked about 120% of an average season.

Colorado State will issue forecast updates to its seasonal predictions on June 11, July 9 and Aug. 6 of this year.

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
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Meteorologist Zach Covey

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April 4, 2024
NHC is making changes to the cone of uncertainty this year
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The National Hurricane Center (NHC) will experiment with some tweaks to the way the cone of uncertainty is presented this hurricane season.
What You Need To Know

Inland tropical watches and warnings will be shown on an experimental map with the cone

The cone will still be present over the watches and warnings

The usage of the cone and alerts will not change
Instead of just displaying watches and warnings at the coast, the NHC will distribute display all tropical watches and warnings through inland areas in a new graphic on their website.

“The absence of displaying those warnings inadvertently gives the impression that it’s all clear in the more inland locations,” says Deputy Director of the National Hurricane Center, Jamie Rhome.

Here is a look at what the new experimental cone will look like.

For reference, here is what the traditional cone of uncertainty looks like.

Studies have shown that it is common for people to misinterpret the cone of uncertainty.

For instance, according to a study by Colorado State University, people perceive the widening of the cone toward the end of the forecast period to mean that the storm will be getting bigger.

In reality, widening the cone is just communicating a greater degree of uncertainty as to where the center of the storm will pass. It is independent of the size or intensity of the storm.

The NHC hopes to reduce misinterpretation with a new look to the cone, and this new experimental graphic is a step in that direction.

“I suspect we will have to make other changes in the realm of hurricane risk communication as time marches on,” says Rhome. “we want to move people off the cone and onto the hazards.”

Other changes could come to the cone in the future, but the National Hurricane Center wants feedback from professionals and the public before going any further.

“That’s what this experimentation is about, to start a discussion and open up a forum and a venue for people to talk to us about what changes need to be made in hurricane risk communication,” says Rhome.

Even with slight changes to how the cone is displayed, the meaning of the cone of uncertainty, along with tropical watches and warnings, will not change.

The traditional, operational cone of uncertainty will continue to be distributed by the NHC. The new, experimental, graphic will be available on the National Hurricane Center Website.

2024 storm names

Here’s a look at the list of names for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
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Meteorologist Kyle Hanson

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February 1, 2024
Northern counties are open for business weeks after Hurricane Idalia
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HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — Weeks after Hurricane Idalia, coastal communities in the nature coast are just now returning to normal.

Waterfront areas of Hernando and Citrus counties dealt with what our weather experts estimate was more than three feet of storm surge.
What You Need To Know

Areas along the water in Hernando and Citrus counties dealt with more than 3-feet of storm surge from Hurricane Idalia

Weeks after cleanup and recovery, both counties are back open for business

One business couple is taking the damage from the storm in stride and coming back stronger than before
Businesses like Hunter Springs Kayak Tours have since reopened. The storm pushed nearly a foot of water into the kayak rental store. Cleaning up required plenty of time and patience.

But now, local leaders say it’s time to get the message out — that Citrus County is back open for business.

“You had businesses that were impacted that were also giving back to the community,” said Josh Wooten, President & CEO of the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce. “Just people working together. The government did a great job and I think the citizens, at large, really, it’s a testament to them that we got back up and running quickly.”

Wooten added that with businesses back up and running, he expects a boost for the local economy.

And just a 10-mile drive south from Crystal River to Homosassa, another local business had to pick up the pieces after Idalia. A job these owners are taking one scoop at a time. Rebekah and James Barr never expected such a significant impact from Idalia.

“You see these things on tv but then to actually experience it a little bit, it’s like, ‘Wow- this is surreal,’” said Rebekah.

They’ve owned their ice cream shop for four years — the ‘Ice Cream Barr’ a blessing — until the storm brought uncertainty.

“My first reaction was to cry, but I just knew it was all for a purpose and that there was a reason behind it all,” said Rebekah. “I didn’t know how we were going to be okay, but I knew we were going to be okay.”

The shop you see now looked pretty different after Hurricane Idalia impacted Florida’s Gulf Coast in late August.

“One of the first things I noticed when we were able to get into the building was this right here,” said James. “We’d scrubbed quite a bit, but you can still see a clear water line. This is about 18 to 20 inches from the ground.”

After many hours of scrubbing and cleaning, their shop is now back open. Serving hungry customers one cone at a time.

But owning an ice cream shop wasn’t something they’d even thought of until moving to the area.

“I grew up in upstate New York where there’s ice cream shops on every corner and we come down here and we’re like, ‘Okay let’s go get some ice cream,’” says Rebekah. “And there’s no mom-and-pop ice cream shops. We were like, ‘We need to do that.’ We like to cook, so it’s kind of a hobby, but I never thought we’d get into ice cream.”

A hobby now turned into a profession. Made special by the experiences they’ve gone through.

“All of the old machines that were given to us by friends and other people who wanted to help us out, gave us old appliances throughout all of this,” said James. “I cleaned them all and now they’re working better, they’re even colder. So there’s always good. Every time you look at a situation, there’s always good to be found.”

It’s that ‘finding the good during the bad’ that keeps the couple going. Maybe that’s why now — more than ever — it’s an appropriate time to celebrate.

“We are going to have our big grand opening party on Oct. 1,” said Rebekah. “It’s going to be a luau Hawaiian theme, so we hope you can join us.”

With a promise of more frosted treats on the way, you can find your local ‘Ice Cream Barr’ at 10844 W Yulee Drive, Homosassa.
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Calvin Lewis

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September 18, 2023
Cedar Key churches band together to lift up residents after Idalia
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CEDAR KEY, Fla. — Cedar Key is a small, tight-knit community of just 700 full-time residents.

People on the island say when a storm comes through and their neighbors are in need, everyone is quick to band together to support each other.
What You Need To Know

Cedar Key churches have been working together to collect donations, serve hot meals and lift up residents after Idalia.

Pastor Billy Dalton with First Baptist Church said they were able to also send supplies to other hard-hit areas like Horseshoe Beach and Steinhatchee.

Dalton will be leading a special service at 11 a.m. on Sunday for residents to gather and reflect.
As soon as Idalia settled on Wednesday afternoon, Pastor Billy Dalton with First Baptist Church Cedar Key sprung into action. The church has been collecting donations and serving three hot meals a day. People have been donating water bottles, pet food, gloves for cleanup and other necessities.

“You’ll have somebody come up, they’ll drop off two and somebody right behind them will be grabbing three,” Dalton said. “People are driving in from all over the state, even out of state, and delivering stuff so that’s fantastic.”

Dalton said churches on the island are all working together to help get residents back on their feet. As residents begin to rebuild their lives, Dalton said he wants to be a light for the community and give them hope.

“I think a lot of people go into despair, discouragement,” he said. “Especially if you’ve poured your life into a business or you have your home and all these things – and then those things are gone. Ultimately we need to say OK, we’re still here, we have our relationship with God, we have our relationship with one another. We’re going to come together, we’re going to be together. Don’t give up. Let’s keep going step by step.”

Dalton said so many donations have come in from people locally and in other areas of the state, that they’ve been able to send them to other hard-hit areas like Horseshoe Beach and Steinhachee.

“For all these communities, it’s going to be a long process of rebuilding,” he said. “I think sometimes we have a tendency to jump in and then something else happens and then people get forgotten. So, I just encourage people – thank you so much on the front end, and bear with us for the long term as well.”

Pastor Dalton held a special service at 11 a.m. on Sunday at First Baptist Church for the community to come together and reflect.
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Brian Rea

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September 3, 2023
Business wiped out by Hermine rebuilds once again after Idalia
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CEDAR KEY, Fla. — Peter Stefani and his wife, Gina, have been running Cedar Cove Hotel for more than 30 years.

It’s become known as a staple in the community.
What You Need To Know

Communities in the Big Bend were also hit badly with damage from Hurricane Hermine in August 2016

Cedar Cove Hotel in Cedar Key was a complete loss

It took a year and a half to reopen the hotel and restaurant

Seven years later, the owners are rebuilding their business once again
Stefani now has months of work ahead of him, after Hurricane Idalia washed out the Island Room Restaurant on the first floor. Everything has to be replaced, Stefani said, except for the bar that is still standing.

“You can’t prepare for something like this,” he said. “I mean, we did all we could. We boarded up and taped up and did all the stuff we’re supposed to do. But, Mother Nature is going to do what it wants to do.”

Our Spectrum News team first met Stefani the day before Idalia made landfall in the Big Bend region. Two days later, Stefani returned to a much different scene – windows shattered, bottles of wine floating in the Gulf and the feeling that he had been in this position before.

In August 2016, Cedar Cove was completely taken out by Hurricane Hermine. It took Stefani a year and a half to reopen.

“It’s ironic that they’re almost on the same date,” Stefani said. “There’s a certain amount of resiliency and there’s a lot of people that are ready to leave and get the heck out of here and I don’t blame them. I’m not making that choice. We have to get back and running, we can’t just leave.”

When Stefani rebuilt after Hermine, he added features – like cement flooring and stronger walls – to help withstand storms. He believes those improvements helped protect the hotel from even more damage during Idalia.

This time around, Stefani expects it could take up to six months to rebuild. But his biggest concern right now is his employees and how he’s going to keep paying them.

“It’s just sad,” Stefani said. “I’m going to be OK because I’ve got to keep working and doing this. But it affects more than just me, it affects a lot of people.”

Even in a difficult time, Stefani describes himself as a positive person. That mindset, in addition to the community’s support, is what pulled him through rebuilding the first time – and he said it will get him through this, too.

“It just has to be done, we just have to get back,” Stefani said. “There’s a lot of people that are supporting us. There’s a couple that just left – they’re flooded but they wanted to come see how we did because they eat here on a weekly basis and they like my staff. It’s just a whole community thing.”

Stefani’s family has started a GoFundMe to help support staff and build their business back.
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Brian Rea

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September 2, 2023
Cedar Key business owners, residents trying to get back to normal
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TAMPA, Fla. — As Benjamin Iversen cleaned up the mud caked on the floor of his Cedar Key coffee shop, he said he’s trying to stay optimistic.

Even though he mounted his refrigerators on milk cartons before the storm, that wasn’t enough to protect them from the three feet of water that flooded inside 1842 Daily Grind.
What You Need To Know

Cedar Key residents are starting to return to the island to see the damage from Hurricane Idalia.

Community members are helping each other clean up their businesses and homes.

Starting Friday, FEMA crews will be going door-to-door to help enroll people in assistance programs.
“With each piece of equipment I keep testing, it turns out I’m going to be needing to replace it,” Iversen said. “But in some way, shape or form, this weekend we’ll be back open for coffee and for some breakfast and lunch.”

Iversen’s coffee shop is on 2^nd Street, about two blocks from the water.

There are many homes and businesses on the street, which saw a lot of flooding during the storm. Iversen stayed put in Cedar Key to ride out the storm. He didn’t want to risk not being able to get back on the island to fix his shop, but also to help his neighbors get back on their feet.

“It’s just unbelievable,” Iversen said. “You see storms on the news and hear about these big hurricanes and stuff happening but living through it and experiencing one is just, it’s very humbling and also overwhelming.”

Even though Iversen has to replace a few refrigerators, he’s confident his business – and the whole island – will make it through the storm.

As residents return home to the damage Hurricane Idalia left behind, Iversen and his staff are welcoming them with free coffee, water and pastries – because that’s the Cedar Key way, Iversen said.

“Friends, the community, family – you just have to lean on that and trust that everything will be OK,” he said.

On Friday, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance crews will begin going door-to-door in Cedar Key and Yankeetown to help register people for assistance programs.
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Brian Rea

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September 1, 2023
From Big Bend to Tampa Bay, residents cleaning up after Idalia

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Assessment and cleanup continues in north Florida and across the Bay area after Hurricane Idalia.

Meanwhile, state officials confirm

At a Thursday morning news conference, Gov. DeSantis and Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie confirmed no storm-related deaths have been reported. There were two deaths related to driving in bad weather, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

A Pasco County man crashed into a tree when he lost control of his vehicle Wednesday morning, and another person died in Alachua County when he crashed his pickup truck into a ditch.

The hurricane made landfall Wednesday morning at 7:45 a.m. at Keaton Beach in Taylor County with 125-mph winds.

It left as many as a half-million customers without power in Florida and other states at one point as it ripped down power poles and lines.

Still, it was far less destructive than feared, providing only glancing blows to Tampa Bay and other more populated areas as it came ashore in rural Florida.

Here’s a look at recovery efforts across the region:

PINELLAS COUNTY

Flights at St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport resume today after the airport closed ahead of the storm.

During a news conference Thursday morning, Pinellas County officials said 60 water rescue missions were performed during and after the storm.

Crews will be out assessing damage today.

St. Pete police continue to limit access to Shore Acres due to continuing flooding there. Officials said hundreds of homes were flooded in St. Petersburg. Anyone with damage can report it to Disaster.pinellas.gov.

During the height of the storm, 28,000 homes in Pinellas lost power. That was down to just 2,600 by midday Thursday.

Meanwhile, crews were working until early Thursday to clear debris, water and sand on Gulf Boulevard in Madeira Beach. A total of about 85 dump trucks of sand was cleaned up, officials said. Indian Rocks Beach in particular had a big drop off from erosion.

Officials also said there were three house fires related to the storm.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

Tampa International Airport is also now fully open. The airport was open to just to arriving flights yesterday afternoon.

Port Tampa Bay is still closed Thursday.

Coast Guard officials will determine when the port can reopen.

A spokesperson for the port said the Coast Guard needs to complete a harbor assessment today before they open again.

So this will impact incoming shipments and cruise travelers.

PASCO COUNTY

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office said it did 85 rescue mission in the hours after Idalia roared by the Bay area, saving 150 people from flood waters. Deputies helped people ranging from 9 months old to age 90, officials said.

Also, crews are still monitoring some areas of Hudson and New Port Richey where flood waters had swamped streets.

CITRUS COUNTY

A part of U.S. 19 remains closed in Crystal River due to flooding.

U.S. 19 has been shut down from Dunnellon Road to State Road 44 because of remaining water on the roadway.

HERNANDO COUNTY

Some Hernando County residents who evacuated ahead of Idalia were allowed back into their neighborhoods on Wednesday.

A debris field greeted Sandra Day when she returned to her Hernando Beach home.

But she said there was no damage to the house itself.

That came as a relief since these screen shots from home cameras show what she and her husband saw while taking shelter: Their yard and neighborhood were flooded.

“Our backyard, the dock was up about two feet, and we could just see the water rushing in, and it sounded like a waterfall,” said Day, a Hernando Beach resident. “So, now you look how calm it is, and it’s all going over the berm now.”

No injuries or deaths related to Idalia have been reported in Hernando County.

Day said she feels like that’s an answer to prayers.

CEDAR KEY

Power has been mostly been restored in Cedar Key.

Still, some residents are being kept off the beach.

Officials are only letting residents who have re-entry passes cross the bridge.

Before the storm, city officials said their biggest concern was flooding. That held true and storm surge damaged businesses and homes.

Officials say it’s going to take some time to get the city back up and running and are asking for people to be patient as they continue cleanup and recovery efforts.

Spectrum Bay News 9 reporters Brian Rea, Nick Popham, Sarah Blazonis, Cait McVey and Fallon Silcox contributed to this report.

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Spectrum News Staff

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August 31, 2023
Idalia: When classes across Tampa Bay will resume

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We’ll be using this page to update our viewing area on school impacts due to Idalia.

School Closings by County:

Citrus County

NEW: The school system will reopen Friday.

In a statement Thursday, the district said: “After receiving the latest update from Emergency Management officials and having assessed the damages in our facilities sustained from Hurricane Idalia, I am pleased to share that schools will be reopen tomorrow Friday, September 1st. Should you have any issues or concerns, please contact the administration at your school. As always, we appreciate your time, understanding, and patience during these uncertain times.”

Due to the coastal impact in our county from Hurricane Idalia, schools are continuing to be used as shelters.

School will be cancelled, Thursday, Aug. 31.

After the next high tide, more info regarding a projected date of school reopening will be announced.

Hernando County

All Hernando County schools and district offices will reopen Thursday, Aug. 31.

Students impacted by coastal flooding will be provided an excused absence.

Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County Schools are reopening on Thursday, Aug. 31.

Manatee County

All Manatee District Schools will reopen Thursday, August 31.

Pasco County

All Pasco County schools will be open on Thursday, August 31.

This includes athletics, PLACE, Delta, Star, and all other extracurricular activities.

Pinellas County

Schools will be open for normal operations on Thursday, August 31.

Polk County

All Polk County schools and offices will reopen Friday, Sept. 1.

Major Universities:

University of Central Florida: UCF will resume standard operations on Thursday, Aug. 31.

University of Florida: UF to resume normal operations on Thursday, Aug. 31.

University of South Florida: USF says classes will resume Thursday, Aug. 31, except for classes at Mote Marine.

University of Tampa: Regular operations are scheduled to resume Thursday, Aug. 31 at noon.

St. Petersburg College: Campuses/sites open and all classes resuming — on Thursday, Aug. 31.

Florida State University: Classes and normal university operations will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 5.

FAMU: Classes and Universtiy operations remain suspended through Friday, Sept. 1. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Polk State College: PSC classes and operations will resume Thursday, Aug. 31.

Keiser University: Classes will resume at the following Keiser University campuses on Thursday, August 31, 2023. All campuses will be open for regular operations unless otherwise noted.

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Spectrum News Staff

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August 30, 2023
Hurricane Idalia makes 125-mph landfall in Big Bend area
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TAMPA, Fla. — Major Hurricane Idalia has made landfall.

The storm and its 125-mph winds made landfall over Keaton Beach. Catastrophic storm surge and winds are expected to continue impacting the Big Bend of Florida.

Idalia continues to move NNE at 18 mph through what has been a favorable environment for intensification. It’s located 90 miles northwest of Cedar Key, where “catastrophic storm surge and destructive winds” are expected.

The low-lying marsh area faced a predicted storm surge of up to 15 feet.

A state of emergency is in effect for 49 Florida counties, including:

Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Nassau, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, and Wakulla counties.

Hurricane force winds reach out 25 mph from the center. Rain bands have produced gusts over 60 mph around Tampa Bay. Water levels are still increasing for the Nature Coast. Seven to 11 feet of surge is still expected.

Water levels around Tampa Bay are at 4 feet above the astronomical tide as of 5:30 am. Many roads are flooded. Water levels will stay high all day.

Rain bands can continue to produce tornadoes across the Bay area. A Tornado Watch and a Flood Watch continue.

While the exact track of the center will determine where the worst storm surge will end up, the rain bands will continue to impact the entire region through the morning hours.

That means gusty winds and heavy rain along with a threat of tornadoes. We will monitor Klystron 9 for rotation and to track the center of Idalia as it moves north through the Gulf. Polk, Citrus and Hernando counties were under brief tornado warnings Wednesday morning.

Coastal areas will see the strongest storms, but there will be gusty squalls far inland that rotate around the large circulation of Idalia.

The west coast of Florida is highly susceptible to storm surge so there is a threat of significant, life-threatening impacts.

TIMING:

Tropical storm-force winds are impacting the Tampa Bay area.

WINDS:

Widespread tropical storm force winds are forecast (39-73 mph), even inland. This will cause downed trees and power outages.

Hurricane force winds (74+) primarily impact the Nature Coast. Any change in the future track will cause changes to the forecast.

TORNADOES:

Models show numerous strong thunderstorms and gusty squalls tomorrow along the coast. Some of these will produce a few fast moving tornadoes.

STORM SURGE FORECAST:

Storm surge will also be a threat to areas along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Bay News 9 Meteorologist Juli Marquez states that, “astronomical tides will be high with a full moon, so storm surge will be more impactful.”

Storm Surge Warnings are now in effect for from Englewood northward to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay.

Storm Surge Watches are also in effect for the Florida Gulf Coast from Chokoloskee to Englewood and the mouth of the St. Marys River to South Santee River in South Carolina.

Peak Storm Surge:

Levy/Citrus Counties: 7-11 feet AGL

Hernando/Pasco Counties: 6 to 9 feet AGL

Tampa Bay Area: 4-7 feet AGL on coast, 3-6 feet in Tampa Bay

Sarasota: 3-5 feet

A Flood Watch has been issued for our area. Idalia could bring 4 to 8 inches of rain. Locally higher amounts are possible. This could lead to street flooding and flooding of poor drainage areas.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS ALONG THE NATURE COAST:
- Widespread deep inundation, with storm surge flooding greatly accentuated by powerful battering waves.
- Structural damage to buildings, with many washing away.
- Damage greatly compounded from considerable floating debris. Locations may be uninhabitable for an extended period.
- Near-shore escape routes and secondary roads washed out or severely flooded. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed.
- Extreme beach erosion. New shoreline cuts possible.
- Massive damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
- Numerous small craft broken away from moorings with many lifted onshore and stranded.
Tides are running much higher than normal due to the Super Moon, which could contribute to a higher storm surge in some areas.

HIGH TIDE FORECAST:

Crystal River:
- 3:14 p.m. Tues.
- 4:59 a.m. Wed.
- 4:09 p.m. Wed.
Ozello:
- 2:19 p.m. Tues.
- 4:04 a.m. Wed.
- 3:14 p.m. Wed.
Bayport:
- 12:53 p.m. Tues.
- 2:38 a.m. Wed.
- 1:46 p.m. Wed.
Tarpon Springs:
- 11:30 a.m. Tues.
- 1:23 a.m. Wed.
- 12:33 p.m. Wed.
Clearwater Beach:
- 10:47 a.m. Tues.
- 12:32 a.m. Wed.
- 11:42 p.m. Wed.
St. Petersburg:
- 12:54 p.m. Tues.
- 3:32 a.m. Wed.
- 1:53 p.m. Wed.
Gulfport:
- 11:22 p.m. Tues.
- 2:00 a.m. Wed.
- 12:21 p.m Wed.
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Spectrum News Staff

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August 30, 2023
Where to find last-minute gas
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Many Floridians are preparing for Idalia, and soon many will be searching for gas as the storm gets closer.

With the GasBuddy Outage Tracker, drivers can search for gas stations nearby, as well as filter by the following criteria:
- Has Fuel & Power
- Has No Power
- Limited Fuel Options
- Has No Fuel & Power
Click/Tap on the image below to locate gas stations near you and check their status. For the best results, be sure to share you location. You can also track outages on your phone by downloading the GasBuddy app for Android or iOS.

Screenshot of the GasBuddy Outage Tracker (Courtesy: GasBuddy.com)
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Spectrum News Staff

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August 29, 2023