TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Pinellas County has opened 11 emergency shelters ahead of Hurricane Milton and mandatory evacuations have been ordered for special needs residents in zones A, B, and C, the county announced Monday.
“We must prepare for the worst,” officials said. “If you can, move outside of the county.”
Beginning at 7 p.m., barrier islands will shut down for everyone, except residents, business owners, or rideshare drivers. But at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, the islands will be shut down for everyone.
County officials said widespread power outages are expected to last “weeks” after Milton has passed and urged anyone who is dependent on electronic technology to evacuate.
Mandatory Evacuations
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for all residents in zones A, B, and C, along with those in mobile or manufactured homes, effective at noon on Monday.
The county is also recommending special needs residents in zones D and E evacuate due to the risk of extended power and water outages.
Bus transportation will begin at noon on Monday for special needs residents who pre-registered. Residents who did not pre-register can call the County Information Center at (727) 464-4333.
The county said additional evacuation orders are anticipated and that residents should leave by Wednesday morning.
“Leave now,” said Division Chief Jim Millican. “Leave while the conditions are good, while we can get you out safely and get to a shelter. Now’s the time to do that.”
More than 500,000 residents are affected by the mandatory evacuation order in effect.
“We help you move,” said Millican. “If you can’t move yourself, we will help you get your bags out.”
Find your evacuation zone here.
Emergency Shelters
The following emergency shelters will open at noon Monday:
- Melrose Elementary (general population), 1752 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg
- Belleair Elementary (general population), 1156 Lakeview Road, Clearwater
- Campbell Park Elementary (general population), 1051 7th Ave S. in St. Petersburg
- Lealman Innovation Academy (general population), 4900 28th St N, St. Petersburg
- Clearwater Fundamental Middle School (general population), 1660 Palmetto St, Clearwater
- 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 Bldg. 19 (special needs), 1900 Omaha St., Palm Harbor
- Palm Harbor University High School (general population and pet friendly),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, Clearwater
Officials will announce more shelters as needed.
“I really think this one’s going to be a bad one,” said Steven Berry. “I was really worried about not getting into a motel. It was all filled up. I just hope I have a home when I get back.”
“Anyone who is having a second thought about coming to a shelter should realize it’s not a bad idea,” said Frantz Myrthil. “You’re not going to regret it in the end.”
School Closures
All Pinellas County schools will be closed from Monday, Oct. 7 through Wednesday, Oct. 9.
Any extracurricular activities, athletic events, and after-school programs are canceled.
St. Petersburg College will be closed from Monday, Oct. 7 through Thursday, Oct. 10.
State of Local Emergency
The Board of County Commissioners extended its State of Local Emergency for seven days. Additional extensions have also been authorized if needed.
The county anticipates around 10 to 12 feet of storm surge, on top of already saturated grounds from Helene.
Pinellas County Response
The Pinellas County Solid Waste Disposal Facility is open to receive storm debris, the county said. Pinellas is working with state and municipal partners and contracts to clear as much debris from Hurricane Helene as possible.
Self-serve sandbag sites are also open until 5 p.m. Monday at John Chesnut Sr. Park and Walsingham Park, while supplies last.
Pinellas County offices, including the Clerk’s Office, Property Appraiser and Tax Collectors, are all closed Monday through Wednesday. The Supervisor of Elections Office remains open Monday for voter registration.
The County Information Center is open 24/7 for preparedness questions at (727) 464-4333. Residents can also visit Disaster.Pinellas.gov.
