TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Hillsborough County officials issued a mandatory evacuation order for Evacuation Zone A and all mobile homes on Wednesday.
The mandatory evacuation takes effect at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. Residents should be in a safe location no later than 5 a.m. on Thursday.
On Wednesday evening, Mayor Jane Castor said the City of Tampa is working to ensure the community stays safe. They will partially activate the Emergency Operation Center at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening, with a full activation at 7 a.m. on Thursday. Development crews will go into full activation at 6 a.m. on Thursday.
“This will impact the Tampa Bay region,” she said.
Mayor Castor said it is “critically important” for residents in Zone A to move to higher ground.
The City of Tampa garages have been opened for those who need to put their vehicles on higher ground. Vehicle owners must be out by Friday morning or they will be charged the parking fee.
Mayor Castor said that although sandbag sites have been closed, the helpline opened at noon, and can be reached at 1-833-872-4636 for additional information and resources.
Tampa residents can text “Tampa Ready” to 888-777 to receive emergency notices and alerts during the storm.
Residents with TECO are encouraged to report power outages to TampaElectric.com during the storm.
Video above: Hillsborough County residents prepare for Helene
The following shelters are now open to residents:
- Burnett Middle School (pet friendly), 1010 N. Kingsway Rd., Seffner, FL 33584
- Durant High School (pet friendly), 4748 Cougar Path, Plant City, FL 33567
- Middleton High School (pet friendly), 4801 N. 22nd St., Tampa, FL 33610
- Sickles High School (pet friendly), 7950 Gunn Hwy., Tampa, FL 33626
- Reddick Elementary School, 325 West Lake Dr., Wimauma, FL 33598
- Erwin Technical College (Special Needs only, pet friendly), 2010 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL 33610
Hillsborough County residents can find their evacuation zone here.
