WFLA

Sandbag sites open in Tampa Bay ahead of Hurricane Milton

Rachel Tucker

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — With Hurricane Milton on the way, officials in the Tampa Bay area are offering sandbags to help protect homes from flooding.

The following counties and cities have opened sandbag sites:

Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County will open two sandbag sites on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., and on Monday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for county residents.

There is a limit of 10 bags per resident and residents “should be prepared to fill their own sandbags.” ID in the form of a driver’s license or recent utility bill must be shown to verify residency.

City of Tampa: The City of Tampa is opening two self-service sandbag sites on Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

There is a limit of 10 bags. Free tarps will also be provided, while supplies last.

Pinellas County

For unincorporated Pinellas County residents only, the following sandbag locations will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday:

City of St. Petersburg: The city’s emergency sandbag locations will be open on Sunday from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Self-service locations:

Full-service locations:

Sandbag sites may close due to inclement weather.

City of Dunedin: The city is opening a self-service sandbag site for residents only on Monday, Oct. 7 from 8 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

To get to this location from SR-580 take Achieva Way south to Jerry Lake Court. Then go right to the Jerry Lake Recreation Complex (soccer fields).

Residents must show their proof of residency with either a driver’s license or a recent utility bill.

There is a limit of 15 sandbags per resident or business owner. Sand, sandbags, and shovels are available at this location. The city encourages people to reuse non-contaminated sandbags from Helene.

Sarasota County

The Sarasota County Government is operating three sandbag sites, open Friday until 7 p.m.

Supplies are limited to 10 sandbags per vehicle. Residents are encouraged to reuse their sandbags from previous storms.

City of Venice: The City of Venice is opening a sandbag site until 4 p.m. on Friday at 252 Seaboard Ave.

Residents must bring their own bags, or pick up bags at City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave., or Venice Public Works, 1350 Ridgewood Ave.

Shovels will be provided. There is a limit of 10 bags per vehicle.

Town of Longboat Key: A self-serve sandbag station is open at the Broadway Beach Access. If residents need additional bags, they are asked to visit The Town of Longboat Key Public Works Department at 600 General Harris Street.

City of North Port: A self-serve sandbag station is available at the Larry Thoennissen Athletic Fields behind the George Mullen Activity Center, 1602 Kramer Way.

Bags and sand will be available while supplies last, with a limit of 10 bags per vehicle.

Manatee County

Manatee County has seven self-service sandbag sites open from dawn until dusk.

City of Bradenton: Bradenton residents can pick up sandbags on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sandbags will be available at the Public Works Annex, located at 1411 9th Street West.

Pasco County

Sandbags at the two locations below are available 24/7.

The two additional locations below will be open from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, Oct. 5.

All locations are self-serve and for Pasco County residents only. Residents are asked to bring their own shovels to prepare their own bags.

Citrus County

All sandbag sites are self-serve and residents are asked to bring their own shovels.

Residents can call 352-527-7610.

Highlands County

Residents can pick up bags at the following locations beginning on Sunday:

Sand for sandbags will be available at:

Residents are asked to bring their own shovels.

Tips for filling sandbags

More sandbag sites will be added to this list as they become available.