TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Ahead of Hurricane Milton’s anticipated landfall as a major hurricane in Florida this week, mandatory evacuations in Tampa Bay have begun.
It could reach Category 3 major hurricane strength with 115 mph winds as it heads toward Florida’s Gulf Coast.
In addition to evacuations, emergency shelters in the area will soon be open.
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Manatee County
The following three school locations will be opening as shelters at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7:
- 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 is also available for those who have registered. You can register here.
Pasco County
Pasco County is opening the following hurricane shelters at noon on Monday, Oct. 7 ahead of Hurricane Milton:
- 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)
The county will have GoPasco running regular routes Monday and rides to shelters will be free until weather conditions deteriorate.
Polk County
The following public shelters will 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
In addition, the following pet-friendly shelters will be available:
- 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
Finally, the following special-needs shelters will also be available starting at 7 a.m. on Tuesday:
- 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