Tampa Today News: Hurricane Milton Remains Cat 5 Hurricane
What's happening in town.
Hello everyone. I am Carlos Hernandez from CarlosEats.com with Tampa Today News. I hope you are staying safe as Hurricane Milton prepares to hit Florida. If you are staying home, I hope you have left an evacuation zone for higher ground or shelter.
The current NHC track is showing Milton approaching the Tampa Bay area as a powerful Category 4 Hurricane. The storm surge in Tampa Bay could be 10’ to 15’ of water.
Top local stories:
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor warns residents who choose to stay in evacuation zones: City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor gave a grim warning to residents who choose not to flee Hurricane Milton and live in an evacuation zone. On CNN the mayor said, “This is literally catastrophic, and I can say without any dramatization whatsoever: If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you’re going to die.” (thehill.com)
Officials close Sarasota barrier islands ahead of Hurricane Milton: Bridges to Sarasota County’s barrier islands have now closed ahead of Hurricane Milton, according to the Sarasota Police Department. Residents can still leave the islands, however no one will be allowed to re-enter until the search and rescue operations conclude after the storm. Hurricane Milton is expected to arrived late Wednesday or early Thursday. (wfla.com)
TPA shuts down operations Oct. 8 ahead of Milton: Tampa International Airport (TPA) ceased operations at 9 a.m. on Oct. 8 and will not re-open until after Hurricane Milton passes. The airport will not be available for public use and is not equipped to function as a shelter for people or vehicles. (thatssotampa.com)
Ruskin food truck owners impacted by hurricanes: Local food trucks are helping our community with recovery and also suffering from damage and loss of business. Yummy Birrieria food truck in Ruskin is one of the local businesses impacted and has started a GoFundMe to help recover. Like many local businesses, they will require support as we work to recover from these storms. (baynews9.com)
Notes:
Hernando Co. Government: “Reminder: Additional shelters are open as of 8am on 10/8. Residents are encouraged to arrive at their planned location by 12pm on 10/9. The shelters are located at Challenger K-8 (13400 Elgin Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34609,) West Hernando Middle School, and the Enrichment Center.” (x.com)
Find Evacuation Information in Hillsborough County. (hcfl.gov)
Pinellas County opens more shelters as businesses close ahead of Hurricane Milton. (fox13news.com)
Please stay safe Florida!
-Carlos Hernandez