County opens six emergency shelters ahead of Hurricane Milton

County opens six emergency shelters ahead of Hurricane Milton

Pinellas County is opening six emergency shelters in advance of Hurricane Milton. Effective at noon today, Monday, Oct. 7, the following shelters will be open:

• Largo High School (general population and pet friendly), 410 Missouri Ave. N., Largo
• Gibbs High School (general population and pet friendly), 850 34^th St. S. St. Petersburg
• Palm Harbor University High School (general population and pet friendly),1900 Omaha St, Palm Harbor
• Palm Harbor University High School Bldg. 19 (special needs), 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

Mandatory evacuations ordered for special needs residents

The County has issued mandatory evacuation orders for special needs and electrical dependent residents in zones A, B and C, effective at noon today. The County recommends that special needs residents in evacuation zones D and E also evacuate due to the risk of extended power and water outages.

Bus transportation will begin at noon for special needs residents who pre-registered with the County. Special needs residents who did not pre-register can call the County Information Center Call (727) 464-4333. Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the CIC through online chat at bit.ly/PinellasChat.

Additional evacuation orders are anticipated. At present, the County is encouraging residents in evacuation zones A, B, C and all mobile home residents to evacuate to a strong building on high ground. Depending on where Milton makes landfall, storm surge could impact all three evacuation zones. High winds pose a very serious threat to mobile homes, no matter where they are located.

Residents need not evacuate hundreds of miles. They are encouraged to stay with family or friends outside of an evacuation zone or take advantage of our emergency shelters. If you leave Pinellas County, be prepared to not be able to get back onto the peninsula for days or possibly longer if the storm compromises the bridges and other routes.

State of Local Emergency extended

The Board of County Commissioners extended its State of Local Emergency for seven days and authorized County Administrator Barry A. Burton authority to issue additional extensions. The declaration gives Burton the authority to quickly approve expenditures and issue special orders to ensure public safety and designates Sheriff Bob Gualtieri as the chief law enforcement officer for the County.

Latest storm/incident developments

• Pinellas County is in the path of Hurricane Milton, a dangerous hurricane that is expected to make landfall Wednesday on the central-west coast of Florida. A Hurricane Watch, Storm Surge Watch and Flood Watch are in effect for Pinellas. Life-threatening storm surge of 8 to 12 feet, hurricane force winds and localized flooding are possible.
• Pinellas County is encouraging residents and visitors in evacuation zones A, B and C to evacuate to a safe structure on higher ground. Mandatory evacuation orders may be issued today or tomorrow.
• Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for long-term care facilities, assisted livingfacilities and hospitals in evacuation zones A, B and C.

Pinellas County response/action

• The Pinellas County Solid Waste Disposal Facility is open 24/7 to receive storm debris from anyone. Enter through the 34^th Street gate if you have storm debris,
• Pinellas County is working with state and municipal partners and contractors to clear as much Hurricane Helene sand and debris as possible. Sunset Beach and Pass-a-Grille have been cleared of sand.
• County self-serve sandbag sites are open today until 5 p.m. at John Chesnut Sr. Park and Walsingham Park, while supplies last.
• The Pinellas County Offices, including Clerk's Office, Property Appraiser and Tax Collector, are closed Monday through Wednesday. The Supervisor of Elections Office is open today for voter registration. Many employees are working in various capacity on storm response.
• The County Information Center (CIC) is open 24/7 for preparedness questions. Call (727) 464-4333. Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the CIC via online chat at bit.ly/PinellasChat

Advice & Information for Residents

• Take photos of the interior or exterior of your home now and after Hurricane Milton so that FEMA and your property insurance company can determine the damage differential.
• If you are in an evacuation zone, put everything of importance to you (documents, photos, heirlooms) in a plastic case and take it with you.
• Refill prescriptions now in case pharmacies are temporarily unavailable. Under a state of emergency, Floridians are permitted to receive early prescription refills.
• Stay informed: 
  • Sign up for Alert Pinellas at disaster.pinellas.gov and download the Ready Pinellas app in the App Store or Google Play store for real-time storm updates. 
  • Monitor local news media, National Weather Service, disaster.pinellas.gov, Facebook @PinellasGov and X @PinellasGov.
  • Tools at disaster.pinellas.gov.
• Move vehicles in surge- and flood-vulnerable areas to higher ground. This is especially true for electric vehicles. Anything with a lithium-ion battery, including golf carts, bikes and scooters can erupt in flames after contact with flood water.
• Check your Evacuation Zone one of three ways.
  • Visit disaster.pinellas.gov
• Call (727) 464-3800 from a landline
  Make your plan: 
  • Purchase necessary items to complete your emergency kit, include everyone in your family including your pet(s). 
  • Know if you can shelter in place or if you may have to evacuate. Know what you will need, where you will go, and how long it will take.  
  • For more information on how to make your plan visit disaster.pinellas.gov.