Elsa could have a real impact on the Tampa Bay Area, so we are keeping you up to date with the latest info about evacuations, shelters and anything else you may need to know.
EVACUATIONS
Hernando County:
- A voluntary evacuation order for coastal zone A, mobile homes, low-lying & flood-prone areas countywide has been issued. A general population, special needs & pet-friendly shelter will open beginning at 9 a.m., July 6, for residents in these zones at the Enrichment Center. The shelter is located at 800 John Gary Grubbs Boulevard in Brooksville.
Citrus County:
- The Emergency Management Center has issued a voluntary evacuation for the west side of US 19 effective at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 6. This applies to all low-lying areas west of Highway 19 and and anyone residing in mobile homes, manufactured homes and all unsafe structures in the county.
SHELTERS
Hillsborough County:
- Hillsborough County will open an emergency storm shelter on Tuesday, July 6 for residents who are concerned for their safety.
- The shelter is located at Riverview High School, 11311 Boyette Road in Riverview. The shelter will open at 8 a.m.
Pasco County:
- Mike Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter opened at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday as a last resort for anyone wanting to leave their home ahead of Tropical Storm Elsa.
- The shelter is located at 11611 Denton Ave. in Hudson.
Pinellas County:
- The Lealman Exchange shelter, located at 5175 5th St. N in St. Petersburg, will open Tuesday at 9 a.m. for the general population, those with special needs and persons with pets.
- Ross Norton Recreation Center shelter, located at 1426 S. Martin Luther King Jr Ave. in Clearwater, will open to the general population Tuesday at 9 a.m.
Manatee County:
- An emergency shelter will open at Manatee High School on Tuesday, July 6 at 8 a.m. for those who live in mobile homes, low-lying areas, or areas prone to flooding. This is a non-mandatory evacuation, and the shelter is pet-friendly.
- Residents on the Special Needs Registry are currently being contacted to set up arrangements for evacuation to the County’s special needs shelter, which is designated for those who are oxygen or electricity dependent to survive. Manatee County shelters will conduct temperature checks and screen visitors by asking if they’re displaying any symptoms of COVID-19. Shelters will have increased spacing as demand allows for social distancing, masks are encouraged and will be provided and if people feel ill they will be separated into other rooms.
Citrus County:
- Two school sites will operate as storm shelters and will open at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 6. The two sites include:
- Renaissance, 3630 W. Educational Path, Lecanto, FL 34461: Special needs
- Lecanto Primary, 3790 W. Educational Path, Lecanto, FL 34461: General population and pet friendly
UPDATES
Hillsborough County
- City of Tampa activates emergency hotline for Tropical Storm Elsa with hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 1-833-TPA-INFO (872-4636)
- The Reversible Express Lanes (REL) on the Selmon Expressway will open in the eastbound direction from the downtown area to Brandon starting at 12 p.m. Tuesday, July 6. The REL will stay this way until 7 a.m. Wednesday, July 7 when the westbound direction will open from Brandon to the downtown area.
- Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) will provide the last service starting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 6. Service cease at 7 p.m. It will return at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 7 if deemed safe.
Pasco County
- A local state of emergency was issued for Pasco County.
- Pasco County Public Transportation will end all bus services by 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 6. They plan to restore service by 12 p.m., Wednesday, July 7.
Pinellas County
- The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is offering free rides to two shelters starting at 9 a.m. today, ahead of Tropical Storm Elsa.
- The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) will begin suspending service starting at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 6. They will resume service as soon as the storm passes and it is deemed safe.
- A state of emergency was declared for Treasure Island.
- Some of Treasure Island's parking lots will be free for residents who wish to move their vehicles out of areas prone to flooding. This will start at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, July 6 and last until Thursday, July 8. These parking lots include:
- The Community Center, 154 106th Ave.
- Gulf Front, Gulf Blvd. & 104th Ave.
- Ring Billed Gull, W. Gulf Blvd. between 81st & 82nd Ave.
- Tern, W. Gulf Blvd. & 77th Ave.
- Some of Treasure Island's parking lots will be free for residents who wish to move their vehicles out of areas prone to flooding. This will start at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, July 6 and last until Thursday, July 8. These parking lots include:
Sarasota County
- A local state of emergency was declared for the city of Venice.
Citrus County
- Citrus Connection will delay the start of all transit service Wednesday, July 7 to 7 a.m. Depending on storm updates, it could be delayed even later.
Hernando County
- Hernando County transit services (TheBus) will suspend public transportation services starting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 6. Will resume as normal on Thursday, July 8.