It’s pretty wet in Tampa Bay, and Eta has been downgraded to a tropical storm, but heavy winds are still expected, and residents in search of shelter in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties have several options to choose from.
Hillsborough has opened five shelters, including three that are pet friendly.
- Steinbrenner High School (pet-friendly), 5575 W. Lutz Lake Fern Rd
- Burnett Middle School (pet-friendly), 1010 N. Kingsway Rd.
- Sickles High School (pet-friendly) and Family Shelter, 7950 Gunn Hwy.
- Middleton High School 4801 N. 22nd St.
- Reddick Elementary School 325 West Lake Dr.
At all five Hillsborough locations, health screenings and temperature checks will be conducted at the door, and face coverings are required inside. Residents should bring hand sanitizer and essentials such as bedding, clothing, toiletries, and medications.
If you’re bringing your pet to a Hillsborough shelter, you’ll be required to bring a sturdy carrier that allows room for them to stand up and move around. For cats and dogs, you must bring proof of current rabies vaccination and a license, as well as pet supplies like food, water, litter, and treats.
Hillsborough County recommends exploring options like staying with friends, family, or in a hotel before heading to a shelter. Although considered a last resort, if you need transportation to a shelter, call (813) 272-5900 to make arrangements.
As Wednesday at 1 p.m., residents in Pinellas County have two options—including one that’s pet-friendly—for shelters.
- Lealman Exchange (pet-friendly) 175 45th Street N, St. Petersburg
- Ross Norton Recreation Center 1426 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Clearwater
Ross Norton can accommodate special needs residents, those without transportation, and the elderly. Lealman is pet-friendly, and residents are encouraged to bring their immunization records, proper identification, and food and water. To save time, you can fill out a Pet Friendly Enrollment Form before you arrive.
Visit pinellascounty.org for a full list of shelters and more information on how to prepare for Tropical Storm Eta. Pinellas County is under an ordinance that requires face coverings to be worn at all times in public places.
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This article appears in Nov 5-11, 2020.