As Hurricane Ian heads toward Tampa Bay, shelters are open, as well as several sandbag locations.
There is still a chance that the projected path could change, but cities and counties are urging residents to prepare themselves for Ian, which could potentially be a major hurricane by the time it nears the Tampa Bay area on Wednesday and Thursday.
UPDATE: As of 09/27/22 at 1:40 p.m., most sandbag locations in Tampa Bay are either at capacity, have run out of materials, or completely shut down.
Hillsborough County Shelters:
Hillsborough County announced that shelters will open starting today at 2 p.m. A full list of the shelters available can be found at the county’s website. The county has issued a mandatory evacuation order for Evacuation Zone A, which consists of about 300,000 people.
City of Tampa sandbag locations (open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.):
Himes Avenue Complex, 4501 S. Himes Avenue, Tampa, FL 33611
Al Barnes Park, 2902 N. 32nd Street, Tampa, FL 33605
MacFarlane Park, 1700 N MacDill Avenue, Tampa, FL 33607
The City of Tampa will have bags, sand and shovels available. There will also be volunteers available to help those who cannot fill their own sandbags. Residents of Tampa should bring their ID to the site.
Hillsborough County sandbag locations (open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.):
Ed Radice Sports Complex 14720 Ed Radice Dr. Tampa, FL 33626
Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Rd. Plant City, FL 33567
E.G. Simmons Conservation Park, 2401 19th Ave. NW Ruskin, FL 33570
City of Tampa storm information line: 1 (833)-872-4636
Pinellas County Shelters:
Pinellas County has announced mandatory evacuation for Zone A, with more zones expected to be announced tomorrow. Shelter information can be found on the county’s website.
City of St. Petersburg sandbag locations (open 8 a.m to sundown):
Lake Maggiore, 3601 Dr. MLK Jr. St. S
Northeast Park, 875 62nd Avenue NE
Northwest Pool, 2331 60th Street N
Residents should provide proof of St. Petersburg residency and are limited to 10 sandbags.
Pinellas County sandbag locations:
Lealman Neighborhood Park located at 3874 54th Ave. N., St. Petersburg from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. The Lealman location will be used as a smaller site only for residents with disabilities from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Staff will be available to help residents at this location.
For all Pinellas residents, the following locations will be open starting Monday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. or as supplies last:
John Chesnut Sr. Park: 2200 East Lake Road in Palm Harbor Walsingham Park: 12615 102nd Ave, Seminole Lealman Neighborhood Park: 3875 54th Ave. N., St. Petersburg
Sandbags are limited to 20 per person. Materials will be supplied, shovels available. John Chesnut and Walsingham Parks will be closed Monday except for sandbag operations. City residents can check with their cities about other sandbag availability.
The County Information Center is open from 8 am to 10 pm for questions about the storm at 727-464-4333 or online at storm.pinellascounty.org
Pasco County and Sarasota County are also making hurricane resources available.
