Here's the latest information about the rain-related flooding problems in the Bay area:

Tampa

Report Potholes, Utility Cave-Ins

As the water table subsides, residents should expect an increased number of utilities cave-ins as well as potholes.  Please call to report any issue within the roadway at (813) 274-3101 so that it can be addressed.

Utilities

Wastewater pumping stations throughout the city are returning to normal capacities, and there have been no reports of overflows today. 

Residents who experienced a wastewater overflow on personal property (either yard or structure) due to heavy rainfall should still call (813) 259-1693 to report the issue.

Storm Debris Disposal Options

Storm debris disposal options available to City of Tampa residents are as follows:

Schedule Pick-up: Residential customers wishing to schedule storm debris pickups are encouraged to call the customer service call center at (813) 274-8811 during business hours Monday through Friday, or contact the Department of Solid Waste and Environmental Program Management online via the customer service request center at http://www.tampagov.net/appl_customer_service_center/.

Debris may also be dropped off at the McKay Bay Transfer Station. City of Tampa Solid Waste customers should bring utility bill and appropriate identification with corresponding address.

Pinellas

Wildlife In Distress

If residents see wildlife in distress or encounter any other issues withwildlife, they should contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Wildlife Alert hotline at (888) 404-3922.

Sandbags

Tampa

Sandbags still available today until 4 p.m. at the following locations:

Bobby Hicks Pool (4201 W. Mango Avenue), Jackson Heights Playground (3310 E. Lake Avenue), and City of Tampa Solid Waste (4010 W. Spruce Street). Sand and bags are available at all locations.

Tampa residents interested in receiving sandbags must show identification verifying residence within the city limits. A valid driver's license, utility bill, or electric bill will serve as appropriate identification.

Pinellas County

Pinellas County has provided approximately 1,700 sandbags to residents.

Sandbags remain available for flood-affected Pinellas County residents at John Chesnut Sr. Park, 2200 East Lake Road in Palm Harbor, and Lealman Park, 3800
54th Ave. N. in Lealman.

Sandbags will be limited to 20 per person. Material and bags will be supplied. Residents must fill their own sandbags. Shovels will be available.

The locations will be open until 7 p.m. or as long as the materials last.

Pasco County

Residents can get sandbags at Fire Station #17, 2951 Seven Springs Blvd., New Port Richey, West Pasco Government Center, 7536 State Street, New Port Richey, J.W. Mitchell Park, 4025 Little Rd., New Port Richey, Fire Station #10, 7918 Rhodes Rd., Hudson, Veterans Memorial Park, 14333 Hicks Rd., Hudson, C- Barn on 30906 Warder Rd., San Antonio, Fire Station #1, 6907 Dairy Rd., Zephyrhills, 6240 Pine Hill Rd., New Port Richey. Limit 10 bags and must be a city of New Port Richey resident.

Shelters

Over 40 people have taken refuge in Red Cross shelters over the last two days.

In an effort to improve services to residents utilizing shelters, Pasco County is consolidating shelter efforts at this time.

All residents who are currently sheltered (38 individuals) are being transported to the Mike Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter. They will be transported via Pasco County Public Transportation bus.

The Fasano Shelter is located at 11611 Denton Ave., Hudson, Florida. This will be the only shelter open in Pasco County, all other shelters will be closed at this time.

Safety Precautions

Tampa officials encourage drivers to heed traffic advisories, obey traffic signs/detours and exercise caution when driving in and around standing water.

Drivers should not drive through water – it is difficult to determine how deep the water is. It is best to avoid driving unless necessary.

Non-functioning traffic signals should be treated as 4-way stops. Road detour signs should be followed, and any downed or hanging power lines should be avoided, as they may be live.

Beware of Mosquitoes

With the increase in standing water, Pinellas County Mosquito Control is responding throughout the county to prevent mosquito breeding. Residents can
help by practicing the three Ds:

  • Drain water;
  • Dress in light colors and
  • Cover all parts of the body
  • Defend with repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

For more information visit www.pinellascounty.org or contact Pinellas County Public Works at (727) 464-8900.

Hillsborough County: Hillsborough County Mosquito and Aquatic Weed Control will treat two areas of southwest Hillsborough County on Tuesday, Aug. 4, and Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., by air. The pesticide Anvil 10+10 ULV will be used to control adult mosquitoes on about 18,200 acres.

The boundaries of the areas to be sprayed are:

North Boundary: Big Bend Road
South Boundary: East College Avenue
East Boundary: US Highway 41
West Boundary: Tampa Bay (water body)

North Boundary: Symmes Road
South Boundary: Big Bend Road
East Boundary: U.S. Highway 301
West Boundary: Tampa Bay (water body)

How To Help

  • Help people affected by disasters like floods and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit redcross.org/donate, or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
  • The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by the flooding in the Tampa Bay Area to visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org or call
    1-800-SAL-ARMY.

As the water recedes

Red Cross reminds residents to be aware of risks and dangers associated with floods. Items to have on hand include:

  • Insect repellent
  • Sun screen
  • Heavy boots
  • Gloves
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Lots of water (stay hydrated)

How To Cope

Recovering from any disaster is stressful for people in the flood’s path and even more frightening for residents who have faced disasters in the past. The Red Cross offers these steps people can take to support each other during this difficult time:

  • Take time to take care of yourself and your family. Reach out to others to offer and receive support.
  • Events like this can cause feelings of uncertainty and anxiety since no one knows for sure what will happen next. Remember that it's okay to feel nervous.
  • Eat healthy, drink plenty of water and get enough rest.
  • Be patient with yourself and others. It’s common to have any number of temporary stress reactions such as anger, frustration, anxiety or difficulty sleeping.
  • Parents should let children talk about their fears and then reassure them about their safety.