TAMPA, Fla. — Hillsborough County facilities and offices will close at the end of business Wednesday and remain closed tomorrow due to Helene.

As government offices prepare to close, county field crews are working to clear the way for flood water to quickly drain into Tampa Bay.

“What we’re doing is making sure that the pipes, and the ditches are open to be able to convey water to move water off of the roads and out of these neighborhoods and into the natural creeks and streams that it goes through on its way out to the bay,” said Josh Bellotti with Hillsborough County Public Works.

So far, no evacuation orders are in effect for Hillsborough County residents, however those that live in low-lying areas should be prepared to evacuate should orders happen sometime Wednesday.

MORE FROM HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

All Hillsborough County offices and facilities will be closed Thursday, Sept. 26 and Friday, Sept. 27, for regular operations to allow staff to focus on the emergency response to Tropical Storm Helene.

The closure includes all County libraries, parks, preserves, and recreation centers. All County public meetings have also been postponed. The Water Resources Career Fair scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28, has been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date.

All conservation parks and nature preserves will close at 3 p.m. Wednesday. This does not include E.G. Simmons Park or Edward Medard Park, both of which are already closed to the public due to sandbag operations that will continue Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

All recreation centers will be closed Wednesday. Neighborhood parks, athletic complexes, and the New Tampa Performing Arts Center will remain open.

In Temple Terrace, all city offices and programs will be closed from 6 pm on Wednesday until Friday. Sanitation, residential solid waste, and recycling pickup will not be collected on Thursday. Full service should resume regularly on Friday.

The City's Emergency Operations Center will open if needed. The Police and Fire communications will remain operational throughout the storm, but responses to calls for service will be prioritized based on urgency and availability of emergency personnel. Residents are urged to stay inside if possible until the storm passes. If storm conditions exceed safe response protocols, first responders may only be able to respond once conditions subside.

PINELLAS COUNTY

The City of Gulfport is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of its residents and visitors as a significant storm approaches the City. In light of the impending severe weather, the City has decided to close all non-essential programs and cancel scheduled events effective 4:00PM Wednesday, September 25, 2024. 

The following programs and activities will be suspended:

• Recreation: All recreational Wednesday and Thursday classes including the Casino, Rec. Center, and Senior Center programs will be closed as of 4:00PM Wednesday, September 25, 2024. 

• Cultural and Community Events: Planned events, including any weekly dances, performances, or group meetings, are postponed until the weather system has passed. 

• The Gulfport Public Library and Municipal Marina will close at 5:00PM Wednesday and will remain closed on Thursday. 

• Due to the Thursday closure of the Pinellas County Solid waste facility, the City of Gulfport Public Works regular sanitation and recycling pick up for Thursday will be picked up on Friday. The City of Gulfport Public Works regular sanitation and recycling route on Friday will be picked up on Saturday.

• City Hall Operations: While essential city services will remain operational, City Hall will be closed to the public on Thursday, September 26. Residents are encouraged to conduct business online or by phone where possible.

All City of Largo facilities will close to the public on Wednesday, Sep 25 at 12 noon and will remain closed on Thursday, Sep 26.

Solid Waste and recycling changes: Thursday pickup will move to Friday, and Friday to Saturday. Do not leave bins at the curb on Thursday as they could
become hazards. Sign up for solid waste alerts by texting LARGORECYCLES to (727)425-4004.

Code Enforcement Board Meeting scheduled for Thursday, Sep 26 has been canceled. City facilities plan to reopen on Friday, Sep 27, or when conditions allow.

ABOVE: St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch discusses preparations for Helene

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) plans to suspend all transit service on Thursday, September 26 until further notice.

The suspension includes all PSTA routes, including PSTA Access, the Jolley Trolley and Looper services.

Riders can also find the latest information on PSTA bus service by calling the InfoLine at 727-540-1900 or by visiting Facebook and X feeds at Ride PSTA. 

POLK COUNTY

Due to potential effects of Tropical Storm Helene, Citrus Connection will suspend all transit service Thursday, Sept. 26. 

The scheduled service closure includes all fixed route service, including SQUEEZE service in Lakeland, Lake Wales and Bartow. Depending on the storm’s path and speed, other dates could be added. Citrus Connection staff is working with Polk County Emergency Management in tracking the storm. 

For more information, please contact our Regional Mobility Call Center at (863) 534-5500.