10/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/07/2024 14:41
Pinellas County has issued mandatory evacuation orders for all residents in evacuation zones A, B and C and all mobile home residents countywide, effective immediately, today, Monday, Oct. 7.
To support evacuations, the County has announced the opening of six emergency shelters, including shelters for people with special needs and pet-friendly shelters (see full list below).
Everyone should plan to be situated in a sturdy home or building outside the evacuation zones before the arrival of tropical force winds, which are expected to begin Wednesday morning, according to current forecasts from the National Hurricane Center.
The mandatory evacuation orders come as Hurricane Milton strengthened to a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico earlier today. The storm is currently forecast to reach the central west coast of Florida by Wednesday, bringing deadly storm surge of 8 to 12 feet and hurricane force winds.
The County previously announced mandatory evacuation orders for long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities and hospitals, and special needs residents in evacuation zones A, B and C. The County is also recommending that special needs residents in evacuation zones D and E evacuate due to the potential loss of electricity and water.
PSTA is offering free rides to the shelters 24/7, effective from now until conditions become unsafe for buses to be on the road. Pets are allowed on the bus: dogs and cats in a crate, large dogs on a muzzle leash. For the latest information on PSTA bus service, call the InfoLine at (727) 540-1900.
Residents who don't know their evacuation zone can check it here.
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office will be patrolling the barrier islands from Sand Key south to Pass-a-Grille and announcing the mandatory evacuation. PSTA will provide free transportation on regular bus routes or for anyone who is able to signal a passing bus or trolley.
The Sheriff has also announced that the barrier islands will be closed to all travel except for evacuations and debris pickup at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7.
PSTA trolleys or buses traveling north on Gulf Boulevard will transport citizens to the Park Street terminal in Clearwater, and then transportation will be provided to the Largo High School Shelter. Southbound trolleys or buses will transport riders to Gulf Boulevard and 75th Avenue and additional transportation will be provided to the Gibbs High School Shelter.
If you can shelter safely outside of the evacuation zones, either at home, in a hotel, or with a friend or family member, please do so.
These shelters opened at noon today (Anyone can go to a pet-friendly shelter, but only special needs residents can go to a special needs shelter.)
Additional shelter openings will be announced if needed.
Special needs sheltersadvice: Bring medications, written instructions or orders regarding your care, and any medical supplies you need (e.g. oxygen concentrator, walker, etc.). More info: pinellas.gov/special-needs
Pet-friendly shelters advice: Residents must bring a carrier, supplies, license and immunization records. More info: pinellas.gov/petprep
For more information on how to make your plan, visit disaster.pinellas.gov.