Information courtesy of Pinellas County Government
Pinellas County is in the potential path of Hurricane Milton and could experience life-threatening storm surge, localized flooding and hurricane force winds, depending on where the storm makes landfall on Wednesday.
A Hurricane Watch, Storm Surge Watch and Flood Watch are in effect in Pinellas County for Hurricane Milton. The storm has strengthened to a major hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico before making expected landfall in Florida on Wednesday. The current forecast calls for life-threatening storm surge, higher than the region experienced during Hurricane Helene.
Pinellas County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for everyone in Zone A, B and C, and all mobile homes. Earlier the County announced evacuations for special needs residents and residential health care facilities in these zones.
All residents and businesses should take these warning seriously and heed all County instructions regarding mandatory evacuations.
Beginning at 7 p.m. tonight, access to barrier islands will be closed except for residents, business owners, or employees with a Barrier Island Re-Entry Permit or other applicable documentation, rideshare operators (to pick people up to get them off the islands), and debris collectors. At 7 p.m. tomorrow night (Tuesday, Oct. 8), all access will be shut down to the barrier islands.
Officials are encouraging if you are in an evacuation zone to seek shelter in a non-evacuation zone or relocate outside the County.
Six public shelters opened at noon today, October 7. Visit disaster.pinellas.gov for shelter information.
Pinellas County Closures
All Pinellas County Government offices, including the Clerk of the Courts, Property Appraiser and Tax Collector, will be closed Monday through Wednesday. All County parks and preserves will also be closed Monday through Wednesday.
Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections will be open to the public on Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for voter registration. They will be closed to the public on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The County Information Center (CIC) remains open 24 hours for preparedness questions and can be reached at (727) 464-4333.
Airport Closures
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport terminal building will close Tuesday afternoon after the last flight departure. All Allegiant flights have been canceled on Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10.
Tampa International Airport will suspend all commercial and cargo operations beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, ahead of Hurricane Milton, with the Airport remaining closed to the public until it can assess any damage after the storm.
FSBDC’s Mobile Assistance Center Postponed
The Pinellas Mobile Assistance Center Event originally scheduled from October 7 – October 11 at the Tradewinds in St. Pete Beach has been postponed due to preparation for Hurricane Milton. Request an appointment with a consultant, call (727) 453-7200, or email businesshelp@pinellas.gov.
Pinellas County Reverse Trade Show Cancelled
The Pinellas County Reverse Trade Show scheduled for Friday, October 11 at 8:30 a.m. has been cancelled.
FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Closed Until Further Notice
In preparation for anticipated severe weather from Tropical Storm Milton, all Disaster Recovery Centers in Florida, including the location at Florida Botanical Gardens, Magnolia Room, 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo will cease operations until further notice at each center’s normal close of business time Monday, Oct. 7.
To locate the nearest Disaster Recovery Center and operating hours, visit FEMA.gov/DRC, use the FEMA mobile app, or text “DRC” and your zip code to the number: 43362.
Residents can register for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, via the FEMA app, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
Storm Safety Information
Visit disaster.pinellas.gov for the latest updates and information.Important Tips: During and After a StormFlooding Safety TipsStay Informed Get Involved Hurricane Guide (PDF)
If you have lost power and use a generator, set it up in a well-ventilated location outside, away from all doors, windows and vent openings. Never use a generator in a garage, even with the door open, because the exhaust can poison you with carbon monoxide. Water-damaged power outlets can cause fires. Keep your power off after home flooding until an electrician can inspect. For storm information, call the County Information Center at 727-464-4333. Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing may contact the CIC via online chat at bit.ly/PinellasChat.
Updates will be posted on disaster.pinellas.gov, sent out via Alert Pinellas and Ready Pinellas, and on Facebook @PinellasGov and X @PinellasGov